On my first trip to Ireland, I had my first Guinness. I thought to myself, this stout has an unusual burnt toast taste. I must have commented to the Bartender because he picked up a bottle of purple liqueur, swirled it on my Guinness, and said, ‘Drink it now.’ Called the Black and Black in Ireland, this drink is magically delicious.

If you love Guinness but sometimes find its deep-roasted bitterness a bit intense, the Black and Black cocktail is a simple yet transformative way to enjoy it. This drink combines the iconic Irish stout with a blackcurrant liqueur, creating a subtly sweet, smooth twist that mellows the beer’s characteristic bite.

Craving a Guinness without the bite? You've absolutely got to try a Black & Black! — Craving a Guinness without the bite? You’ve absolutely got to try a Black and Black!

At its core, a Black and Black has just two ingredients. First Guinness – The rich, dark stout is known for its creamy head and deep, malty flavors. Second Blackcurrant Liqueur – A sweet, slightly tart liqueur made from blackcurrants adds fruity depth and softens the stout’s bitterness.

Whether at a lively pub or hosting a gathering, the Black and Black makes a perfect addition to the St. Patrick’s Day cocktail menu.

Do you want to know the secrets to mixing the best cocktails EVER? Get my free printable guide, ‘Mix, Mingle & Marvel: 5 Essential Secrets to Crafting Cocktails That Wow!’ just for joining my mailing list.

Black and Black Ingredients

Black & Black Ingredients — Black and Black Ingredients

Guinness Stout
Blackcurrant Liqueur, sometimes called Cassis

The blackcurrant liqueur’s natural tartness and sweetness counteract Guinness’s bitter-roasted flavor. The result is a drink that still honors the richness of Guinness but with a fruitier, palatable taste.

This post may contain affiliate links. We make a small commission if you buy the products from these links (at no extra cost). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. But we only recommend products we would use ourselves. For more information, click here to see our disclosures.

Did you know this about Guinness?

When it comes to drinking Guinness, the Irish know best. This world-famous stout is brewed in Dublin, Ireland, and has been a beloved beverage for centuries.

Guinness tastes best when served on draft, but only in a Pub or Bar that sells a lot of Guinness. If the stout sits in the tap line for over an hour, it loses its freshness. For my Guinness cocktails, I choose nitrogenated cans.

Mix, Mingle & Marvel: 5 Essential Secrets to Crafting Cocktails That Wow! This free printable guide is my gift to you; all you have to do is subscribe to my mailing list.

I promise to keep your email safe.

Need a great Cocktail Shaker but don’t know which one to buy? Look no further

Here are some awesome products to help YOU make the most incredible drinks. Impress your family and friends and be the BEST Cocktail Barista in your neighborhood.

Easy to Read Measuring Cap - Included — Easy to Read Measuring Cap – Included

Martini or cocktail, a good shake makes all the difference in the world so buying a cocktail shaker can seriously step up your at-home drink game. Think about it: no more settling for boring mixed drinks when you can whip up bar-quality cocktails in your kitchen. It’s not just about the fancy presentation (although that’s a fun bonus) but also about how it makes mixing drinks easier and more fun.

I have at least a dozen shakers, but one favorite. The shaker doesn’t leak; you won’t have to hit the shaker against the sink to get the top off, and the cap will measure from 1/2 to 1.5 ounces with clearly marked labels. Measure the perfect amount every time. And it is dishwasher safe!

Plus, once you get the hang of shaking, you’ll feel like a total pro, impressing your friends and yourself with your newfound bartending skills. So why not add a little shake, shake, shake to your life and upgrade your happy hour?

How to make a Black and Black

Pop the tab on the Guinness Stout can and let the can sit for a moment. You can hear the surge of bubbles from the nitrogen-filled capsule contained in each can of Guinness. It reminds me of the sound from a can of Reddi Whip when you squirt whipped cream all over that piece of Thanksgiving pie. Pour the contents of the can into an official Guinness tulip-shaped pint glass at a 45-degree angle.

Don’t have a Guinness Pint glass? Get one here.

Let the beer settle while you wait for the creamy head to form on the top of the stout.

Swirl the Blackcurrant liqueur on top of the Guinness creamy head.

Now, take your first sip and enjoy the Black and Black.

Perfect Occasions for a Black and Black

St. Patrick’s Day – A fun variation on the classic Guinness pint.
Casual Pub Nights – Great for those who enjoy Guinness but want a slightly sweeter touch.
Halloween Parties – Its dark color makes it a perfect spooky drink.

The Black and Black’s deep, dark hue fits the festive atmosphere. At the same time, the touch of blackcurrant adds a unique twist to the classic Guinness experience. Plus, it’s an easy-to-make drink that even Guinness skeptics can enjoy, making it an excellent choice for celebrating Ireland’s most famous holiday.

Whether you’re a Guinness purist or just looking for a fresh way to enjoy your stout, the Black and Black is a simple yet delicious twist worth trying. Sláinte!

Remember to subscribe to my mailing list below and get Mix, Mingle & Marvel: 5 Essential Secrets to Crafting Cocktails That Wow!

Here are 4 other drinks I discovered during my trip to Ireland: Guinness (I buy it in a 4 pack of cans), Baileys Irish Cream, Irish Gilt, and Baby Guinness. One other favorite is the Irish Car Bomb drink. I didn’t discover this in Ireland, but at a bar in South Carolina called the Blu Martini.

Sharing is caring! Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest! Quick links are to the left and at the bottom of the post.