Ingredients
- 0.5 Pint(s) Stout Beer
- 1 Bottle(s) Premix - Vodka Black
Instructions
- Fill half a pint glass with the Smirnoff Black Ice and then slowly fill the rest of the glass with Guinness. The two should stay seperated. Serve.
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
This drink is a relatively modern invention, likely emerging from the casual pub and bar scene in the UK or Ireland. It doesn’t have a grand history or a specific inventor, rather it’s a practical adaptation of older layered beer drinks, tailored to popular RTD (ready to drink) products readily available in most bars. It’s a pragmatic bar creation, not a classic.
The Black on Black sits squarely within the layered beer cocktail family. It’s a direct descendant of the Black and Tan, which layers stout over a pale ale, and the Half and Half, which uses a lager. What sets the Black on Black apart is the use of a pre-mixed vodka beverage for the bottom layer, adding a distinct sweetness and a different spirit base.
You’d typically find or serve a Black on Black in a lively pub, a sports bar, or any casual drinking establishment where quick, visually interesting drinks are appreciated. It’s a common choice for a night out with friends, particularly for those who enjoy a sweeter drink but still want the feel of a pint.
What it tastes like
On the front palate, the Black on Black leads with the sweet, often berry or dark fruit notes of the vodka black premix. This sweetness transitions quickly to the rich, roasted malt and bitter hop profile of the stout, providing a dry, slightly coffee-like counterpoint in the mid-palate. The finish is a balance of lingering roasted bitterness with a hint of the initial sweetness, leaving a surprisingly clean impression.
Using a typical Smirnoff Black Ice (around 4.5% ABV) and Guinness Draught (around 4.2% ABV), a pint-sized Black on Black comes in at approximately 4.35% ABV. This puts it firmly in line with a standard beer, perhaps a touch stronger than a light lager but comparable to the stout itself. It’s an easy-drinking option, not a high-octane spirit cocktail.
The technique
Building a Black on Black is all about the pour. Start by filling half a pint glass with the chilled vodka black premix. The crucial step follows: gently pour the stout over the back of a bar spoon, held upside down just above the surface of the premix. The goal is to allow the stout to cascade slowly and evenly, creating a distinct, separated layer on top of the denser premix. Serve immediately once the layers are defined.
The single most important technique for any layered beer drink is the slow, controlled pour over a spoon. This method minimizes agitation and allows the less dense liquid (the stout) to float on top of the denser liquid (the premix). Skip this, and you’ll end up with a mixed drink, losing the visual appeal and the intended two-stage flavor experience.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Stout Beer
- Use
- Guinness Draught is the gold standard for layered beer drinks due to its nitrogenation, creamy head, and specific gravity which aids in layering. Other dry Irish stouts can work, but Guinness is the benchmark.
- Skip
- Sweet stouts, oatmeal stouts, or imperial stouts might be too dense or too sweet, potentially mixing rather than layering or overwhelming the premix. Avoid anything too carbonated or heavily flavored.
- Why
- The stout provides the dark top layer, the characteristic roasted malt bitterness, and the creamy texture that contrasts with the sweeter, thinner premix. It’s essential for both the visual and flavor profile.
Premix – Vodka Black
- Use
- Smirnoff Black Ice is specifically called for and is the ideal choice. Its specific gravity, sweetness, and dark color are perfectly suited for this layered drink. Look for similar black-colored, vodka-based RTDs.
- Skip
- Attempting to create this layer with regular vodka and a dark mixer (like cola or blackcurrant cordial) will result in a drink that is too strong, too sweet, or lacks the correct density to layer properly. It won’t be the same drink.
- Why
- This ingredient forms the base layer, providing the foundational sweetness, a touch of vodka spirit, and the dark color that gives the drink its name. It’s the unique element that defines a Black on Black.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Black and Tan
- The classic layered beer cocktail
- A pint of stout layered over a pale ale, typically Guinness over Bass Pale Ale. It’s the original layered beer drink, showcasing a different flavor contrast.
Half and Half
- Stout meets lager
- Similar to a Black and Tan, but with stout layered over a lighter lager, often Guinness over Harp Lager. This offers a crisper, less malty base than a pale ale.
Black Velvet
- The celebratory stout float
- This variation layers stout over champagne or sparkling wine. It’s a more refined, celebratory option, often served in a champagne flute, combining richness with effervescence.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
A dark lager or a porter could be used in a pinch, but the layering might be more challenging due to different densities and carbonation levels. The flavor profile will also shift significantly.
A dark fruit cider or another dark-colored, sweet alcoholic RTD could provide a similar base color and sweetness, but the vodka kick and specific flavor profile will be different.
Any tall, straight-sided glass will work for layering. A standard highball or Collins glass can be used, though the visual impact of a full pint will be lost.
A regular spoon, held upside down, can be used. The key is to control the pour and minimize splash, allowing the stout to gently spread over the surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Black on Black?
A Black on Black contains half a pint of a pre-mixed vodka black beverage, like Smirnoff Black Ice, topped with half a pint of stout beer, typically Guinness.
How do you make a Black on Black?
You fill half a pint glass with the vodka black premix, then slowly pour the stout over the back of a spoon to create a distinct top layer.
Why is it called Black on Black?
The name refers to the two dark, distinct layers that make up the drink: the dark vodka premix on the bottom and the dark stout on top.
Is a Black on Black strong?
A Black on Black is comparable in alcohol content to a standard pint of beer, usually around 4.35% ABV, making it a moderate strength drink.
What’s the difference between a Black on Black and a Black and Tan?
The Black on Black uses a vodka black premix as its bottom layer, while a Black and Tan uses a pale ale, like Bass.
Can I use any stout for a Black on Black?
While other stouts can be used, Guinness Draught is highly recommended for its ideal density and nitrogenation, which makes layering easier and more visually appealing.
What kind of vodka is in Smirnoff Black Ice?
Smirnoff Black Ice uses a standard Smirnoff vodka base, blended with a sweet, often berry or citrus flavored mixer to create the final RTD product.
Can I make a Black on Black without the premix?
Not really, as the vodka black premix is a defining ingredient. Substituting it with homemade vodka and mixer would fundamentally change the drink’s flavor, sweetness, and layering properties.
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