Ingredients
- 1 Pint(s) Stout Beer
- 2 oz Almond Liqueur
Instructions
- Pour the amaretto into a large beer mug. Gently pour in the pint of Guinness. lightly stir. and serve.
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The Black Tooth 2, like many beer cocktails, likely emerged from a bartender’s experiment in a casual setting, perhaps a pub or a sports bar. It’s a modern take on adding a shot to a beer, probably becoming popular in the last few decades as both craft beer and liqueur options expanded. It’s less about a specific origin story and more about a simple, effective combination.
This drink belongs to the broad category of beer cocktails. It shares DNA with a Black Velvet, which combines stout with champagne, or a Snakebite, which mixes lager and cider. The Black Tooth 2 stands apart due to its singular focus on the sweet, nutty profile of almond liqueur, creating a softer, more dessert-like beer experience than its boozier or more tart relatives.
You’d typically find or serve a Black Tooth 2 in a casual pub, a sports bar, or as a simple offering at a house party. It’s not a drink for a high-end cocktail lounge, but it fits perfectly where people appreciate uncomplicated, flavorful pours.
What it tastes like
From the first sip, the Black Tooth 2 presents the robust, roasted malt character of stout, with notes of coffee and dark chocolate. This quickly transitions to a sweet, nutty mid-palate from the almond liqueur, reminiscent of marzipan or amaretti biscuits. The finish is a harmonious blend of the stout’s lingering bitterness and the liqueur’s warmth, leaving a rich, slightly sweet aftertaste.
With 16 ounces of stout at around 4.2% ABV and 2 ounces of almond liqueur at roughly 28% ABV, the Black Tooth 2 comes in at about 6.8% ABV overall. This makes it notably stronger than a standard pint of stout, closer to a strong IPA or a lighter craft beer. It’s far less potent than most traditional spirit-forward cocktails, making it a good choice for a longer session.
The technique
Building a Black Tooth 2 is straightforward. Start by pouring the almond liqueur into a large beer mug. Then, gently pour the pint of stout over the liqueur. A slow, steady pour down the side of the glass helps prevent excessive foaming and ensures the two liquids integrate well. Finish with a light stir to fully combine the flavors, then serve immediately.
The most crucial technique here is pouring the stout gently. Amaretto is denser than beer, and if you just dump the stout in, you’ll get excessive foaming and a messy separation of layers. A slow pour down the side of the glass helps the two integrate smoothly and keeps the head manageable, resulting in a cleaner, more appealing drink.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Stout Beer
- Use
- A dry Irish stout like Guinness or Murphy’s is ideal. Look for a stout with a prominent roasted malt character and moderate bitterness to balance the sweetness of the liqueur.
- Skip
- Avoid milk stouts or sweet stouts, as they can make the drink overly cloying. Imperial stouts are often too strong and complex, potentially overwhelming the almond notes.
- Why
- The stout provides the foundational body, the dark, roasty flavors, and the characteristic head that defines the drink. It’s the canvas for the almond liqueur’s sweetness.
Almond Liqueur
- Use
- Disaronno is the classic choice, but other quality amaretto brands like Lazzaroni or Luxardo Amaretto work well. Aim for a liqueur with a clear, sweet almond profile.
- Skip
- Do not use orgeat syrup; it’s non-alcoholic and has a different texture and sweetness. Almond extract is too concentrated and bitter, designed for baking, not drinking straight.
- Why
- This ingredient delivers the signature sweet, nutty almond flavor that gives the Black Tooth 2 its unique character. Without it, you just have a stout.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Black Tooth 1
- The original companion pour
- Serve the stout and almond liqueur separately, as a beer and a shot. This allows the drinker to control the mix or enjoy them individually.
Nutty Porter
- A softer, sweeter dark beer base
- Substitute the stout with a robust porter. Porters often have chocolate and caramel notes that can complement the almond liqueur in a slightly less bitter way.
Hazelnut Tooth
- Swap almond for toasted hazelnut
- Replace the almond liqueur with a hazelnut liqueur like Frangelico. This offers a similar sweet, nutty profile but with a distinct toasted hazelnut flavor.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
A dark porter or even a robust brown ale can work in a pinch, though the roasted character will be less pronounced.
A hazelnut liqueur like Frangelico is the closest substitute, offering a similar sweet and nutty profile.
Any large pint glass or straight-sided tumbler will do. Just ensure it has enough capacity for the full drink and a bit of head.
Murphy’s Irish Stout or Beamish Irish Stout are excellent alternatives that provide a similar dry, roasted profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Black Tooth 2?
A Black Tooth 2 contains one pint of stout beer and 2 ounces of almond liqueur, typically served in a large beer mug.
Is Black Tooth 2 strong?
At approximately 6.8% ABV, it’s stronger than a typical pint of stout but less potent than most spirit-forward cocktails. It’s a sessionable drink with a bit more kick.
What does Black Tooth 2 taste like?
It tastes like a rich, roasted stout with a prominent sweet almond, almost marzipan like, flavor. It’s creamy, nutty, and slightly bitter with a sweet finish.
Is it like a Black Velvet?
No, a Black Velvet mixes stout with champagne, creating a bubbly, often drier drink. The Black Tooth 2 uses almond liqueur for a sweet, nutty, and slightly thicker profile.
Can I use a different beer?
Yes, while stout is traditional, a dark porter or a rich brown ale can also be used. The flavor profile will shift depending on the beer’s characteristics.
Can I use a different almond liqueur?
Yes, any quality amaretto brand will work. Disaronno is a common choice, but others like Lazzaroni or Luxardo Amaretto are also suitable.
Why is it called Black Tooth 2?
The ‘Black Tooth’ likely refers to the dark color of the stout. The ‘2’ might imply it’s a two-ingredient drink, or perhaps a second iteration or variation of a previous bar creation. The exact origin is unknown, but it implies a simple, direct combination.
Is Black Tooth 2 served hot or cold?
It is served cold, just like a standard pint of stout. The cold temperature helps to keep the drink refreshing and the head stable.
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