Black Velvet

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Cocktail History

The Black Velvet is a classic cocktail that was created by a London bartender in 1861 at the Brooks’s Club in London to mourn the death of Prince Albert. It is traditionally made by mixing stout beer with sparkling wine and citrus.

Cocktail Ingredients

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Sparkling Wine: This is a type of wine made with white grapes and yeast, which are fermented with the skins to produce alcohol and then infused with carbon dioxide gas to develop a pale yellow-green color and crisp, fruity flavor.

Dry Stout: This is a type of beer made with roasted malted barley, hops, water, and yeast, which are brewed and fermented to develop a dark, roasted flavor.

Lemon Twist: This is the peel of a lemon that is twisted into a corkscrew shape.

Bartending Tools

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:

Bar Mat: This is a rubber or silicone mat that’s placed on the bar surface to catch spills, provide grip for glasses and tools, and keep the workspace clean and organized. I used the Highball & Chaser 18×12 Bar Mat.

Jigger: This is a small, double-sided measuring tool that’s used to accurately portion spirits and mixers, typically with one side measuring 1 oz and the other 1.5 or 2 oz. I used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.

Bar Spoon: This is a long-handled spoon with a twisted shaft that’s used for stirring, layering, and reaching the bottom of tall cocktail glasses. I used the Barfly Stainless Steel Teardrop Bar Spoon.

Peeler: This is a small, handheld tool with a sharp blade that’s used to remove the outer skin of fruits and vegetables. I used the OXO Good Grips 2-Piece Peeler Set.

Champagne Glass: This is a tall, narrow glass that has a slender bowl and long stem to preserve carbonation and concentrate aromas. I used a thrifted champagne glass.

Tasting Notes

This cocktail has the following flavor profile:

• Appearance: Dark brown color

• Aroma: Malty beer and a hint of citrus

• Taste: Heavy stout flavor laced with effervescent sparkling wine

• Finish: Slightly bitter beer aftertaste

Kendall’s Take: “Bright, bubbly sparkling wine and dark, heavy stout beer is not a combination I ever would’ve made on my own, and I’m honestly surprised it became popular enough to be called a classic cocktail. I have to say, the Black Velvet tasted a lot better than expected though. It’s certainly curious albeit pretty delicious, especially if you enjoy a good stout beer. I’m not its biggest fan, so I probably won’t make one again, but it’s definitely worth trying at least once.”

Recipe

This cocktail recipe was adapted from The Art of Vintage Cocktails by Stephanie Rosenbaum.