A black and tan is a classic beer cocktail made of equal parts stout and ale, layered into a pint glass. Perfect for every season, this combination is as good on a hot summer day as it is next to a winter fireplace.
The recipe starts by pouring the ale into the bottom half of the pint glass and forming a good head. Then, layer the stout on top by slowly pouring over an inverted spoon, achieving an impressive two-tone effect.
Now, what’s in a black and tan? The traditional mix is Bass Ale or Harp Lager for the ale and Guinness for the stout. The ale should be heavy enough to settle at the bottom beneath the Guinness.
As for glassware, all you need is a pint glass – it can be American, British, or Imperial, depending on your preference. The most important aspect of a black and tan is achieving a clear layering of the two beers. Pour the ale aggressively and use an indirect pour for the stout.
A point to note is that in Ireland the cocktail goes by the name ‘half and half’ due to historical sensitivity over the term ‘black and tan’, which refers to a notorious paramilitary force in Ireland.
If you want to experiment with other beers, try these variations: Black and Blue (Blue Moon with Guinness), Black and Brown (Newcastle Brown Ale with Guinness), Black and Gold (Hard cider with Guinness), Black and Red (Raspberry lambic with chocolate stout), and Black and Orange (Pumpkin ale with a stout).
Ingredients you’ll require are 8 ounces of pale ale (like Bass Ale or Harp Lager) and 8 ounces of stout (such as Guinness). Start by filling your pint glass halfway with ale, forming a nice head for layering. Then slowly pour the stout over the back of the spoon and let it gradually gather on top for a layered effect.
The drink has a calorie count of 255 per serving, with 0g of fat, 21g carbs, and 3g protein. Enjoy your Black and Tan responsibly, and leave us a star rating if you love the recipe!
