Guinness Beer Mixology: Creative Concoctions For A Unique Taste

Guinness is a versatile drink that can be used in a variety of cocktails and dishes. From savoury to sweet, and simple to sophisticated, there are endless possibilities when it comes to mixing with Guinness. Whether you're looking for a new take on a classic cocktail or a unique twist on a dessert, Guinness can be the secret ingredient that takes your creation to the next level. So, get ready to experiment and explore the many ways you can mix with Guinness!

Things to Mix with Guinness Beer

Guinness cocktails with champagne for a bubbly finish

Black Velvet

The Black Velvet cocktail is a simple yet effective combination of Guinness and champagne. It was first created in 1861 at Brooks's Club in London following the death of Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert. The bartender who invented it intended for the dark Guinness to add a sombre note to the usually celebratory champagne.

To make a Black Velvet, you can either pour the Guinness first and top it with champagne, or vice versa. However, if you pour the champagne first, you will need to pour the Guinness over the back of a spoon to ensure the two liquids stay separated in the glass. The recommended ratio is two parts champagne to one part Guinness, but you can adjust this to your taste.

Other Guinness Cocktails

Guinness also pairs well with other alcoholic drinks to create interesting cocktails. Here are some examples:

• Irish Car Bomb: Guinness, Irish whiskey, and Irish cream
• Guinness Whiskey Cocktail: Guinness, Irish whiskey, and cream of coconut
• Black Fog: Guinness and raspberry liqueur
• Guinness Bloody Mary: Guinness, vodka, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, hot pepper sauce, and other classic Bloody Mary ingredients
• Black Magic Guinness Cocktail: Guinness, bourbon, lime juice, and blackberries

Mix with rum for a deep richness

The Shady Leprechaun

The Shady Leprechaun is a simple yet effective cocktail that combines the smoothness of Irish stout with the sweetness of dark rum. The result is a drink that is both delicious and more alcoholic than a standard glass of stout.

To make this cocktail, you will need:

• 1 ½ fluid ounces of dark rum
• 1 pint of Irish stout beer (e.g. Guinness)

Simply pour the rum into a pint glass, then slowly pour in the stout and enjoy!

Jamaican Guinness Punch

For those who find the bitterness of Guinness off-putting, this punch is the perfect solution. The milk base ingredients, such as condensed milk, reduce the bitter taste of the Guinness while adding a sweet, milky flavour. The result is a bitter-sweet milkshake with a kick of alcohol.

To make this punch, you will need:

• 1 ½ cups (354.88 ml) of Guinness
• 1 cup (236.59 ml) of Vanilla Supligen/Nutrament/Nurishment (or any plant-based milk for a vegan option)
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg
• ½ cup (118.29 ml) of condensed milk
• 3 drops of Angostura bitters (optional)

Add all the ingredients to a blender and purée. Serve over ice, or whisk vigorously in a kitchen container and let it sit for a while before serving.

Rum and Stout Martini

This sophisticated cocktail combines the richness of dark rum with the bitterness of stout, resulting in a smooth and slightly sweet drink.

To make this martini, you will need:

• 50 ml of dark rum
• 25 ml of cold espresso coffee
• 25 ml of vodka
• 25 ml of crème de cacao
• 100 ml of stout

Pour the rum, coffee, vodka, and crème de cacao into a jug with ice. Stir with a long spoon until the outside of the jug feels cold. Finally, strain the mixture into two martini glasses and serve.

Add ginger beer for spice

Ginger beer is a Caribbean-style spicy soft drink that can be made at home or bought from shops. It is often paired with dark rum to make a "Dark and Stormy" cocktail.

Making Ginger Beer

Ginger beer is made using a ginger starter of grated ginger, water, sugar, and wild yeasts from the air. The natural yeasts on the skin of ginger feed on the sugars, creating a low-calorie drink at the end of fermentation. This sugar-feeding process can build up a lot of carbonation, so it is advised to bottle it in food-safe plastic bottles. The longer the drink ferments in a sealed container, the more carbonation and alcohol will be produced.

To make the soda starter, combine and stir the following ingredients:

• 2 tsp grated fresh ginger or turmeric root (including skin)
• 2 tsp sugar (brown cane sugar, white sugar, palm sugar)
• 1 cup water

To make the basic soda, follow these steps:

• Bring 2 litres of water to a boil.
• Grate 8 cm of ginger or turmeric and add it to the water along with the sugar. *Add other herbs and spices of your choice*.
• Simmer, covered, for 10 to 15 minutes. Let it cool and strain the mixture into a bottle.
• Add lemon or lime juice and 1/2 cup of your active ginger or turmeric starter to the bottle. Seal tightly and allow it to ferment for 1-3 days, checking regularly.

Spicing up Your Ginger Beer

To make your ginger beer sharper, you can try the following:

• Use more ginger and cut it into thin slices.
• Increase the steeping time of the ginger.
• Heat the ginger, let it cool, and repeat this cycle multiple times.
• Use fresh ginger that has been dried for a week before use.
• Add other spices such as cardamom, cloves, anise, chilli, allspice, or cayenne pepper.
• Include hops in your recipe, such as Czech Saaz, which has a spicy taste.
• Increase the acidity by adding citric or phosphoric acid.
• Use carbonated water to create a sharper taste.

Guinness and Ginger Beer

Now that you have your spicy ginger beer, you can mix it with Guinness to create a unique cocktail. Simply combine the two drinks in a glass and adjust the ratio according to your taste preferences. You can also add other ingredients, such as lime juice or bitters, to enhance the flavour.

• 2 ounces of spicy ginger beer
• 1.5 ounces of Guinness Extra Stout
• 0.5 ounces of rich simple syrup
• Dash of botanical bitters
• Large orange peel for garnish
• Maraschino cherry for garnish

To make this cocktail, follow these steps:

• Stir all the ingredients except the garnishes in a mixing glass with ice.
• Strain the cocktail over a large ice cube in a glass.
• Garnish with the orange peel and maraschino cherry.

Feel free to experiment with different types of ginger beer and adjust the spice level to your taste. Enjoy your spicy Guinness cocktail!

Guinness and Baileys Irish Cream

Ingredients:

For the Baby Guinness shot, you will need just two ingredients: Kahlua and Baileys Irish Cream. Kahlua is a coffee liqueur that provides the base of the shot, while Baileys, a delicious blend of Irish whiskey, cream and flavourings, mimics the foam or "head" on top of the beer. The combination of these two liqueurs creates a shot that looks just like a miniature pint of Guinness.

Preparation:

The preparation of this shot is simple yet requires a bit of finesse to achieve the perfect layered effect. Start by filling a shot glass about two-thirds to three-fourths full with Kahlua. The key to a clean separation between the layers is to chill the liqueurs beforehand. Then, the moment of truth—pouring the Baileys. Hold a bar spoon or teaspoon above the glass at an angle, with the tip almost touching the surface of the Kahlua. Now, slowly pour the Baileys over the back of the spoon, allowing it to gently float on top of the Kahlua. This technique creates the distinct "head" that gives the shot its Guinness-like appearance.

Serving Suggestions:

These Baby Guinness shots are perfect for parties or get-togethers and are sure to impress your friends and family. For a festive touch, serve them in mini beer shot glasses or small transparent glasses to showcase the beautiful layers. To enhance the experience, pair these shots with desserts such as peanut butter treats, raspberry brownies, or a rich cheesecake. Always remember to drink responsibly and enjoy the sweet and creamy flavour of your Guinness and Baileys Irish Cream creation!

Guinness and Tia Maria (a coffee liqueur)

Guinness and Tia Maria: A Match Made in Heaven

The "Baby Guinness"

The Baby Guinness is a shot-style cocktail that is known for its resemblance to a pint of Guinness. This cocktail is a combination of coffee liqueur and Irish cream liqueur, typically Tia Maria and Baileys, respectively. The key to achieving the iconic layered look of a Baby Guinness is to carefully layer the Baileys on top of the Tia Maria using the back of a spoon. This allows the Baileys to gently float on top of the Tia Maria, creating a distinct layered effect that mimics the appearance of a miniature pint of stout.

The Perfect Measurements

For the perfect Baby Guinness, start by filling a small, clear shot glass with Tia Maria to about the halfway point. Then, slowly pour Baileys over the back of a spoon onto the surface of the Tia Maria. The Baileys, being lighter, will float on top, creating a creamy layer that resembles the head of a stout. This drink is not only visually appealing but also delicious, with the bold coffee flavour of the Tia Maria complemented by the sweet and creamy notes of Baileys.

A Touch of Luxury

While the Baby Guinness is a simple and fun shot to make, some enthusiasts take it to the next level by adding a touch of luxury. One variation includes a 30ml measure of Tia Maria to a pint of Guinness, creating what some describe as "heaven in a glass." This indulgent combination elevates the drinking experience and is perfect for those who enjoy a touch of sweetness in their drinks.

A Versatile Cocktail

The Baby Guinness is an incredibly versatile cocktail that can be served in a variety of ways. It can be served as a chilled shot, providing a smooth and refreshing experience. Alternatively, it can be served at room temperature, allowing the flavours of the liqueurs to blend seamlessly. Additionally, the Baby Guinness can be served as a dessert cocktail, satisfying your sweet tooth while providing a pleasant buzz.

A Well-Balanced Drink

The Baby Guinness is a well-balanced cocktail that combines the bold and robust flavour of coffee with the sweetness and creaminess of Irish cream. The coffee liqueur provides a strong coffee kick, while the Baileys adds hints of vanilla and caramel, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavours that is perfect for those who enjoy a touch of bitterness with their sweetness.

Frequently asked questions