Floating Guinness Cocktail recipe
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Floating Guinness is a bold, modern pint-glass hybrid that sits somewhere between a beer cocktail and a neon party drink. Rather than leaning on a long classic backstory, it feels like a late-night, bar-experiment style of serve—built for impact, colour, and contrast, with stout meeting bright blue alcopops and a punchy cinnamon-tinged spirit.
You’ll find Guinness brings a deep, roasted bitterness and creamy stout weight that immediately plays against the sugary, electric-blue sweetness of WKD blue. Blue Aftershock pushes that candy-like profile further, adding a sharp, warming kick that cuts through the stout’s richness. The result is a clash-and-click balance: dark and malty up front, then bright, sweet, and spiced as the flavours mingle.
Serve it when you want something unapologetically loud—house parties, student nights, or as a novelty round that gets people talking. It suits drinkers who enjoy sweet, high-contrast combinations and don’t mind their stout taking a detour into playful, blue-tinged territory.
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Cocktail Colin says:
Aftershock (Blue) and WKD blue hit first with sharp, sugary blue-candy intensity, then Guinness rolls in with deep roasted bitterness that turns the finish into a strange cola-and-coffee clash. It works when the Guinness roast reins in the neon sweetness and the Aftershock bite keeps it lively, but it’s best for adventurous drinkers who like sweet-and-bitter extremes.
Method
How to make a Floating Guinness
- Aftershock (Blue) 60ml, Guinness 250ml, WKD blue 275ml
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- Pour a bottle of WKD Blue into a pint glass then slowly pour in half a pint of Guinness
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- Add two shots of blue Aftershock and serve
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FAQ's
What can I use if I can't find Aftershock (Blue)?
If Aftershock (Blue) is unavailable, you can use any cinnamon-flavored blue liqueur as a substitute. The key is to maintain the blue color and spicy flavor profile to keep the cocktail's character.
Is there a specific way to layer the ingredients for a Floating Guinness?
Yes, to achieve the floating effect, it's important to carefully pour the Guinness over the back of a spoon onto the other ingredients. This technique helps to distribute the Guinness gently and creates a layering effect in the drink.
How does the alcohol content of Floating Guinness compare to a standard beer?
With an alcohol content of 6.75%, Floating Guinness is slightly stronger than most standard beers, which typically have an alcohol content around 4% to 6%. It's a bit more potent due to the addition of Aftershock and WKD Blue.
What occasions are best suited for serving Floating Guinness?
Floating Guinness, with its unique presentation and flavor, is well-suited for themed parties or as a novelty drink on special occasions like St. Patrick’s Day, but may be too specific for more formal events.
Can I make a sweeter version of Floating Guinness?
Yes, to make a sweeter version of Floating Guinness, consider adding a splash of raspberry or cherry liqueur, which will not only sweeten the drink but also add a fruity note that complements the existing flavors.
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