Black Velvet whiskey is a popular brand of Canadian whisky that is a blend of whiskey aged in charred oak barrels and blended with a neutral spirit. It has a smooth, sweet flavor profile that makes it very mixable for cocktails. When determining what to mix with Black Velvet, there are many great options that complement and enhance the natural flavors of this whiskey. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best mixers for Black Velvet and provide recipes for classic and creative cocktail combinations.
What is Black Velvet?
Black Velvet Canadian whiskey is produced by the Black Velvet Distillery in Lethbridge, Alberta. It was first created in 1951 when a surplus of whiskey was blended with neutral spirits to create a smoother, more palatable whiskey. The result was Black Velvet, a blended Canadian whiskey with a distinctive taste and affordable price point.
Black Velvet has tastings notes of vanilla, toasted oak, and caramel. It has a sweet aroma and a medium-bodied smoothness that sets it apart from other whiskeys. The blend of spirits gives Black Velvet a lighter, more subtle flavor than straight rye or bourbon whiskeys. This makes it incredibly mixable in a range of drink recipes.
Best Mixers for Black Velvet
When mixing cocktails with Black Velvet whiskey, you’ll want to use ingredients that complement the sweet, oak-y flavors. Here are some of the best mixers to use in Black Velvet drinks:
- Cola or ginger ale – These classic sodas pair perfectly with whiskey. The sweetness balances the spirit’s bite.
- Citrus juices – Orange, lemon, and lime juice add a refreshing tartness.
- Ginger beer – The spicy bite of ginger plays off the vanilla notes.
- Cranberry juice – Tart cranberry highlights the caramel in Black Velvet.
- Sweet vermouth – Brings out the whiskey’s smooth character.
- Bitters – Dash of aromatics complement the complex flavors.
Combining Black Velvet with any of these ingredients creates a well-balanced, delicious cocktail. The versatility of the whiskey allows for both simple highball drinks and more elaborate mixed drinks. Now let’s look at some classic and creative cocktail recipes using these prime mixers.
Classic Black Velvet Cocktail Recipes
The Black Velvet
This cocktail is perhaps the most iconic way to drink Black Velvet whiskey. It combines the whiskey with crisp chilled sparkling wine or Champagne. The pairing brings out new dimensions in both the whiskey and the bubbly. To make:
- Fill a Champagne flute halfway with chilled brut sparkling wine or Champagne
- Slowly pour equal parts Black Velvet whiskey
- Gently stir 3-4 rotations to incorporate
- Garnish with lemon twist
Black Velvet Fizz
For a refreshing highball, mix Black Velvet with ginger ale and citrus garnish:
- Fill highball glass with ice
- 2 oz Black Velvet
- Top with 4-6 oz ginger ale
- Squeeze lemon wedge into drink and drop in
Black Velvet Sour
Whiskey sours are a dependable cocktail that work well with Black Velvet. Make it extra velvety with egg white:
- 2 oz Black Velvet
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- 1 egg white
- Angostura bitters to garnish
Dry shake ingredients hard for 30 seconds. Add ice and shake again until chilled. Fine strain into glass and add bitters.
Creative Ways to Mix and Serve Black Velvet
While the classics are solid bets, don’t limit your Black Velvet cocktails to the expected. Get creative with these unique combinations and serving styles:
Black Velvet Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned gets an upgrade with smooth Black Velvet. Use bourbon barrel-aged maple syrup for a unique flavor twist.
- 2 oz Black Velvet
- 1/4 oz maple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange twist
Stir with ice and strain over large ice cube into rocks glass. Garnish with orange twist.
Black Velvet Manhattan
Swap the traditional rye or bourbon for Black Velvet’s friendly flavor
- 2 1/2 oz Black Velvet
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Amarena cherry to garnish
Stir with ice and strain. Garnish with cherry.
Sparkling Black Velvet Punch
Bring this vibrant whiskey punch to your next party:
- 1 bottle Black Velvet
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- 1/4 cup honey syrup
- 3 cups ginger beer
- 2 cups sparkling water
- Orange slices
- Fresh cranberries
Stir together all ingredients except sparkling water and garnishes. Top with sparkling water. Ladle over ice and garnish with orange and cranberries.
Black Velvet Whiskey Smash
Muddle fresh fruit and herbs for a fresh twist:
- 2 oz Black Velvet
- 5-6 mint leaves
- 4 lime wedges
- 2 tsp cane sugar
- Club soda
In shaker, muddle mint, lime, and sugar. Add whiskey and a handful of ice. Shake vigorously and double strain into ice-filled glass. Top with club soda.
Black Velvet Frozen Hot Chocolate
Spike your frozen drinks for boozy milkshake-like sipper:
- 1 oz Black Velvet
- 2 oz chocolate milk
- 1 oz heavy cream
- 1/2 oz chocolate syrup
- Pinch salt
- Whipped cream
- Cocoa powder
Blend drink ingredients with 1 cup ice until smooth. Top with whipped cream and dust with cocoa powder.
5 More Creative Black Velvet Cocktail Recipes
Keep the delicious Black Velvet cocktails flowing with these fun recipes:
Black Velvet Fizz
- 2 oz Black Velvet
- 1 oz limoncello
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 2 oz ginger beer
- Lemon wheel
Shake first 3 ingredients with ice. Strain into ice-filled glass and top with ginger beer. Garnish with lemon wheel.
Black Velvet 75
- 1 1/2 oz Black Velvet
- 1 1/2 oz gin
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 3 oz sparkling wine
- Lemon twist
Shake first 4 ingredients with ice. Strain into flute and top with sparkling wine. Garnish.
Black Velvet Julep
- 2 sprigs mint
- 1 tsp cane sugar
- 2 1/2 oz Black Velvet
- Crushed ice
- Mint sprig garnish
Gently muddle mint and sugar in julep cup or glass. Fill with crushed ice and add Black Velvet. Stir and garnish with mint sprig.
Black Velvet Cup
- 2 oz Black Velvet
- 1/2 oz amaretto
- 4 oz cold brew coffee
- Whipped cream
- Cacao nib garnish
Add amaretto and Black Velvet to coffee-filled glass with ice. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle cacao nibs.
Black Velvet Jitterbug
- 1 1/2 oz Black Velvet
- 1 oz coffee liqueur
- 1/4 oz orange liqueur
- Orange twist
Stir ingredients with ice and strain into chilled glass. Garnish with orange twist.
Conclusion
Black Velvet’s versatility as a cocktail ingredient means you’re never short on options when it comes to mixers. From citrus, ginger and cranberries to coffee, cream and chocolate, the whiskey pairs beautifully with all kinds of flavors. Use Black Velvet to add smooth sweetness in drinks like highballs, sours, smashes and even frozen concoctions.
So don’t limit yourself to one signature serve when mixing with Black Velvet whiskey. With these classic and creative cocktail recipes, you’ll enjoy this affordable Canadian whiskey in many delicious ways.