Black Velvet: Classic Irish Stout and Sparkling Wine Cocktail for Halloween Night

Chill both the stout and the sparkling wine for at least 2 hours; the drink depends on everything being very cold.

Serves 2

Ingredients

• 1 cup (8 oz) Irish dry stout, well chilled
• 1 cup (8 oz) brut sparkling wine or Champagne, well chilled
• 2 tall flute or highball glasses, chilled
• Optional: 1 tsp blackcurrant liqueur per glass for a 'Black Widow' twist
• Optional: a few fresh blackberries for garnish

Instructions

1. Chill both the stout and the sparkling wine for at least 2 hours; the drink depends on everything being very cold.
2. Chill the glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes.
3. Fill each glass halfway with sparkling wine, pouring down the side to preserve the bubbles.
4. Hold a spoon upside down just above the wine and pour the stout slowly over the back of the spoon so it floats as a dark layer on top.
5. If you want a sweeter, fruitier drink, add the blackcurrant liqueur to the glass before the wine.
6. Do not stir. Garnish with a blackberry or two and serve immediately while the layers are distinct.
7. The Black Velvet was created at Brooks's Club in London in 1861, when a bartender draped the Champagne in black to mourn Prince Albert. The pairing of Ireland's dry stout with French sparkling wine has endured as an unlikely classic, and its inky, velvety top makes it the most effortless Halloween cocktail on any menu: two bottles, one spoon, no shaker.

Nutrition (estimated, per serving)

• Calories: 160 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 15mg