What Is A Baby Guinness? And Why Doesn't It Contain Any Beer?

A Baby Guinness is a popular shooter cocktail that visually resembles a small pint of Guinness beer but intriguingly contains no actual beer. This drink is crafted to mimic the appearance of the iconic Irish stout through its layered presentation. It consists of a base of coffee liqueur, such as Kahlúa or Tia Maria, which provides the deep, dark color reminiscent of Guinness. The "head" of the mini pint is created by gently layering a cream liqueur, typically Baileys Irish Cream, on top of the coffee liqueur. This layering technique creates a striking visual contrast, with the cream liqueur sitting atop the coffee liqueur, much like the creamy foam on a freshly poured Guinness. The absence of beer in a Baby Guinness is due to its function as a shooter rather than a traditional beer. It is designed to be consumed quickly and enjoyed for its sweet, creamy taste and intriguing presentation. The flavors of coffee and cream blend harmoniously, offering a delightful, smooth drinking experience. The Baby Guinness is a testament to the creativity and playfulness in cocktail creation, offering a novel way to enjoy the essence of a stout without the inclusion of actual beer.
Advertisement

What goes into a baby Guinness

Many people already view Guinness as a key component of a two-ingredient drink when crafting the ideal black and tan beer cocktail. However, the baby Guinness is more akin to other two- or three-ingredient shooters like the B-52 or lemon drop. Just as there's a proper technique for pouring a Guinness from the tap, there's also a correct method for pouring a baby Guinness. The magic lies in the specific gravity of each liqueur.

The ingredients for a baby Guinness are quite simple: coffee liqueur topped with a splash of Irish cream. It's the pouring technique that transforms it from a random mix of spirits into a delightful party or dessert shot. The aim is to layer the Irish cream gently over the coffee liqueur, replicating the foamy head of a perfectly poured Guinness stout. This is done in the same manner as adding the final layer of wine in a New York Sour Cocktail—by pouring the Irish cream slowly over the back of a small spoon, allowing it to spread across the drink.

And that’s all there is to it. Down it in one gulp, letting the flavors meld in your mouth before swallowing. The nutty sharpness of the coffee liqueur combined with the creamy vanilla richness of the Irish cream creates a sensation reminiscent of a well-poured Guinness. If you’re not the designated driver, feel free to order a second round and savor the experience.

Recommended

Next up

Advertisement