A delicious mix of Guinness and Cider Beer to create an epic beer cocktail. This Guinness and Cider Snakebite is a twist on a classic Snakebite beer cocktail.

Guinness & Cider text over a glass of Guinness with a toucan on it

Guinness and Cider Beer Cocktail

Contents show

A Snakebite is a mixture of lager and alcoholic cider in one glass. This Guinness and Cider combines beer and cider with a stout, not a lager.

A Black Velvet Cocktail is Guinness and Champagne.

You may see this Guinness and Hard Cider cocktail called a Snakebite or a Black Velvet. Knowing what is in each of these classic Guinness cocktails is helpful, so you won't be surprised if you order one and don't get this drink.

Other great Guinness beer cocktails include:

Black and Tan - Canned Guinness Draught over Bass Ale (The Classic!)
Black and Blue - Canned Guinness Draught over Blue Moon
Belgian Brunette - Canned Guinness Draught over Stella Artois
San Patricios - Canned Guinness Draught over Corona
Half and Half - Canned Guinness Draught over Harp Lager

Each of these variations provides a different flavor profile and fun drink.

This Guinness and Cider is great for celebrating St. Patrick's Day. If you are not a huge fan of Irish Stout, mixing in the Hard Apple Cider can help cut the strong flavor of the stout.

I learned to pour an epic pint of Guinness when we visited the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland, a few years ago. Ever since that experience, I have been dreaming of returning to Ireland.

Guinness glass with toucan on it, Guinness can with toucan on it, and a bottle of Angry Orchard Hard Cider

Ingredients

Here is a quick overview of the simple ingredients needed to make an epic Guinness and Cider Beer Drink! The printable recipe card at the bottom of the post includes specific measurements and step-by-step instructions.

Guinness Stout
Hard Apple Cider

Optional - Blackcurrant Cordial. Many of the recipes for a Snake Bite include a dash of black currant cordial.

Equipment Needed

Pint Glass - You can buy these great Guinness Glasses to make the drink even more fun.
Spoon

How to make a Guinness and Cider

I've included complete instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, but here's a quick version.

Pour hard apple cider into a pint glass about halfway.

Pour Guinness over the back of a spoon to help create the layers in this drink. The goal is to pour equal parts of Guinness and hard cider.

If you are uncomfortable pouring over the back of a spoon, you can also use a beer layering tool.

Guinness glass with layered drink next to a cloth napkin

Preparation and Storage

Make Ahead: For presentation and quality, we recommend making this beer cocktail as you plan to drink it so everyone gets a fresh beer, fresh hard cider, and a layered drink.

Recipe Variations

Substitutions:

This recipe uses equal parts Guinness Draught Stout Beer and hard apple cider. If your drink does not layer, it may mean the cider is close in density and weight to the Guinness you are pouring. Feel free to try different hard ciders until you find one that pours as pictured.

You can add a fun twist to this cocktail using pear cider instead of hard apple cider.

Vegetarian + Vegan Option:

This Guinness and Cider Beer Cocktail is vegetarian and vegan if you use a vegan hard cider, as some brands use animal-derived ingredients in manufacturing.

Guinness confirms on its website that its beers are vegan.

Gluten-Free:

According to BeyondCeliac.org, hard apple cider is typically gluten-free. However, gluten-free drinkers should replace Guinness with a gluten-free substitute to ensure the recipe remains safe for a gluten-free diet.

Alcohol-Free Option: Replace the Guinness and hard cider with NA alternatives for non-alcoholic Beer Cocktails.

Smaller Serving Size + Larger Group/More Servings:

The written recipe makes one 12-ounce Guinness and Cider Beer Cocktail. You’ll need to make one at a time so everyone gets a fresh, layered drink.

Sugar-Free:

The written recipe contains 5 grams of sugar per serving, with most of the sugar coming from hard apple cider. To make this cocktail sugar-free, use a sugar-free hard cider.

Tips for the Best Guinness and Cider Beer Cocktail

Slowly pour the Guinness so it doesn't pour heavily into the hard cider.
Many traditional Snakebite recipes include a dash of blackcurrant cordial. We don’t use any in this cocktail recipe, but you can try this twist for a more authentic experience.

What to Serve with Guinness and Cider Beer Cocktail

This refreshing twist on the classic Snakebite drink would be fantastic for a St. Patrick’s Day brunch, daytime party, or dinner. Guests will love the layered look! Here are some menu planning suggestions.

Sides: Guinness Beer Cheese Dip, Celtic Knot Rolls, Guinness Glazed Pecans, Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon, 3 Ingredient Guinness Beer Bread, Crock Pot Reuben Dip

Main Dishes: CrockPot Guinness Corned Beef and Cabbage, Corned Beef Shepherd's Pie, Crock Pot Guinness Braised Short Ribs, CrockPot Guinness Beef Stew

Desserts: Guinness Chocolate Balls, Lucky Charms Treats, Copycat McDonald's Shamrock Shake, Guinness Chocolate Cake Pops, Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes, Watergate Salad

Drinks: Irish Breakfast Shot, Broken Down Golf Cart Shot, Liquid Marijuanas Drink, Fuzzy Leprechaun Cocktail, Incredible Hulk Drink, Leprechaun Beer Shot, Irish Frog Shooter