If you've never heard of a Black Velvet, it's a classic cocktail made from the simple yet intriguing combination of sparkling wine and stout beer. Traditionally, these two ingredients create a rich, velvety drink that's both refreshing and darkly indulgent. This version takes things up a notch by adding Kahlúa, the iconic coffee liqueur, for an extra layer of depth and sweetness. The addition of Kahlúa brings subtle coffee and caramel notes that blend perfectly with the stout's roasted flavours and the crisp, bubbly finish of sparkling wine. Whether you're a fan of rich stouts, love the sophistication of sparkling wine, or crave a hint of coffee in your cocktails, this twist on the Black Velvet is sure to impress. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in, this cocktail offers a deliciously bold and balanced flavour profile that’s as indulgent as it is easy to make.
Press GO to start step-by-step mode and keep your screen awake as you cook.
Step 1.
Grab a tall, chilled glass and pour in your stout.
Step 2.
Add the Kahlúa and top up with sparkling wine.
Step 3.
If you like it a little sweeter, add a drop more Kahlúa.
Serves
1
Stout
Kahlúa
Sparkling Wine
Ben Lippett
Ben Lippett (@dinnerbyben) is a cook, food writer, recipe developer, and co-founder of Dr Sting's Hot Honey. Ben spent years working at a spate of restaurants in the UK and Australia – including a brief but rewarding stint at a butcher's – before making the leap to food media.
In Partnership With Kahlúa
This leveled-up Black Velvet cocktail, with the addition of Kahlúa, pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and additions to elevate your drinking experience. For an extra indulgent treat, serve it alongside rich desserts like chocolate brownies or a tart fruit dessert such as a raspberry tart, which complements the deep, roasted flavours of the stout and the crispness of the sparkling wine.
For those who prefer more savoury pairings, a cheese platter with sharp cheeses, like blue cheese or aged cheddar, can enhance the contrasting flavours in the drink. You can also try serving it with a side of salty snacks, such as roasted nuts or pretzels, to bring out the beer’s more subtle barley notes.
To garnish, a simple flute glass or wine glass makes for an elegant presentation, but you can also experiment with adding a few coffee beans or a light dusting of cocoa powder to enhance the Kahlúa's coffee notes. For an even more unique twist, some mixologists recommend adding a dash of Baileys for extra creaminess or serving it with a gin chaser like you would with a classic gin & tonic.
For fans of other cocktails, this variation of Black Velvet can also be a great addition to a gathering featuring mimosas, martinis, or punch. Whether you’re sipping slowly or enjoying it as part of a craft brewery experience, this cocktail is sure to impress. Keep any leftover stout or draught Guinness in the fridge to enjoy with other beers like a black & tan later!
When making a Black Velvet cocktail, using the right ingredients and equipment can greatly impact the final result. The classic recipe involves just two main ingredients: stout beer and sparkling wine, but adding Kahlúa elevates the flavours with a hint of sweetness and coffee notes. Here’s everything you need to know about substitutions, techniques, and equipment.
Substitutions: If you don't have Kahlúa, you can substitute it with other coffee liqueurs or similar alcoholic beverages like Baileys, which adds creaminess, though it will make the cocktail richer. For the stout, you can use Guinness Draught or any porter beer, but for a lighter taste, try using ale or even a hard cider to create a drink similar to a Black & Tan. As for the sparkling wine, you can opt for champagne, an extra-dry prosecco, or any sparkling beverage that fits your flavour preferences. However, a dry brut champagne balances well against the sweetness of Kahlúa and the bitterness of the stout. Using something sweeter will result in a more dessert-like cocktail.
Cooking Techniques: Making a Black Velvet with Kahlúa requires no complicated cooking techniques, but the way you layer the drink matters. The stout and sparkling wine should be poured slowly to ensure a smooth combination without too much foam. Start by pouring the stout (like Guinness Draught) into a flute glass or wine glass, then gently layer the sparkling wine on top using a spoon to slow the flow. This creates the signature layered look of the cocktail. Adding Kahlúa after the wine will help the liqueur mix evenly through the drink.
Cookware and Equipment: For mixing and serving the Black Velvet, you don’t need any elaborate equipment like a crockpot or slow cooker, but having the right glassware makes a difference. Use a flute glass or wine glass to present the cocktail elegantly. When pouring the sparkling wine over the stout, ensure you pour slowly to prevent the drink from spilling over due to excess foam. There’s no need for a stove or pan, as this is a no-heat drink. However, keeping the stout, wine, and Kahlúa chilled in the fridge before mixing is important for a balanced flavour and refreshing result.
Additional Tips: Experimenting with temperature is key to achieving the perfect Black Velvet. While both the stout and sparkling wine should be chilled, make sure they’re not too cold as this can mute the flavours. If you want to keep the drink cooler for longer, consider chilling your glassware beforehand. You can also garnish the cocktail with something light like a lemon twist, or serve it alongside other cocktails like gin & tonic or martinis for a varied beverage experience.
This levelled-up Black Velvet with Kahlúa is a simple yet indulgent cocktail perfect for a special occasion or casual evening. With the right ingredients and some simple steps, you can enjoy a flavourful drink with minimal effort.
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A Black Velvet cocktail is a unique beverage made by combining stout beer and sparkling wine. Traditionally, the drink blends the rich, roasted flavours of a dark stout (such as Guinness Draught) with the crisp, bubbly characteristics of champagne or extra-dry prosecco. The result is a smooth and balanced cocktail with a creamy texture and a pleasantly bittersweet finish. Some variations include additional ingredients like Kahlúa, adding a layer of coffee sweetness to the mix. This cocktail is often served in a flute glass or wine glass, and it’s popular for both casual and special occasions.
To make a Black Velvet cocktail healthier while retaining its flavour, you can opt for a lower-calorie stout or a lighter ale instead of a rich, high-calorie porter beer. If you're concerned about sugar content, choose a dry sparkling wine or extra-dry champagne rather than a sweeter variety, as this will reduce the overall sugar in the cocktail. Additionally, limiting or omitting the Kahlúa or replacing it with a lighter coffee liqueur can also help cut down on sugar and calories without compromising too much flavour.
It’s best to prepare a Black Velvet cocktail right before serving to ensure the freshness and bubbles of the sparkling wine and the richness of the stout remain intact. However, if you're making multiple cocktails for a party, you can pre-chill the stout and sparkling wine in the fridge ahead of time so that you can assemble the drinks quickly. Once mixed, the cocktail should be enjoyed immediately to fully appreciate its refreshing and balanced taste.
A Black Velvet cocktail is best consumed immediately after preparation, as the bubbles from the sparkling wine dissipate quickly and the flavours may become flat if stored. However, if you have leftover components such as stout or sparkling wine, they can be kept in the fridge separately. Store the leftover sparkling wine with a champagne stopper to maintain the bubbles, and it should last 1-3 days in the fridge. Stout beer, especially when stored in an airtight container, can last for a couple of days in the fridge as well, but its carbonation may decrease.
Yes, you can make an alcohol-free version of a Black Velvet cocktail. Simply substitute the stout with a non-alcoholic stout or dark beer, which retains the roasted, malty flavours without the alcohol content. For sparkling wine, you can replace it with non-alcoholic sparkling cider or sparkling grape juice, depending on your flavour preference. This allows you to enjoy the same layered, complex taste of the original cocktail but without the alcohol. If you typically add Kahlúa, you can skip it or use an alcohol-free coffee syrup for a similar coffee flavour.
To adjust the strength of a Black Velvet cocktail, you can tweak the ratio between the stout and sparkling wine. For a lighter drink, reduce the amount of stout and increase the amount of sparkling wine or extra-dry champagne. This will make the cocktail crisper and more refreshing. Conversely, to create a stronger, more intense cocktail, increase the proportion of stout or even add a splash of an additional spirit like vodka or gin. However, be mindful of the balance between flavours to avoid overpowering the drink.
Yes, you can experiment with other types of alcohol in a Black Velvet cocktail. Although the classic recipe calls for stout and sparkling wine, some variations include adding a spirit for extra complexity. For example, a splash of vodka or gin can add a sharper edge to the cocktail, while Baileys or another creamy liqueur can create a dessert-like flavour. You can also try using different types of beer such as porter, ale, or even hard cider to change up the taste. Each substitution will alter the drink’s flavour profile, giving you endless possibilities to suit your personal preferences.
To keep a Black Velvet cocktail from becoming too flat, ensure that both the stout and the sparkling wine are well-chilled before combining them. A cold temperature preserves the carbonation, which is crucial for the cocktail’s texture and flavour. When pouring, tilt the flute glass or wine glass and pour slowly to avoid too much foam or fizzing, which can cause the bubbles to escape too quickly. Additionally, using a high-quality champagne stopper for leftover sparkling wine will help retain the bubbles for the next time you make the cocktail.
Absolutely! The Black Velvet cocktail pairs well with a variety of foods. Its robust flavour from the stout and crispness from the sparkling wine make it a great match for desserts like chocolate brownies, tarts, or a rich cheese platter. For something savoury, consider pairing it with roasted meats or snacks like pretzels. Since the drink has a complex flavour, lighter appetizers like oysters or salty nuts work well too. Whether you serve it at a formal dinner or casual gathering, the Black Velvet is a versatile beverage.
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Serves
1
Stout
Kahlúa
Sparkling Wine
Press GO to start step-by-step mode and keep your screen awake as you cook.
Step 1.
Grab a tall, chilled glass and pour in your stout.
Step 2.
Add the Kahlúa and top up with sparkling wine.
Step 3.
If you like it a little sweeter, add a drop more Kahlúa.
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