10 Irish beer cocktails for brave homebrewers to try

Let’s set the stage: you’ve just mastered brewing your own beer at home. You’ve tinkered with recipes, perfected your fermentation process, and created a brew that makes you beam with pride. Now, what if I told you that the fun doesn’t have to stop there? Yep, it’s time to take your homebrewing game up a notch with Irish beer cocktails!

Irish beer lends itself superbly to creative cocktails thanks to its rich, complex flavours. Whether you’ve got a stout, ale, or lager in your arsenal, these recipes will inspire you to experiment and add a splash of something extra to your brewing triumphs. Ready to shake up your pint glass? Let’s dive in!

1. The Dark Velvet

Here’s a classic with a homebrew twist. Brew the smoothest stout you can muster, then pour it gently over sparkling cider to create distinct layers. The hearty, roasted notes of stout meet the crisp tang of cider to create perfection in a glass. Cheers to a crowd-pleaser!

2. Irish Red Cola

An easy one to start with. Take your homebrewed Irish red ale and mix it with cola. Yep, you heard me! The malty backbone of the ale pairs with the soda’s caramel sweetness in an unexpectedly delightful way. Toss in a wedge of lime for a zesty kick.

3. Jameson Black Brew

For the whiskey lovers! Combine your favourite Irish stout (bonus points if you’ve brewed it yourself) with a shot of Irish whiskey, like Jameson. Add a splash of coffee liqueur for a mocha-style treat. Perfect for those colder days when you want something warming and indulgent.

4. Guinness Bloody Mary

Think of this as Bloody Mary’s Irish cousin. Use your homemade stout as a base instead of vodka. Stir in tomato juice, Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce, and a squeeze of lemon. Garnish with a stick of celery or a pickled onion. Weekend brunch will never be the same again.

5. Irish Shandy

There’s nothing simpler or more refreshing than an Irish shandy. Combine equal parts of your crisp homebrewed lager and sparkling lemonade. This bubbly symphony is a summer favourite and a fantastic way to showcase your brewing skills.

6. Irish Guinness Margarita

Stay with me—it sounds wild, but it works. Mix a shot of tequila, a splash of orange liqueur, lime juice, and your homebrewed stout. Rim the glass with salt, pour over ice, and get ready for stout meets citrus in the most unexpected (and delicious) ways.

7. The Irish Car Bomb Float

This one’s for dessert lovers. Take your stout, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and drizzle over with a blend of Irish cream and coffee liqueurs. Watch as the ice cream melts into the dark brew, turning into a creamy, boozy delight worthy of celebrations.

8. Spiked Irish Ale Mule

Your Irish ale just found its perfect partner. Pour your ale over ice, add a shot of Irish whiskey, and top it off with ginger beer. Don’t forget to garnish with a slice of lime and a sprig of mint. The fiery ginger and malty ale work together so well it’s almost cheating.

9. Stout Cherry Fizz

Take your stout and mix it with black cherry soda. Now, I know what you’re thinking, but this unlikely duo creates a dark and fruity concoction that’s surprisingly addictive. Serve it in a tall glass over ice for a gothic twist on summer drinks.

10. The Irishman’s Espresso

This one’s a showstopper. Brew a strong espresso shot and pour it into your chilled stout. Add a splash of vanilla syrup and stir. The result? A velvety, coffee-infused cocktail that doubles down on those roasted, toasty notes in your beer.

A Final Toast to Experimentation

The beauty of homebrewing lies not just in the craft, but in letting your imagination run wild. These Irish beer cocktails are just the starting point for what you can create in your kitchen or bar at home. Whether you stick to the classics or add your unique twist, the possibilities are endless.

So, go on. Grab your brew, raid your pantry, and start experimenting. Don’t forget to share your creations with your mates—they’ll be in awe of your cocktail-making prowess!

Happy brewing (and mixing),

Candeece