Black and Tan is a beer cocktail made by layering a pale beer and a dark beer. In Ireland, the drink is called a half and half.

What do black and tans mean?

The Black and Tans (Irish: Dúchrónaigh) were constables recruited into the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) as reinforcements during the Irish War of Independence. Recruitment began in Great Britain in January 1920 and about 10,000 men enlisted during the conflict.

What kind of drink is a black and tan?

A so-called “Black and Tan” is just a combination of Guinness and Bass Ale (though you can use other pale ales or lagers, Bass is traditional). The beers aren't just thrown together, they're layered, with the ale going in first, and quickly—creating a sturdy head on this beer will help you with the layering.