We know that sometimes cocktail recipes can seem like a handful, so here’s a Snakebite Cocktail that uses only two ingredients. That’s right, all you need is a can of Guinness and your favorite hard cider. I first encountered this drink at Pittsburgh’s Monterey Pub, where a friend prefaced recommending it with “I know it sounds weird, but…” I was intrigued enough to try it, and I now have become an evangelist for it as a simple cocktail order that impresses bartenders or bar guests. Plus, the name is just so much fun. Even if you’re not a beer drinker or a Guinness lover, the addition of a sweet and tart cider completely changes the flavors. You get a bit of bitterness from the stout, chased by creamy, fruity notes.
Where Does the Snakebite Come From?
The Snakebite originated in the United Kingdom, where it gained popularity in the 1980s. It makes sense with Guinness being such a popular beverage in the United Kingdom and Ireland. At its start, it was common among goths and punks, perhaps because of its edgy-sounding name and its high alcohol content, along with cheap price. Want to get drunk fast, for only a few dollars? The Snakebite is your drink. But don’t knock it ’til you try it. As my friend said, it might sound unappetizing at first, but this snakebite is more delicious than venomous.
Snakebite Cocktail
Description
This cocktail has a bit of a “bite” with the addition of tart cider to a rich Guinness stout.
Ingredients
- 12 oz can of Guinness
- 12 oz can of hard cider
Instructions
- Simply mix equal parts of Guinness and your choice of hard cider in your favorite glass.
Recipe by Emma Riva
Photography by Dave Bryce
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