Guinness poured over chocolate ice cream and finished with hot espresso might be the best way to enjoy the stout, especially if you’re not a fan of it on its own. This Guinness-inspired affogato is creamy, decadent, and packed with rich chocolate and coffee flavors.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Privacy Policy.

A Guinness drink for stout skeptics
Everything you need to make this recipe
How to make this Guinness affogato float
Servings and pairings
Recipe FAQs
Want more drink recipes?
Guinness Affogato Float Recipe

A Guinness drink for stout skeptics

I’ll admit it, Guinness has always been a two-sip drink for me. I love the roasted bitterness and the soft notes of coffee and chocolate, but a full pint can feel like a lot. When you pour Guinness over ice cream, it turns into something halfway between dessert and after-dinner drink. The ice cream adds this cold, creamy richness that mellows the stout’s bitterness, while the espresso warms everything up and pulls forward all those chocolatey, coffee-like notes already hiding in the beer. It’s perfect for Saint Patrick’s Day and ends up tasting like the coziest affogato with a little Irish pub energy.

Everything you need to make this recipe

Three ingredients stand between you and a tall glass of a velvety, chocolatey stout. This recipe does best with Guinness, but feel free to use your favorite local stout.

Guinness beer
chocolate ice cream or gelato
hot espresso

Kitchen equipment needed:

Pint glass

How to make this Guinness affogato float

1. Add all ingredients to a pint glass

Add a few scoops of ice cream to a glass, then top with Guinness and then hot espresso. That’s literally all you have to do!

Servings and pairings

This Guinness float pairs best with rich, savory, and roasted flavors that complement the stout’s bitter-sweet coffee and chocolate notes.

Traditional Irish fare – Think beef stew or shepherd’s pie (savory and hearty).
Classic pub food – Fish and chips or smash burgers with Irish aged cheddar.
Umami forward vegetarian – Mushroom risotto or Portobello steaks.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this without espresso?
Yes. While traditional affogato uses espresso, you can substitute strong brewed coffee or cold brew concentrate if you don’t have an espresso machine. The key is keeping the coffee strong enough to balance the roasted flavors of Guinness and the richness of the chocolate gelato.

Why is my float foaming so much?
Guinness is nitrogenated, which naturally creates a thick, creamy foam when poured. Pouring slowly over the gelato helps control the head and keeps the drink from overflowing.

Want more drink recipes?

Here are some of my latest drink recipes perfect for any gathering:

Questions? Comments? Reviews? Leave them below. This is the best way to reach me, and yes, I actually read them.

Xoxo, Lee