• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Gin Cocktails
  • Vodka Cocktails
  • Tequila Cocktails
  • Rum Cocktails
  • Whiskey Cocktails
  • Brandy Cocktails
  • Shots
  • Mixed Drinks

Occasional Cocktails logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Drink Recipes
  • Cocktail eBook
  • Shots
  • Simple Syrup
  • About
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Drink Recipes
    • Cocktail eBook
    • Shots
    • Simple Syrup
    • About
  • ×
    Home » Shots

    Oct 12, 2022 by Kristin. This post may contain affiliate links. · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    The Ultimate B-52 Shot: A layered surprise

    Jump to Recipe

    The B-52 shot is a striking looking shot. It’s very distinct three layers lend to a colorful appearance. It has almost an orange cream flavor which is a bit surprising considering way the drink. This one is great for almost any occasion.

    closeup of B52 shot on a wooden table

    What is a B-52 Shot?

    A B-52 shot is a combination of kahlua, Grand Marnier and Irish cream. It has an orange cream flavor. It is a combination of a chocolatey citrus flavor with a cream base.

    This shot have a sweet flavor, however, it is not overly sweet. The three ingredients each contribute their own flavor with not one overtaking too much.

    Kahlua is a coffee flavored liqueur. Though we are using Kahlua here, and it is one of the most common, you can use other coffee liqueurs like Tia maria. It is a dark brown looking liqueur sort of like the color of coffee.

    Grand Marnier is an orange flavored liqueur. It originated in France back in the 1880s and is about 40% alcohol by volume. It is a clear liqueur.

    Irish cream is a cream based liqueur that has whiskey added into it. It has a chocolate and vanilla flavor as well. It is a light brown color sort of like the color of coffee with creamer or milk added in.

    A few other layered shots you might like are the Slippery Nipple shot and the Buttery Nipple shot

    Variations of this drink

    Although this drink is a pretty standard drink with each ingredient being one part, there are a couple variations you can make.

    • Flaming B-52- this is made the exact same way only at the end you actually light the Grand Marnier on fire. Do make sure to put the fire out before you drink it.
    • Triple Sec or cointreau are other citrus liqueurs that can be used instead of grand marnier. The Grand Marnier is the best choice for this cocktail, however, if you don’t have it on hand it is okay to substitute with one of these other two.

    When can you serve this shot?

    This shot, with its cool look and delicious taste, suits many occasions well. Here are just a few to think about:

    • Night out with your friends
    • After dinner drinks
    • Anniversary
    • Informal get together
    • Birthday celebration

    How does layering work?

    This shot is a layered shot. Layered shots are essentially shots where one liquid lays on top of one another with a distinct line between them.

    Layering is made possible by the liquids having different densities. You will put the most dense or heaviest liquid on the bottom. Then, layer each liquid as it gets less and less dense with the least dense or lightest being on the very top.

    Though this technique can take a little practice it is not too difficult. The main key to getting a perfectly layered shot is to pour everything very, very slowly.

    If you need a little extra control over your layering, you can put poor spouts on your bottles that you have a slower more steady stream.

    The best way to get a successfully layered shot is to use a bar spoo. upside down in your glass just above the liquid line which will break the fall of the liquid you are pouring and help it to slowly sit on top.

    How to make this drink:

    With three equally measured ingredients, the shot is not too difficult. The layering can’t take a little bit of time since you have to pour slowly, so you can probably get this one together in 5 minutes or less.

    b52 shot with bottles in background

    Equipment:

    • bar spoon
    • jigger
    • Shot glasses

    Ingredients:

    • ⅔ oz Kahlua or other coffee liqueur
    • ⅔ oz Irish Cream (like Bailey’s)
    • ⅔ oz Grand Marnier (or other orange liqueur)
    b52 shot with ingredients around it

    Instructions:

    Step one

    Gather together your bar spoon, jigger, shot glass, Grand marnier, Kahlua and Irish cream.

    Step two

    Take your jigger and your Kahlua and measure out ⅔ of an ounce. Pour your Kahlua into the bottom of your shot glass

    Step three

    Take your jigger and your Irish cream and measure out ⅔ of an ounce of Irish cream. Grab your bar spoon and place it in your shot glass upside down just above the top of the kahlua.

    Very slowly pour your Irish cream over the back of the bar spoon so that it layers on top of the kahlua.

    Step four

    Take your jigger and your Grand Marnier and measure out ⅔ of an ounce of Grand Marnier. Grab your bar spoon again and place it in your shot glass upside down just above the top of the Irish cream.

    Very slowly pour your Grand Marnier over the back of the bar spoon so that it layers on top of the Irish cream.

    Step Five

    With that your shot is ready to enjoy!

    Recipe

    close up of b52 shot

    B52 Shot

    No ratings yet
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Course Drinks
    Servings 1

    Equipment

    • jigger
    • bar spoon
    • shot glass
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
      

    • ⅔ oz Kahlua
    • ⅔ oz Irish Cream
    • ⅔ oz Grand Marnier

    Instructions
     

    • Get your Grand marnier, kahlua, irish cream, jigger, shot glass and bar spoon gathered together.
    • Start by using your jigger and measuring out ⅔ oz of Kahlua. Dump that into your shot glass.
    • Again take your jigger and measure out ⅔ oz of Irish Cream.
    • Use your bar spoon by placing it upside down above the Kahlua in the shot glass. Then, slowly pour the Irish cream over the back of the spoon.
    • Then, take your jigger and measure out ⅔ oz of Grand Marnier.
    • use your bar spoon again placing it upside down, this time above the irish cream in the shot glass. Then, slowly pour the Grand Marnier over the back of the spoon.
    Subscribe for More!Join our newsletter for more drink recipes.

    Nutrition information provided is just an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

    More Shot Recipes

    • Three jolly rancher shots on a wooden table with ingredients behind them.
      11+ Candy Flavored Shots That Taste as Sweet as They Look
    • Flat tire shot on a wooden table.
      5+ Tequila Shots That Will Fire Up Your Next Celebration
    • Strawberry shortcake shot on a wooden table.
      20+ Vodka Shots That Are Perfect for Any Party Vibe
    • Four horseman shot with ingredient bottles in the background.
      15+ Whiskey Shots That Pack a Bold, Smooth Kick

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hey there, we are Kristin & Justin! After Justin spent over a decade as a bartender, we decided to bring that mixology online so everyone can mix up the best drinks

    More about us →

    Popular Cocktails

    • Tequila and sprite in a highball with a lemon wedge on the rim.
      Tequila And Sprite: The Margarita On A Budget
    • whiskey and cream soda in a glass with a cherry garnish
      Whiskey and Cream Soda Recipe
    • brandy and coke
      Brandy And Coke: Very Special Brandy Cola Recipe
    • Close up of a blue motherfucker drink with maraschino cherries and lemon wedge.
      Blue Motherfucker Drink (AKA Adios Motherfucker)
    • french kiss shot with ingredient bottles in the background
      Fun and Inappropriate Dirty Drink Names
    • Close up of a vodka sprite in a highball glass with lemon wedge on the rim.
      Vodka And Sprite

    NYE + Dry January Favorites

    • Hairy buffalo drink on a wooden table.
      10+ Big Batch Cocktails For Large Gatherings
    • Closeup of eggnog martini with ingredients in background.
      10+ Creamy Eggnog Cocktails
    • Champagne drinks in a grid - french 75, pornstar martini, blushing bride, thug passion.
      10+ Easy Champagne Cocktails for Celebrations
    • grid of - boozy hot chocolate, spanish coffee vampires kiss and tequila boom new years eve drinks.
      20+ New Year’s Eve Cocktails to Ring in the Year

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Join us!

    • Join our newsletter and get a FREE cocktail making cheat sheet.

    Contact

    • About

    Please drink responsibly.  Follow all local/federal alcohol laws.  We are not advocating underage or irresponsible drinking of any kind.

    We are a participant in the Amazon Services, LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 MrAnimal Media LLC

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required