The Perfect St. Paddy’s Day Cocktail

This one is a duh, but I have to say, it’s new to me. As C said last night after I poured him a Black Velvet, “this is the way I always want my Guinness- with a little Champagne.” Blasphemy, you say? Especially for a man who is 1/4 Irish? Well, I say- why not? The Black Velvet still gives you a rich, mealy, manly stout with a bit of bubbly thrown in for that feminine balance. Hey, I’m all for a tall, dark glass of Guinness when the occasion calls for it, I’ve always been a big fan, but the bubbles here lift that dark, brooding drink to a more lighthearted level. It doesn’t take itself so seriously- like a little J.K. Rowling-infused Joyce.

Invented in London, this cocktail still qualifies as an Irish lassie. After Prince Albert’s death in 1861, the bartender at London’s legendary Brooks Club deemed that all should mourn- even the Champagne- so he mixed it halfsies with the Guinness. A tasty surprise was born.

The Black Velvet: Guinness Champagne Cocktail

What You Need:
Guinness
Bubbly

What You Do:
Pour half your flute or wine glass with Guinness.
Top off with some bubbly, just make sure it doesn’t lean toward the sweet side.  (I went in for a bottle of Gruet- a great mix with the Guinness.)

Cin Cin and Happy St. Paddy’s Day!

P.S.: Thank you all for voting in the Saveur 2014 Food Blog Awards. Fingers crossed Volatizing will receive a coveted nom. Thanks again!

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