The Douglas International Cocktail recipe
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The Douglas International is a bold, beer-and-liqueur hybrid that sits somewhere between a stout cocktail and a simple two-ingredient serve. With just Guinness and coffee liqueur, it feels like a modern, pub-friendly creation rather than a drink with a well-documented classic backstory. You’ll recognise the idea immediately: take a rich, roasty stout and lean into its coffee-adjacent character by reinforcing it with a sweet, dark liqueur.
On the palate, the coffee liqueur brings concentrated coffee sweetness and a syrupy depth that threads straight into Guinness’s roasted malt bitterness. Expect the liqueur to round out the stout’s drier edges, making the overall drink taste fuller and more dessert-like, while the Guinness keeps it from becoming cloying with its firm, toasty backbone.
This is a great choice when you want something easygoing but still intense—ideal for stout lovers who also enjoy after-dinner flavours. Serve it in a pint glass when you’re in the mood for a richer nightcap that still drinks like a proper pub pour, especially on colder evenings.
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Cocktail Colin says:
Coffee liqueur leads with deep roasted sweetness that melts into Guinness’s dark malt and creamy bitterness, creating a mocha-like pint where the liqueur’s syrupy coffee clings to the stout’s foam and amplifies its cocoa-leaning notes. It works because Guinness’s dry edge reins in the coffee liqueur’s sugar while the shared roast character ties everything together; ideal for stout lovers and anyone craving a dessert-leaning beer without extra fuss.
Method
How to make a The Douglas International
- Coffee liqueur 60ml, Guinness 275ml
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- Place a double shot of Tia Maria into a half pint glass, then top up with Guinness and serve
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FAQ's
Can I substitute the coffee liqueur in The Douglas International with another type of liqueur?
Yes, you can substitute the coffee liqueur with another type of liqueur if you prefer a different flavor profile. For instance, a chocolate liqueur could complement the stout's rich flavors, but keep in mind it will change the original taste and character of The Douglas International.
What is the best way to serve The Douglas International for optimal flavor?
The Douglas International should be served cold in a pint glass to properly appreciate its flavors. Pour the coffee liqueur first, then gently top with the Guinness to maintain its unique layers and ensure the optimal blending of flavors.
What foods pair well with The Douglas International?
Considering its rich and robust flavors from the coffee liqueur and Guinness, The Douglas International pairs well with hearty, savory foods such as roasted meats, barbecue, or rich desserts like chocolate cake or tiramisu.
How can I customize The Douglas International to suit personal taste preferences?
You can customize The Douglas International by adjusting the ratio of coffee liqueur to Guinness depending on your preference for sweetness vs. bitterness. Additionally, experimenting with flavored liqueurs like vanilla or hazelnut can add interesting twists to the cocktail.
How does the alcohol content of The Douglas International compare to other popular cocktails?
With an alcohol content of 7.03%, The Douglas International falls into the moderate range of alcoholic strength for cocktails. It's slightly stronger than light cocktails like the Mojito or Pimm's Cup, which generally have lower alcohol content, but not as strong as cocktails like the Martini or Old Fashioned, which have higher alcohol percentages.
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