Black and Tan

A Black and Tan beer is a layered drink composed of a pale ale and Guinness Stout. The two different types of beers strategically layer on top of one another to create a two-tone beverage with black and tan hues that allow you to enjoy two different beers in one drink.

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The key to making a Black and Tan drink is layering. This is made possible by the two different types of beer having different densities. While this can’t be done with any beer, the Guinness will float on top of the pale ale when poured correctly. See below for how to pour a Black and Tan correctly. Also, try your layering hand (and spoon) with the Mind Eraser or B-52 shot.

What Beers are in a Black and Tan

The Black and Tan drink is made up of equal parts of two different kinds of beer:

Pale ale or lager. We like a Harp lager, but any lager or pale ale will due. Make sure to use a pale ale that you like the flavor of.
Guinness. While Guinness itself works best in this recipe, you could substitute for a dark stout. Again, it’s important that you like the flavor as it isn’t masked by the pale ale.

How to Make a Black and Tan

Pour the pale ale into a pint glass, filling the glass about half full.
Slowly pour the Guinness over the back of a spoon into the glass to layer on top of the pale ale to fill the glass.

Helpful Tip!

While typically when pouring a beer you want the head or foam on top to be minimal, this drink is an exception. There needs to be a lot of head on the pale ale layer otherwise the Guinness layer won’t sit on top nicely. Open your bottles of beer just prior to preparing your black and tan drink so they are fresh.

How to Serve a Black and Tan Drink

A Black and Tan beer can be served and enjoyed as is, no garnish necessary. Drink immediately to enjoy while the beers are cold.

FAQ

Is Guinness gluten free

No, Guinness is brewed from barley which contains gluten.

What type of beer is Guinness

Guinness is an Irish dry stout, made with barley that has been roasted, giving Guinness its signature dark color.

Other Fun Drinks

5 from 1 vote

Black and Tan

Serves: drink

(tap # to scale)

Prep: 3

Total: 3

A Black and Tan beer is a layered drink composed of a pale ale and Guinness Stout. The two different types of beers strategically layer on top of one another to create a two-tone beverage.

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