Black Fog

The Black Fog is a simple, two-ingredient beer cocktail that takes a classic stout and brightens it with a shot of raspberry liqueur. It’s an easy-drinking option for those who enjoy a fruity twist on their dark beer, or someone looking for something a bit less boozy than a traditional cocktail but more interesting than a straight pint. It’s a low-effort, high-reward drink for casual settings.

Black Fog

4.50 from 18 votes

Calories: 97kcal

Prep Time: 3

Total Time: 5

Ingredients

▢ 1 Can(s) Stout Beer
▢ 1 oz Raspberry Liqueur

Instructions

▢
Pour the Chambord in to a mug of Guinness. Swirl slightly to mix.

Estimated Nutrition:

Calories: 97kcal (5%)Carbohydrates: 10g (3%)Sugar: 10g (11%)

Where it came from

The Black Fog likely emerged from bars as a creative twist on the classic stout, perhaps a riff on the popular Black Velvet cocktail. It’s not a historical drink with a specific inventor, but rather a simple, accessible combination that would appeal to those looking to add a little sweetness and fruit to their dark beer experience. It’s a modern bar invention, designed for easy enjoyment.

This drink sits firmly in the beer cocktail family. Its closest relatives include the Black Velvet, which swaps the raspberry liqueur for sparkling wine, and the Snakebite, a mix of lager and cider. The Black Fog distinguishes itself by introducing a distinct berry sweetness and a touch of liqueur complexity, rather than just another alcoholic mixer.

You’d typically find or make a Black Fog in a casual pub setting, a relaxed home bar, or even a brunch spot that offers a more adventurous beer menu. It’s a no-fuss drink perfect for unwinding after a shift or for a simple gathering where you want something a bit more interesting than just a can of beer.

What it tastes like

On the front, the Black Fog delivers a burst of sweet, tart raspberry from the liqueur. This quickly gives way to the robust, roasted malt character of the stout in the mid-palate, often carrying notes of coffee or dark chocolate. The finish is a pleasant interplay of lingering fruit sweetness and the dry, slightly bitter undertones of the beer.

Given a standard 12 oz can of stout at around 5% ABV and 1 oz of 16.5% ABV raspberry liqueur, the Black Fog comes in at roughly 5.9% ABV overall. This means it’s slightly stronger than your average beer, but still a good deal lighter than most standard mixed drinks or cocktails, making it a sessionable option.

The technique

Building a Black Fog is straightforward. Start by pouring your ounce of raspberry liqueur into a chilled mug. Then, slowly top it with a can of stout, aiming for a steady stream to build a good head without over-foaming. A gentle swirl with a spoon will integrate the liqueur without losing too much carbonation.

The single most important tip here is to pour the stout slowly and gently after the liqueur. Rushing the pour will result in excessive foam and a flat drink. A controlled pour preserves the beer’s carbonation, ensures a proper head, and allows for a better visual appeal and mouthfeel.

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Ingredient Spotlight

The bottles that make or break this drink.

Stout Beer

Use: A dry Irish stout like Guinness is the classic choice, offering roasted notes and a creamy texture. Other dry stouts or even some lighter porters can work.
Skip: Avoid anything too hoppy like an IPA, or very sweet stouts, as they will clash with the raspberry liqueur rather than complement it.
Why: The stout provides the dark, malty body and signature roasted flavors, acting as the primary canvas for the raspberry’s sweetness and fruit notes.

Raspberry Liqueur

Use: Chambord is the gold standard for raspberry liqueur, offering a rich, authentic berry flavor. Other quality raspberry liqueurs can also be used.
Skip: Raspberry syrup lacks the alcoholic kick and complexity, while raspberry vodka is too strong and will unbalance the drink’s flavor profile and ABV.
Why: This ingredient introduces the essential sweet and tart berry notes that brighten the stout, creating the ‘fog’ of flavor and aroma.

Three Variations

Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.

Black Velvet

Stout meets sparkling wine: Substitute the raspberry liqueur with an equal measure of chilled sparkling wine or champagne for a drier, more celebratory beer cocktail.

Dirty Fog

Different berry, same concept: Swap the raspberry liqueur for a crème de cassis (blackcurrant) or a blackberry liqueur to explore different dark berry profiles with your stout.

Black and Tan

Layered beer classic: While not a liqueur cocktail, this classic layers a stout over a pale ale or lager, offering a visual and textural contrast without the fruit.

What if I don't have…

Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.

No Raspberry Liqueur?

Try a quality crème de cassis or other berry liqueur, or a splash of raspberry syrup with a touch of neutral spirit for a similar effect.

No Stout Beer?

A dark porter or a rich dark ale can serve as a decent substitute, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.

No Mug?

A pint glass or a large wine glass will work fine. The key is enough volume to hold the beer and liqueur.

No Guinness?

Murphy’s Irish Stout or any other reputable dry Irish stout will perform similarly well in this drink.

Frequently Asked Questions

Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.

What is in a Black Fog?

A Black Fog contains one can of stout beer and one ounce of raspberry liqueur, typically Chambord.

Is Black Fog a strong drink?

It’s moderately strong, slightly more alcoholic than a standard beer but significantly less potent than most spirit-forward cocktails.

What does a Black Fog taste like?

It tastes like a dark, roasted stout with a sweet and tart raspberry overlay, offering a balanced blend of fruity and malty notes.

How is a Black Fog made?

You pour raspberry liqueur into a mug, then slowly top it with stout beer, and give it a gentle swirl to combine.

Can I use other beers in a Black Fog?

While stout is traditional, you could experiment with porters or dark ales, but the flavor will differ from the original Black Fog.

Can I use other liqueurs?

Yes, other berry liqueurs like crème de cassis or blackberry liqueur can be used for a variation on the Black Fog.

Is it similar to a Black Velvet?

It shares a similar two-ingredient beer cocktail structure, but the Black Fog uses raspberry liqueur for sweetness and fruit, while a Black Velvet uses sparkling wine for effervescence and dryness.

What kind of mug should I use?

Any standard beer mug or pint glass will work. A chilled mug is always preferred for serving beer cocktails.

From the Drink Lab catalogue

Drink Lab has been collecting cocktail recipes since 2013. Some we wrote ourselves, plenty came in from readers, and the rest got passed across a bar somewhere along the way.

Last updated May 8, 2026 · 1 min read