Ah St. Patrick’s Day — I’ve always been a fan. For, uh, reasons. Honestly, I couldn’t tell you any good reason why, but ever since I was a kid, I’ve enjoyed it. From the food to the music to excuse to wear green, it’s all magical. Heck, that was even before I realized it was a great day for a pint (or three). Though, sometimes you want more than just a solitary pint, maybe even something not green, for those times, enjoy a Black Velvet!

Let’s start with a disclaimer: yes, I know that the traditional version of this is your favorite stout (as we’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, let’s say Irish stout and since we’re being real, let’s just cut through it all and say Guinness) and champagne. But seriously, no.

Using cider isn’t for poor men (as the secondary name implies with the “Poor Man’s Black Velvet”) and really, Black Adder? That just won’t do.

So yes, if you’re being as pedantic as I usually am, do feel free to call this either a Poor Man’s Black Velvet or a Black Adder, but for me, it’s a straight up Black Velvet.

Now that we have that behind us, let’s get back to it.

This is one of those magically deceptively easy cocktails, you have cider (the drier the better) and Guinness (since we’re being real).

Add the cider, top with Guinness using the back of a spoon to keep them separated and ta da!

Want to go a little more traditional (I suppose) and just stick with a green drink? Fine, fine, we can help you there. Try out a Grasshopper, Green Fizz, Illusion Shaker or Waking the Dead if you really want a green drink.

Or if you want something that’s name more appropriately, go with the Irish Cocktail (added absinthe FTW!).

However, if you’re looking for a way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a Guinness cocktail, then yes, you my friend, you’ve earned a Black Velvet.

Now let’s go get shamrocking!

(Sorry, couldn’t help myself.)

 

March 11th, 2016 | by morgan