Black Velvet

Ready to ring in the New Year in style? I want to introduce you to my aunt Milenka on this most fabulous of occasions.

I credit a large part of my interest in food and drink to Milenka: after all, it was she who first taught me how to make a flawless soufflé, the perfect Manhattan. Aunt Milenka took me to the opera for the first time (Renée Fleming as Rusalka at the Met) as well as my first cock fight (I won $30!). Growing up, her taking a 16-year old Alsatian lover, Bertolt was cause célèbre. However, in the early 80’s her insistence on drinking Willamette Valley pinot noirs was equally scandalous. Who’s laughing now?

I’m not a champagne drinker but it is New Years after all so I want to share with you my recipe for Black Velvet, the celebratory cocktail Milenka prefers.

• 1 part Guinness stout, chilled
• 1 part Krug Clos d’Ambonnay or other Champagne, chilled

Fill a champagne flute halfway with the Guinness. Over the back of a spoon, carefully pour the Champagne to fill the rest of the glass. Cin cin!