Beer Cocktails · Classic Recipe

Black Velvet

A complete, easy-to-follow recipe for the Black Velvet, including ingredients, method, glassware, and the story behind the drink.

At a Glance

Category: Beer Cocktails
Glass: Champagne flute or wine glass
Garnish: None traditionally

Ingredients

3 oz stout (traditionally Guinness)
3 oz Champagne

Method

Pour Champagne into a glass first, then slowly layer the stout on top over the back of a spoon.

Glass & Garnish

Glass: Champagne flute or wine glass
Garnish: None traditionally

Background & History

Created in London in 1861, reportedly as a mourning drink following the death of Prince Albert — combining a dark stout with Champagne as a somber, 'black' tribute.

For more on this, see Cocktail Recipe Directory.