Prince Albert Cocktail Recipe

Prince Albert Nutrition Facts

Calories:180

Fat:2g

Protein:6g

Carbohydrates:15g

Alcohol:14%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Prince Albert cocktail is a regal drink, fit for those who appreciate the finer things in life. Its origins are shrouded in mystery, but it's believed to have been created for a sophisticated palate.

  • Elegance and Sophistication: Ideal for high-end bars and exclusive events.
  • A Royal Touch: Named after royalty, it carries a sense of nobility.
  • Unique Experience: Not your everyday cocktail, it's for those who like to experiment with flavors.

How Prince Albert Tastes?

The Prince Albert cocktail offers a complex taste profile. It's a harmonious blend of the dry, crisp notes of champagne with the rich, malty undertones of stout beer. The accompanying oysters add a briny freshness, while the lemon wedges provide a zesty brightness, and the cocktail rye bread rounds out the experience with its hearty flavor.

Interesting facts about Prince Albert

  • The Prince Albert cocktail is often associated with luxury and is a favorite at upscale seafood restaurants.
  • It is named after Prince Albert, who was the husband of Queen Victoria and known for his refined tastes.
  • The combination of champagne and stout is sometimes referred to as a 'Black Velvet', which adds a layer of history to this cocktail.

Ingredients

  • Champagne: 5 oz(150ml)
  • Stout beer: 2 oz(60ml)
  • Oysters: 3 each
  • Lemon wedges: 2 each
  • Cocktail rye bread: 1 slice
  • Ground white pepper: 1 pinch

Champagne

Champagne brings a touch of elegance and carbonation to the cocktail. 5 ounces is the right amount to fill a flute and leave room for the stout. If you use less, you might miss the balance between beer and bubbly. More, and the beer flavor could be lost. Alternative: Prosecco could be used for a fruitier and less dry experience.

Alex Green

Stout Beer

Stout offers a deep, rich contrast to the light champagne. 2 ounces is sufficient for layering without overpowering. Too much stout could make the drink too heavy; too little and it's just a flute of champagne. Alternative: Try a porter for a slightly sweeter twist.

Emma Rose

Oysters

Oysters are a classic pairing with champagne, their brininess is an ideal match for the dryness of the champagne and the creaminess of the stout. Omit them, and you lose a key flavor experience. Alternative: Try clams or shrimp for a similar maritime vibe.

Mary Mitkina

Lemon Wedges

Lemon adds a bright, acidic note to balance the flavors. Two wedges allow customization by the drinker. Without lemon, the richness might be overwhelming. Alternative: Lime could add a more tropical twist.

Alex Green

Cocktail Rye Bread

The rye bread offers a spicy and slightly sour counterpart, perfect for cleansing the palate. One slice is enough for a subtle accompaniment. Leaving it out would make the experience less grounding. Alternative: Pumpernickel could provide a deeper, earthier flavor.

Emma Rose

Ground White Pepper

A pinch of pepper adds a little spice and complexity to the natural oyster flavor. Without it, the oysters might taste too plain. Alternative: Ground black pepper or a dash of hot sauce for more pizzazz.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Prince Albert Drink

  1. Champagne: Pour 5 ounces of chilled champagne into a flute glass.
  2. Stout Beer: Carefully float 2 ounces of stout beer on top of the champagne.
  3. Oysters: Serve 3 fresh oysters on the side.
  4. White Pepper: Offer a small bowl of ground white pepper.
  5. Lemon Wedges: Include a few lemon wedges on the side.
  6. Rye Bread: Accompany with a slice of cocktail rye bread.

Danke meine Königin...

Pro Tips

  • When floating the stout beer on top of the champagne, pour it over the back of a spoon to achieve the perfect layering.
  • Serve the oysters on a bed of crushed ice to keep them chilled.
  • A light dusting of white pepper on the oysters can enhance their flavor.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Cheese Platters: A variety of cheeses, especially creamy and salty ones like Brie or blue cheese, would complement both the champagne and stout.
  • Grilled Meats: The robust flavor of stout pairs well with hearty meats from the grill.
  • Dark Chocolate Desserts: The bitterness of stout and the sweetness of champagne can both work in harmony with the rich flavors of dark chocolate.

Drink Pairings

  • Whiskey: A neat whiskey could serve as a strong follow-up to the cocktail.
  • Coffee: A post-meal coffee would help balance the flavors and cleanse the palate.

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What you could change in Prince Albert

  • Champagne: Can be substituted with a dry sparkling wine for a similar effervescence.
  • Stout Beer: A dark ale can replace stout if needed, although the flavor profile will slightly change.
  • Oysters: If unavailable, a shrimp cocktail can serve as an alternative seafood pairing.

Explore all drinks starting with P here

And of course - twists🍹

Prince Albert Royale

  • 5oz Champagne
  • 2oz Blackberry Stout
  • Blackberries for garnish

Substitute the stout beer with a blackberry stout and add a few blackberries as garnish. This will add fruity notes and a touch of sweetness, making the cocktail slightly lighter and more palatable for those who might find the original too strong.

Smoky Prince Albert

  • 5oz Champagne
  • 2oz Smoked Stout
  • Smoked Salmon as side

Swap regular stout for a smoked stout and pair with smoked salmon instead of oysters. This would add a smoky depth to the flavor profile, potentially appealing to those who enjoy a more intense taste adventure.

Spicy Prince Albert

  • 5oz Champagne
  • 2oz Chili Chocolate Stout
  • Lemon slices
  • Rye Bread
  • Cayenne Pepper

Introduce a chili chocolate stout, with thin slices of lemon and a dusting of cayenne pepper on the oysters. This twist would offer a spicy kick. It's for the brave who want to transform the elegant Prince Albert into a fiery prince.

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Frequently Asked Questions on Prince Albert

What is a flute glass and why is it used for champagne?

A flute glass is a type of stemware designed specifically for sparkling wines like champagne. Its tall, slender shape helps preserve the carbonation and concentrates the aroma to enhance the drinking experience.

How does one 'float' a beer on top of champagne?

To float a beer on top of champagne, one must pour the beer slowly and steadily over a spoon or directly onto the surface of the champagne with great care to maintain separate layers. The difference in density between the liquids helps create the floating effect.

Can an alcohol-free version of the Prince Albert cocktail be made?

Yes, an alcohol-free version could incorporate non-alcoholic sparkling wine and a non-alcoholic stout or dark beer alternative to mimic the original taste profile while avoiding alcohol.

Are there different types of stout that can be used in the cocktail?

Yes, there are various types of stout such as dry stout, imperial stout, and milk stout. Each type brings its own unique flavor which can slightly alter the taste of the Prince Albert cocktail.

How do you serve and eat oysters with the cocktail?

Oysters are typically served on a bed of ice with a side of lemon. They are consumed by detaching the oyster meat from the shell with a small fork or by slurping them directly from the shell, often after a squeeze of lemon or a dusting of seasoning.

What are the benefits of serving cocktail rye bread with this drink?

Cocktail rye bread adds a dimension of heartiness and complements the malty flavors of the stout. The bread's dense texture pairs well with the cocktail's complexity and makes for a more satisfying gastronomic experience.

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