I found another interesting recipe in my Drinking with Dickens book and this one is super easy to make! It’s called a Black Velvet and only consists of two ingredients: Guinness and champagne. The Black Velvet was created in London in 1861 as a tribute after the death of Queen Victoria’s husband Prince Albert. Here’s how to make it!
History of the Black Velvet Cocktail
The Black Velvet was first created in 1861 at the Brooks’s club in London after the death of Queen Victoria’s husband Prince Albert. In Victorian times, it was common to wear a black armband as a sign of mourning after someone passed away. And we also know that Queen Victoria famously wore black for the rest of her life after her husband’s death.
When adding the Guinness and champagne together to make a Black Velvet, it creates the look of a black band. The drink was created as both a tribute and a sign of mourning for the late Prince Albert.
How to Make a Black Velvet
Like I said, this one is super easy to make and you’ll only need two ingredients:
- Guinness
- Champagne (sparkling wine will work as well)
First, fill your glass halfway up with the champagne or sparkling wine. Next, fill the remaining half of the glass with Guinness. Then serve and enjoy!
Quick note: sometimes you’ll see examples of a Black Velvet where the Guinness has been layered on top of the champagne. This is another (fancier) way to make it, but if you’re just a regular old drinks maker (like me) it will most likely look something like the below. Both ways to make it are correct!
Always drink responsibly.
Black Velvet Cocktail (1861)
1
servings5
minutesIngredients
Guinness (enough for half a champagne glass)
Champagne (or sparkling wine - again, enough for half a glass)
Directions
Fill half a champagne glass with champagne or sparkling wine.
Top of the other half of the glass with Guinness.
Serve and enjoy!