Beer and mint submarine cocktail

Ingredients

• 500 mlcold beer
• 50 mlmint liqueur

Instructions

1. 1

   Measure the liqueur

   Pour the mint liqueur into a 50 ml shot glass and set it aside.

2. 2

   Pour the beer

   Pour the beer into a large, wide beer glass, stopping about 5 cm below the rim.

3. 3

   Add the shot

   Invert the shot glass into the beer and top up with beer. Serve straight away; the liqueur and beer will mix gradually.

What is a beer submarine?

A beer submarine is a beer served with a small glass of spirit set upside down inside it. Drinks of this kind are popular in several countries, including Chile, and are also known by names such as submarine shot or yellow submarine.

This version uses mint liqueur, which gives the beer a fresh, sweet flavour as the two drinks mingle. The method is simple, but a wide glass gives the inverted shot room to sit in the beer.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 350 calories, 0g protein, 0g carbs, 0g fat.

The beer supplies most of the drink's energy and carbohydrate, while the mint liqueur contributes energy from alcohol and its sweet ingredients. Serve it alongside a small, savoury snack if you want a more rounded occasion.

Choosing the beer and liqueur

Beer: Use a cold beer with a flavour you enjoy on its own, since it makes up most of the drink. A clean, uncomplicated beer lets the mint come through.

Mint liqueur: Measure 50 ml into the shot glass before pouring the beer. Its sweetness and mint flavour become more noticeable as it disperses.

Setting up the glass

Wide glass: Choose a large beer glass with enough space for the shot glass to sit inverted inside it. Leave about 5 cm below the rim when pouring the beer, as directed.

Inverted shot: Place the small glass carefully into the beer, then top up with beer. Serve promptly so the slow mixing happens at the table.

How the flavours develop

At first, the beer and mint liqueur remain partly separate, so each sip can taste different. As the liqueur gradually mixes through the beer, its sweet, cool mint character spreads.

Timing and serving

This cocktail takes about 5 minutes to assemble and is best served immediately. Keep the beer cold until you are ready to pour it, and serve it in the glass used to prepare it.

What to serve alongside

Salty snacks such as crisps, toasted nuts or savoury pastries make straightforward accompaniments. Keep the portions modest so the mint and beer remain the focus.

Recipe notes & tips

• Chill the beer well before assembling the drink.
• Use a wide beer glass so the shot glass can sit inside it.
• Leave the stated space below the rim before adding the inverted shot.
• Pour carefully to limit excess foam.
• Serve immediately so the gradual mixing is part of the drink.

Variations

• Use a different liqueur: Swap the mint liqueur for another spirit to change the flavour and colour.
• Try a lighter mint note: Use less mint liqueur for a subtler taste.
• Choose a different beer: Pick another cold beer to give the cocktail a different base flavour.
• Serve as a submarine shot: Keep the small glass alongside the beer and combine them at the table.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Filling to the rim: Leave about 5 cm of space so there is room for the inverted shot.
• Using a narrow glass: Choose a wide beer glass that can hold the shot glass comfortably.
• Pouring warm beer: Chill the beer first for a refreshing serve.
• Preparing it too early: Assemble just before serving so the liqueur mixes gradually in the glass.
• Adding the liqueur directly: Fill the shot glass first, then invert it into the beer as directed.

How to store

This cocktail is best made and served immediately rather than stored. Do not keep a prepared drink for later, as the beer will lose its fizz and the ingredients will continue to mix.

Frequently asked questions