The internet’s love affair with Guinness has entered a bold new phase. Drinkers are now experimenting with what’s being called the “Turbo Guinness”, and it’s exactly what it sounds like.
The concept couldn’t be simpler: pour a single or double espresso into a partly-finished pint of Guinness, then down it in one. Social media is awash with videos of people trying this caffeinated concoction, with mixed reactions fuelling the viral spread.
The Theory Behind the Madness
On paper, the combination makes some sense. Guinness carries rich notes of chocolate and roasted coffee beans, meaning espresso should complement those existing flavours rather than clash with them. The stout’s creamy texture might even soften the espresso’s bite, creating a surprisingly drinkable hybrid.
The reality, however, is more complicated. When Guinness themselves launched a Cold Brew Coffee variant in 2022, critics weren’t kind. One review compared it to a punch in the mouth. The product was quickly discontinued.
A Drink With History
Despite the recent social media frenzy, this isn’t actually a new invention. Drinkers have been combining Guinness with espresso for decades, with some claiming they’ve been doing it since the early 2000s. Various names have emerged over the years, including “Hippie Speed” amongst American college crowds.
The appeal is obvious: the levelling effect of stout combined with coffee’s lifting properties creates a powerful one-two punch. It can be consumed quickly, vital for those running late or needing a rapid pick-me-up. That speed might be part of the appeal; necking any pint will give you an uplifting jolt, regardless of what’s in it.
Part of a Wider Trend
The Turbo Guinness sits alongside other recent variations that have captured drinkers’ imaginations. Black Velvets, the Victorian-era cocktail mixing Guinness with champagne, are appearing on more menus, whilst the 60/40 Guinness (combining zero-alcohol and regular versions) went viral last month.
This experimentation reflects Guinness’s broader cultural moment. The recently opened Guinness Storehouse in Covent Garden expects half a million visitors annually, whilst certain London pubs are reportedly pouring over 20,000 pints per week.
Should You Try It?
The Turbo Guinness won’t be for everyone. The flavour combination can be jarring rather than harmonious, and the drink relies heavily on shock value and caffeine kick rather than any sophisticated taste experience.
If you’re going to attempt one, use a quality espresso. If the coffee’s rough going in, it won’t improve mixed with stout. And perhaps save it for weekends rather than making it a regular habit. Your stomach will thank you.
The broader lesson? Guinness has transcended being simply a pint to become a canvas for experimentation, whether that’s splitting the G, perfecting the dome, or turbocharged variations for the brave or desperate. Whatever comes next, one thing’s certain: the internet’s fascination with Dublin’s most famous export shows no signs of slowing down.