Little Guinness
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Little Guinness
Cocktail recipe

Rating

3.83 / 5
The Little Guinness is a visually playful cocktail that mimics the famous Irish stout, Guinness, in appearance. Designed to be served in a shot glass, this two-ingredient cocktail combines the creamy sweetness of Baileys Irish Cream with the rich, deep notes of coffee liqueur, creating a deliciously indulgent and desserty flavor profile. Meant to be sipped rather than gulped, the Little Guinness is often a crowd-pleaser at parties and gatherings, especially on occasions like St. Patrick's Day, due to its Irish-inspired theme and deceptively simple composition.
Check out all our FAQ's on this cocktail
Base ingredient
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Bailey's
Calories
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96 calories
Alcohol content
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19.25% | 0.46 units *

Tags

Bailey's ingredient icon
Bailey's cocktails

Shot glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Bailey's cocktail ingredient icon for the Little Guinness cocktail
Bailey's
Coffee liqueur cocktail ingredient icon for the Little Guinness cocktail
Coffee liqueur
Serves:
-
+

Method
How to make a Little Guinness

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Pour Kahlúa into the shot glass first, then add the Baileys by pouring it over an inverted spoon so it layers on top
Then serve

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FAQ's

Serving suggestions icon

What is the best way to serve a Little Guinness?

The best way to serve a Little Guinness is to pour it into a chilled shot glass, with the Coffee liqueur at the bottom and Bailey's gently floated on top to create a layered effect that resembles a tiny pint of Guinness. It's usually served cold without ice to maintain the layers.

Ingredient specifics icon

Why do Bailey's and Coffee liqueur create a layered effect in the Little Guinness?

Bailey's and Coffee liqueur create a layered effect due to their different densities. Coffee liqueur is denser than Bailey's Irish Cream, allowing the Bailey's to float on top when poured gently over the back of a spoon or directly onto the surface of the coffee liqueur. This technique is essential for achieving the iconic look of the Little Guinness.

Alcohol content comparison icon

How does the alcohol content of a Little Guinness compare to other popular shots?

With an alcohol content of approximately 19.25%, a Little Guinness is lower in alcohol compared to stronger shots like a straight vodka or tequila, which typically have an alcohol content of 40%. However, it is higher in alcohol content than some mixed or layered shots that may include non-alcoholic ingredients. This makes the Little Guinness a moderate choice among shot options.

Preparation techniques icon

Is there a specific technique to layering the ingredients in a Little Guinness?

Yes, to achieve the layered effect in a Little Guinness, a technique called 'floating' is used. After filling the shot glass with Coffee liqueur, the Bailey's should be gently poured over the rounded side of a spoon that is held just above the liqueur's surface. This allows the Bailey's to spread evenly over the liqueur without mixing, creating the signature layered look.

Occasion suitability icon

What occasions are most suitable for serving Little Guinness shots?

Little Guinness shots are perfect for St. Patrick's Day celebrations due to their resemblance to a pint of Guinness and their Irish ingredient, Bailey's. They are also suitable for themed parties, celebratory toasts, or any occasion where fun, visually appealing shots are desired. Their moderate alcohol content makes them a good choice for gatherings where people are looking for something unique but not too strong.

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* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
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