The 10 best Guinness cocktails
Introduction
Raise Your Spirits with Guinness Cocktails!
This compilation of ten exceptional cocktails unveils how versatile the beloved dark stout can be when used as a key ingredient.
Known for its rich, creamy texture and deep roasted flavor, this iconic beer adds a distinct, indulgent note to a variety of drinks. Whether you're a fan of bold flavors or prefer a smooth, layered beverage, these cocktails showcase how it can elevate your drinking experience. Incorporating this stout into cocktails presents unique opportunities to blend its signature complex flavors with various spirits and mixers, from creamy coffee liqueurs to refreshing champagnes. The result is a delightful fusion that enhances the natural depth and provides an intriguing twist to traditional drink combinations.
For those venturing into the world of cocktail creation, these recipes offer a balance of inventiveness and classic appeal. Uncover how this mainstay ingredient transforms each cocktail into a masterpiece, from the adventurous Irish Russian to the elegant Black Fizzie.
Top 10 Guinness cocktails
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· · · · · · Irish Black Bull
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· · · · · · Glebe Bomber
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· · · · · · Irish Russian
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· · · · · · Irish Car Bomb #2
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· · · · · · Black Fizzie
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· · · · · · Nasty Irish
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· · · · · · Heinous
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· · · · · · Death Drink
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· · · · · · Poor Man's Black Velvet
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· · · · · · Jailbreak
Conclusion
More about Guinness
1. Irish Black Bull
Imagine a cocktail that combines the robust flavors of Guinness with the electrifying zing of an energy drink. This drink is a marriage of tradition and contemporary tastes, presenting a high-octane mix that's perfect for kick-starting any party. The stout's deep flavors are complemented by the refreshing buzz of the energy drink, creating a concoction that is both invigorating and satisfying. It's a beverage designed for those who seek adventure and aren’t afraid to explore bold combinations in their quest for the ultimate drink experience.
Ingredients
Method
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- Pour almost a pint of Guinness into a pint glass then top up the glass with Red Bull before serving
2. Glebe Bomber
This cocktail is a creamy dream, blending the rich, malty Guinness with the smooth textures of Bailey's and the deep, complex flavors of coffee liqueur. The result is a multi-layered drink that feels both indulgent and refined. It bridges the gap between a post-dinner coffee and an early evening cocktail, offering a sip that's as comforting as it is sophisticated. The interplay of flavors celebrates the best of its Irish roots, paying homage to a heritage of exceptional drink craftsmanship.
Ingredients
Method
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- Get a pint glass and half fill it with Ireland’s finest Guinness
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- Then get a shot glass and add the Tia Maria
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- Carefully float the Baileys on top of the shot glass
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- Then drop the shot glass into the pint glass and serve immediately
3. Irish Russian
Here's a union that speaks to the soul of any coffee lover with a penchant for spirits. This drink is a robust concoction, where Guinness and coffee liqueur's shared flavors are amplified in harmony, then elevated with a hint of vodka for silky smoothness, with just a dash of cola for a surprising twist. Intensely satisfying, it serves both as a cocktail and a conversation starter, embodying a journey of taste that's unexpected yet wonderfully familiar.
Ingredients
Method
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- Pour equal parts Kahlúa and vodka into the glass
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- Then, add a shot of coke and stir
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- Finally, fill the glass up with Guinness and serve
4. Irish Car Bomb #2
A festive explosion in a glass, this cocktail is both a call to celebration and a nod to the rich traditions of Irish drinking culture. By infusing Guinness with a potent mix of Bailey's and whiskey, it achieves a balance of flavors that are both daring and utterly delicious. Perfect for special occasions, or when the ordinary just won't do, it promises a dynamic taste experience that's full of personality and is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
Ingredients
Method
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- Pour a bottle of Guinness into a glass, and add a shot of whiskey
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- Place a shot glass full of Baileys inside, then serve and drink immediately
5. Black Fizzie
For those who adore the finer things in life, this cocktail is a testament to the elegance that can be achieved when Guinness meets the sparkling charm of champagne or prosecco. Together, they create a sophisticated blend that's as perfect for a quiet moment of reflection as it is for the most sparkling of celebrations. This drink balances the stout's depth with the effervescence of bubbles, resulting in a satisfying sip that's both grounded and uplifting.
Ingredients
Method
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- In a chilled flute pour equal parts of each ingredient, stir and serve
6. Nasty Irish
This concoction is not for the faint-hearted, marrying the boldness of Guinness with the fiery intensity of Aftershock's blue and red, rounded off with a dash of whiskey. It's a cocktail that commands attention, promising an adrenaline rush with every sip. Ideal for those who like their drinks with a bit of edge, it's a testament to the adventurous spirit that lies at the heart of great mixology. It's a blend that doesn’t just awaken the taste buds; it invigorates the soul.
Ingredients
Method
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- Pour the Guinness into a glass
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- Add the two Aftershocks first and then the whiskey, and serve
7. Heinous
In a bold twist, this drink brings together the rich, complex taste of Guinness and the crisp, sharp bite of tequila. It's a cocktail that defies expectations, creating a taste profile that is surprising yet harmoniously balanced. Ideal for those who appreciate the artistry of cocktail making, this drink is a testament to the magic that happens when disparate flavors unite. It's a bold statement in a glass, perfect for evenings that call for a touch of the extraordinary.
Ingredients
Method
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- Add a shot of tequila to a half pint glass, then top up with Guinness and serve
8. Death Drink
This cocktail is like a treasure chest of flavors, each sip revealing new layers and textures. By incorporating an eclectic mix of ingredients with Guinness at the helm, it offers a sensory experience that's as rich and varied as life itself. Every component, from coconut rum to brandy, vodka, and even a splash of nutmeg, plays a part in creating a symphony of tastes that are both complex and utterly compelling. It’s a concoction designed for those who seek depth and diversity in their glass.
Ingredients
Method
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- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice
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- Shake well for 10-15 seconds
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- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and serve
9. Poor Man's Black Velvet
A humble homage to the timeless classic, Black Velvet, this drink pairs Guinness with the crisp, refreshing taste of cider for a cocktail that's both unpretentious and satisfying. It's a reminder that simplicity can often lead to perfection, offering a blend that's at once comforting and invigorating. Whether it's enjoyed on a warm afternoon or as an evening refreshment, this cocktail is a celebration of the simple joys in life, brought to life through two perfectly paired ingredients.
Ingredients
Method
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- Pour half a pint of dry cider into a pint glass and then stir vigorously to beat the air out of it
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- After that pour the Guinness into the glass until the glass is three-quarters full
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- Allow the drink settle and then top the glass up with the rest of the Guinness before serving
10. Jailbreak
An escape in a glass, this cocktail combines the comforting notes of coffee liqueur and cola with the heartening warmth of whiskey and amaretto, all brought together by the familiar embrace of Guinness. It’s a drink that tells a story of different worlds meeting, of moments shared and savored. Ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink that’s equal parts relaxing and captivating, it offers a taste experience that's both indulgent and undeniably grounded.
Ingredients
Method
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- Add Guinness and coke to a wine glass
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- Stir together the shots separately with some crushed ice, and pour into the glass
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- Do not stir again before serving
Conclusion
The selection of these top 10 cocktails demonstrates the potential of this celebrated stout as a mixology ingredient.
Each cocktail was chosen for its creativity, flavor harmony, and ability to highlight the stout's unique characteristics. These drinks stand out not only for their taste but also for their inventive use of a household favorite, celebrating its versatility and contribution to the world of cocktails.
More info
Want to discover more?
- View all the cocktails that contain Guinness where you can filter and search the list.
- View the dedicated ingredient page for Guinness
More about Guinness
What is the history behind Guinness and its significance in mixology?
Guinness is an iconic Irish stout that originated in Dublin, Ireland, in 1759 when Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000-year lease on the St. James's Gate Brewery. Its unique taste, characterized by a balance of bitterness and sweet caramel notes, quickly gained popularity. Over the years, Guinness has not only become a symbol of Irish heritage but also a versatile ingredient in the mixology world. Its rich, creamy texture and complex flavors make it an excellent choice for enhancing cocktails, providing depth and a unique twist to traditional recipes. Its incorporation into mixed drinks showcases a blend of cultural history and modern cocktail crafting, making it a beloved ingredient among mixologists.
If I don't have Guinness available, what's a good substitute for it in a cocktail?
If Guinness is unavailable, you can substitute it with another stout or dark beer that shares similar characteristics. Look for a stout that has a smooth, creamy texture and flavors that balance maltiness with bitter notes. Ideally, choose a dry stout for the closest match, but a milk stout can also work if you prefer a slightly sweeter profile. Remember, the substitute may alter the cocktail's taste slightly, so it might be worth experimenting with different types to find one that best complements the other ingredients in your drink.
How can I properly incorporate Guinness into a cocktail without losing its characteristic foam?
To preserve Guinness's distinctive creamy head when adding it to cocktails, it's essential to pour it gently. If layering, use the back of a spoon or a dedicated layering tool. Pour the Guinness slowly over the spoon and onto the surface of the other ingredients to minimize agitation. This technique allows the Guinness to stay on top, maintaining its foam. For mixed cocktails, add Guinness last and stir very gently, if at all, to retain as much of the creamy texture as possible. Temperature also plays a role; using chilled Guinness can help preserve the foam when mixed or layered in cocktails.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of Guinness for mocktails?
Yes, Guinness 0.0 is a non-alcoholic version of the famed Irish stout, designed to deliver the same rich, creamy head and depth of flavor as the original but without the alcohol content. It's perfect for creating non-alcoholic versions of Guinness-based cocktails, allowing everyone to enjoy the unique taste of Guinness in a more inclusive way. When using Guinness 0.0 in mocktails, you can apply the same preparation techniques as you would with the alcoholic version to achieve similarly delicious and complex non-alcoholic beverages.
What are some classic cocktails that feature Guinness as a key ingredient?
Guinness is celebrated for its versatility in cocktails, ranging from simple to complex creations. Some classic cocktails featuring Guinness include the Black and Tan, where it's layered with a pale ale or lager; the Black Velvet, a luxurious combination of Guinness and champagne; and the Irish Car Bomb, a potent mix of Guinness, Irish cream, and Irish whiskey. Another popular choice is the Guinness Float, offering a sweet twist by adding vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup to the stout. These cocktails highlight Guinness's ability to complement a wide range of flavors, making it a staple in the mixology scene.