Poor Man's Black Velvet: marrying cider and black velvet
After a colorful St. Patrick’s week, we’ve seen it all: floors that get mixed up, black beer that ends up in the bottom of the glass and some rather dubious attempts at spooning.
It’s time to set the record straight. Making a good Black Velvet (or its more accessible version, Poor Man’s Black Velvet) is a question of physics, patience and, above all, good products.
Forget champagne: here, we do it with Joli Rouge Original cider and La Voie Maltée’s legendary Gigonne. Here’s how to get the perfect drink every time.
The ingredients for success
For a cocktail worthy of a pro, you need two Saguenay stalwarts:
Joli Rouge Original Cider: Its finesse and lively bubbles will serve as a base.
La Gigonne (La Voie Maltée): This rich, creamy stout will top the glass.
Technique: Step by step
The secret of a well “layered” glass lies in the density of the liquids. Follow these steps to make sure you don’t miss a trick:
1. Cider first
Fill a champagne flute or tulip glass halfway with chilled Joli Rouge cider. Contrary to what we’ve seen this week, the cider goes right to the bottom! Its bubbles will help support the beer.
2. The spoon technique
This is where the magic happens. Take a spoon (a tablespoon or a bar spoon) and place it with its back up, just above the surface of the cider, touching the inside wall of the glass.
3. The gentle flow
Pour the dark beer very slowly over the back of the spoon. The aim is to break the fall of the beer so that it literally “floats” on the cider without mixing.
4. The perfect balance
Continue until the glass is full. You should see a clear line between the golden blond of the cider and the deep black of the stout.
Why does this mix work?
Poor Man’s Black Velvet is a classic because it offers an incredible contrast. The apple acidity and freshness of Joli Rouge cut through the roasted, chocolatey side of La Gigonne. It’s creamy, refreshing and, let’s face it, looks great on the table!
Expert tip: Make sure both drinks are very cold. If one is warmer than the other, the densities change and your layers may mix faster than expected.
Ready to test your mixology skills?
Now that we’ve got the facts straight, we want to see your results! Identify us in your home Black Velvet photos.
