The Baby Guinness shot is a popular party drink in the UK, celebrated for its unique layered appearance that looks just like a miniature pint of Guinness. This crowd-pleasing shot is a favourite at St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, lively house parties, and nights out with friends. Its creamy, slightly sweet flavours make it a hit with a wide range of partygoers. And despite its name, there’s no actual beer involved—just two simple ingredients that come together to create its iconic look.
Baby Guinness Shot
PREP TIME 2 min
QUICK TIPS
INSTRUCTIONS
01
1.
Pour the coffee liqueur into a shot glass
02
2.
Place a teaspoon upside down at an angle inside the shot glass, with the tip of the spoon touching the side of the glass, resting on the coffee liqueur
03
3.
Slowly pour the Irish cream liqueur over the back of the spoon, to create a distinct layering effect
What does it taste like?
The two Baby Guinness shot ingredients come together like a charm, yielding a sweet, smooth sipper. This easy Irish cocktail has a rich, full-bodied flavour underpinned by strong coffee notes, with delectable hints of vanilla and caramel on the finish.
Variations of the Baby Guinness shot recipe
If this sweet sipper hits all the right notes, there are a few fun variations you could try. To get you inspired to experiment some more, here are a few other cocktails that creamy shooter enthusiasts are bound to love as well.
Mexican Baby Guinness
The Mexican Baby Guinness is a bold twist on the classic recipe, swapping coffee liqueur for rich, flavourful coffee-infused tequila. To make it, pour 30 ml of coffee tequila into a shot glass, then gently layer 15 ml of Irish cream liqueur on top for the signature ‘foamy head’. This variation delivers a smooth, coffee-forward kick with some unmistakable tequila warmth.
Chocolate Baby Guinness
The Chocolate Baby Guinness adds a sweet twist to the classic shot, blending coffee and chocolate flavours for a decadent treat. Start with 15 ml of coffee liqueur and 15 ml of chocolate liqueur in a shot glass, then carefully layer 15 ml of Irish cream liqueur on top. The result is a creamy, dessert-like shot with a rich, mocha-inspired flavour that’s perfect for those who enjoy a touch of indulgence in their drinks.
Espresso Martini
Widely adored by celebs like Timothée Chalamet and Scotty Sire, the super trendy Espresso Martini is a perfect after-dinner drink or post-work pick-me-up. The foam is arguably the most iconic aspect of an Espresso Martini. To get the perfect foam, make sure you shake your cocktail very vigorously for at least 20 seconds, as the natural oils in the coffee must combine with the air bubbles in order to create the foam.
Creamy but vegan? We got you! Your Guide to Making Creamy Vegan Cocktails
Irish Coffee Cocktail
An Irish Coffee cocktail can be served hot or cold, which makes it a perfect coffee-based cocktail to serve all year round. Garnish your Irish Coffee cocktail with a sprinkle of cocoa for chocolatey vibes or dip roasted coffee beans in melted chocolate and freeze them for an easy garnish.
Java fan? Here you go! 9 Best Coffee Cocktails to End Your Evening with a Kick
Green Tea Shot
Another tricky shot that is not quite what its name suggests, the Green Tea Shot is green, but there is no tea in it at all. It’s more closely related to the Kamikaze shooter. Regardless, it’s completely delicious, and a crowd-pleaser of note.
Why the miniature pint shot is a UK party favourite
With its dark base and creamy top, this visually striking layered shot resembles a tiny pint of stout, leaving a lasting impression. Its sweet, velvety flavours make it a versatile choice for any UK celebration, whether you’re hosting a themed party, marking St. Patrick’s Day, or serving a playful after-dinner treat.
Pair this shot with light snacks like dark chocolate truffles, espresso-dusted almonds, or mini cheesecakes for a rich, complementary experience. Savoury options like salted caramel popcorn or prosciutto-wrapped dates also enhance its creamy, slightly sweet notes.
Down the rabbit hole we go! Mad Hatter Tea Party Ideas for Adults
When to serve Baby Guinness shots
This easy shooter makes a great addition to events like:
St. Patrick’s Day celebrations
Stag parties
Surprise birthday parties
Love the sweet stuff? Sweet Sensations: 15 Classic Ice Cream Cocktails
There you have it—the short and very sweet intro to all things Baby Guinness. Remember to tag us when you share pictures of your creations on Instagram, and sign up for our newsletter to receive the freshest drinkspiration hot off the presses.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A Baby Guinness shot is made with coffee liqueur and Irish Cream liqueur.
A 45ml shot glass is a good option for a Baby Guinness. It's best to use a shot glass with a wide enough circumference to accommodate a teaspoon so you can layer the liqueur easily.
Choose a high-quality coffee liqueur as the base of your Baby Guinness shot to give it the best flavour profile possible. If you feel like doing something a little different, you could also consider using chilli or hazelnut liqueur.
A Baby Guiness shot is made with coffee liqueur and Irish Cream liqueur. It does not contain any Guinness, but looks like a pint of beer in miniature, which is where the name comes from.
