In her cocktail book A Bartender’s Guide to the World, award-winning bartender Lauren Mote shares drinks inspired by years of travel. Each recipe captures the spirit of a place – from cocktail lounges to neighbourhood pubs.

One standout is her Irish whiskey and stout cocktail, playfully titled “Stout, Stout, Let It All Out.” The drink evokes the cozy atmosphere of a traditional Irish pub — the kind of warm, welcoming spot Mote says you can find almost anywhere in the world, wherever travellers gather over good conversation and a pint of stout.

A Modern Twist on the Classic Boilermaker

This stout cocktail takes inspiration from the classic boilermaker cocktail, a simple pairing where a shot of whiskey is served alongside a pint of stout beer. It’s a long-standing pub tradition and a natural match: the deep roasted malt flavours of stout complement the warmth of Irish whiskey.

Mote transforms that familiar pairing into a layered beer cocktail recipe by blending the ingredients together and adding a few unexpected elements. Cold-brew coffee deepens the roasted notes, blackstrap molasses contributes subtle sweetness and aromatic bitters add complexity. A splash of tonic water lifts the drink, creating an ice-cold, frothy Guinness-style cocktail that is rich yet surprisingly refreshing.

The result is a bold Irish pub cocktail that brings together stout, whiskey and coffee into one balanced and flavourful drink.

A Perfect Cocktail for St. Patrick’s Day

If you’re looking for something beyond the usual pint of Guinness this St. Patrick’s Day, this Irish whiskey and stout cocktail offers a creative twist on classic pub flavours. The combination of roasted stout, whiskey and coffee makes it festive, bold and ideal for celebrating the holiday.

A person's hand stirring a cocktail with a bar spoon.

Whiskey and Stout Cocktail

Lauren Mote

This Irish whiskey and stout cocktail from bartender Lauren Mote blends cold-brew coffee, molasses, bitters, stout beer and tonic water. Inspired by the classic boilermaker, the drink is refreshingly frothy with deep coffee and malt flavours.

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Ingredients

1 oz Irish whiskey
2 oz cold brewed coffee
½ oz blackstrap molasses
2 dashes aromatic bitters like Bittered Sling Kensington
2 oz chilled stout Guinness or Beamish
2 oz chilled tonic water

Instructions

To a Collins glass filled with cubed ice, add the whiskey, coffee, molasses, and bitters. Stir gently with a bar spoon to chill. Add more ice if necessary; it should be right to the top. Fill the glass with stout and tonic water, stirring just to combine.

Keyword beer cocktail, boilermaker, Irish whiskey, Irish Whiskey cocktail, st.patrick's day cocktail, stout, Whiskey and Beer cocktail

Irish Whiskey & Stout Cocktail FAQs

What is a boilermaker cocktail?

A boilermaker is a classic bar pairing in which a shot of whiskey is served alongside a beer, often stout or lager. Some people sip them separately, while others drop the whiskey into the beer. This stout cocktail is inspired by that tradition but blends the ingredients together into one balanced drink.

What kind of stout works best in a cocktail?

Dry Irish stouts such as Guinness or Beamish work well in cocktails because they have roasted coffee and chocolate notes without too much sweetness. Their creamy foam also adds a smooth texture to beer cocktails.

Is this a good cocktail for St. Patrick’s Day?

Yes. With Irish whiskey and stout as its base, this cocktail is a great choice for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. It offers a creative alternative to simply serving a pint of stout while still highlighting classic Irish pub flavours.