The Ultimate B-52 Shot: A layered surprise

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.

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.

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)

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!