Poor Man's Black Velvet
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Poor Man's Black Velvet
Cocktail recipe

Rating

3.74 / 5
The Poor Man's Black Velvet is a simple, rustic concoction that blends the rich, malty flavors of Guinness with the crisp, fruity notes of cider. This cocktail is a variation of the classic Black Velvet, which traditionally combines stout and champagne. The Poor Man's version, however, is more accessible and casual, substituting champagne with cider. It is typically served in a pint glass, showcasing a layered effect when poured correctly. The drink is a juxtaposition of the creamy Guinness against the effervescence of the cider, offering a refreshing yet robust taste profile, suitable for various occasions from casual gatherings to St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
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Base ingredient
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Guinness
Calories
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210 calories
Alcohol content
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4.6% | 2.53 units *

Tags

Guinness ingredient icon
Guinness cocktails
Guinness ingredient icon
Top ten Guinness cocktails

Pint glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Guinness cocktail ingredient icon for the Poor Man's Black Velvet cocktail
Guinness
Cider cocktail ingredient icon for the Poor Man's Black Velvet cocktail
Cider
Serves:
-
+

Method
How to make a Poor Man's Black Velvet

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Pour half a pint of dry cider into a pint glass and then stir vigorously to beat the air out of it
After that pour the Guinness into the glass until the glass is three-quarters full
Allow the drink settle and then top the glass up with the rest of the Guinness before serving

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·  Dry  ·  Stir  · 

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FAQ's

Origins history icon

What is the origin of the Poor Man's Black Velvet cocktail?

The Poor Man's Black Velvet is a variation on the traditional Black Velvet cocktail, which is said to have been invented in 1861 at the Brooks's Club in London to mourn the death of Prince Albert. It is called 'Poor Man's' because it substitutes the original champagne with cider, making it more affordable.

Preparation techniques icon

How do you properly layer a Poor Man's Black Velvet?

To achieve the layered effect in a Poor Man's Black Velvet, first fill half the pint glass with cider. Then, gently pour the Guinness over a spoon or by letting it flow down the side of the glass to avoid mixing the two liquids. This technique helps maintain a distinct layer between the cider and Guinness.

Serving suggestions icon

In what type of glass should a Poor Man's Black Velvet be served?

A Poor Man's Black Velvet is traditionally served in a pint glass, allowing enough room for both ingredients to mix slightly while maintaining their distinctive layers when properly poured.

Occasion suitability icon

What occasions are best suited for serving a Poor Man's Black Velvet?

The Poor Man's Black Velvet is suitable for casual gatherings, St. Patrick's Day celebrations, or any occasion where you want to serve a drink that is both unique and has a bit of history. Its affordability makes it a great choice for large parties.

Alcohol content comparison icon

How does the alcohol content of a Poor Man's Black Velvet compare to other popular cocktails?

With an alcohol content of 4.6%, the Poor Man's Black Velvet sits on the lower end of the spectrum compared to other cocktails. This makes it a more sessionable option, ideal for those who prefer a lighter drink or wish to enjoy multiple drinks over a longer period without a strong intoxicating effect.

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* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
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