Black & Tan
/
logo

Make Me a Cocktail

Black & Tan
Cocktail recipe

Rating

3.56 / 5
The Black & Tan is a classic beer cocktail that visually represents its namesake colors—a layered combination of dark stout and pale lager. The drink's appearance is as notable as its flavor; when poured correctly, the distinct layers of the darker Guinness and the lighter lager form a striking two-toned effect in a pint glass. The Black & Tan offers a contrasting taste experience where the creamy and rich stout complements the lighter, more carbonated texture of the lager, culminating in a beverage that is not only a feast for the eyes but also for the palate. This drink enjoys popularity in Irish-themed bars and is often associated with St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
Check out all our FAQ's on this cocktail

Microbadges

Cocktail Of The Day
100 Cocktails To Try Before You Die (Part 2)
Base ingredient
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Guinness
Calories
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
270 calories
Alcohol content
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.6% | 2.53 units *

Tags

Guinness ingredient icon
Guinness cocktails

Pint glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Guinness cocktail ingredient icon for the Black & Tan cocktail
Guinness
Lager cocktail ingredient icon for the Black & Tan cocktail
Lager
Serves:
-
+

Method
How to make a Black & Tan

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Fill a glass halfway with pale ale then slowly pour on the stout so it settles on top, creating the two-tone look
Then serve

Power tips
Elevate the Black & Tan with these master mixologist tips

Upgrade to premium

And receive world class tips on how to raise your cocktails to the next level.

Find out more
Subscribe to premium to receive power tips from top bartenders around the world. Raise you mixology game.
Read the tweaks that take this simple cocktail to the next level of greatness. Become the next best mixologist which people all talk about.

Your private tasting notes

~ Register as a user for free to create tasting notes, save your bar and more ~

Can you make this?

Add the ingredients you have at home to your My Bar and we'll show you what cocktails you can make. Start off by adding the ingredients you have for this cocktail using the plus icons.

Comments

No comments yet…

You need to be a user with a verified email to comment on cocktails. Login / register

Featured in

~ Not featured in any of your lists, or any public lists, register as a user to create a list and add this cocktail. We'll then show the lists here ~

FAQ's

Origins history icon

What is the origin of the Black & Tan cocktail?

The Black & Tan cocktail has its roots in British and Irish pub culture. It is traditionally made by layering a pale ale or lager with a dark beer, usually Guinness. The combination creates a visual effect of differing colors that gives the drink its name. Though associated with Ireland due to the Guinness, it's important to note that ordering it in Ireland, especially by its name, can be culturally insensitive due to historical connotations. The drink dates back to the late 19th or early 20th century.

Preparation techniques icon

How do you layer the Guinness over the lager in a Black & Tan?

To create the layered effect of a Black & Tan, pour the lager first into a pint glass. Then, slowly pour the Guinness over the back of a spoon or a specially designed layering tool that rests on the glass's rim. This technique allows the Guinness to flow gently on top of the lager and settle, creating the distinct layered appearance.

Serving suggestions icon

What type of glass is best for serving a Black & Tan?

A pint glass is the best choice for serving a Black & Tan. Its size accommodates the total volume of the drink, and its shape is ideal for appreciating the layered visual effect, a key characteristic of the Black & Tan.

Ingredient substitutions icon

Can you substitute other dark beers for Guinness in a Black & Tan?

Yes, other dark beers like porters or stouts can be substituted for Guinness in a Black & Tan. However, the specific gravity of the beer should be considered to maintain the layered effect. Guinness is often chosen for its ability to float well on lighter beers due to its nitrogenation and the precise brewing technique.

Occasion suitability icon

What occasions are suitable for serving a Black & Tan?

A Black & Tan is suitable for casual gatherings, St. Patrick's Day celebrations (outside of Ireland), and beer tasting events. Its distinct look and the fun involved in its preparation make it a conversation starter, but be mindful of its cultural associations in certain contexts.

Upgrade your mixology

Become a member for free taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11. Or become a premium member to rise to cocktail greatness.

  • Save your bar forever
  • Access to our Cocktail Creator, allowing you to create your own wonderful concoctions.
  • Create personalised cocktail menus for all your events, bars or parties
  • Save cocktails to personalised 'Tried' and 'Want to try' lists
  • Create and record tasting notes on cocktails
  • Create lists of cocktails to share with friends and family
  • A personalised MyBar URL, allowing you to share everything you can make with friends
  • And much more ... (what to buy next, measurement choices, search personalisation...)
Register now for free Find out more about premium

The Ultimate Christmas Cocktail Hub

The ultimate destination for all things Christmas and Cocktails. Crate your own Christmas cocktail, cocktail advent calendars, a host of Christmas themed cocktails and more.

Filter by Christmas cocktails that contain a certain ingredient, or just browse them all. The go-to location this Christmas.

Let's go

You might also like

Irish Russian

Russian vodka, Mexican Kahlúa and Irish Guinness combine in this delicious concoction that leaves you with a heavenly chocolatey flavour.

Nasty Irish

The Nasty Irish is a cocktail that boasts a robust and sensational flavor profile by combining the rich, malty notes...

Heinous

The Heinous cocktail is a bold and somewhat unconventional combination that marries the distinct flavors of tequila with the rich,...

Poor Man's Black Velvet

The Poor Man's Black Velvet is a simple, rustic concoction that blends the rich, malty flavors of Guinness with the...
* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
build your bar

Create a cocktail

Choose a theme and some ingredients, give us some description and we'll create an amazing cocktail for you.

Register as a Premium Make Me a Cocktail community member and get access to an even more powerful creator.

Start creating

Build your bar

Tell us what you have at home and we’ll find a delicious cocktail for you to make right now.

Register as a Make Me a Cocktail community member and we’ll save your ingredients list so you can come back to it at any time.

Create My Bar
build your bar light mode image