Get ready to spice up your party with this irresistible B-52 shot recipe; it’s photogenic for your Instagram and packed full of delicious creamy and sweet flavors.
If you haven’t experienced the delicious flavors of this cocktail yet, let me clue you in. The B-52 shot is a delicious layered drink made with coffee, orange, and cream liqueurs that will light up your night. It’s a fun shot I like to serve at a party or when I’m having a night in with friends, as it looks as stunning as it tastes and always impresses.
If you’ve gotten the giggles ordering a blowjob shot or a duck fart shot, you’ll find the B-52 is part of the same crew – tasty layered shooters! These are more than just drinks, they’re little works of art that allow you to practice your mixology skills and impress your friends. If you’re having people over and want to spoil them with this delicious drink, it’s surprisingly easy.
Why You Will Love This Cocktail Recipe
- You’d be surprised how incredibly the flavors of coffee, cream, and orange go together.
- This shot is stunning and makes for the perfect photo op.
- It doesn’t take a master mixologist to make this B-52 shot recipe.
Equipment
- A speed pourer (to control the alcohol)
- A bar spoon (for layering the liqueurs)
- A shot glass or small cocktail glass
- Optional: a (flame-proof) straw to neatly sip your creation!
Ingredients
- 1/2 oz Kahlua
- 1/2 oz Baileys
- 1/2 oz Grand Marnier
Instructions
- Begin by pouring the coffee liqueur as the first layer.
- Slowly and gently pour the Irish cream liqueur over the coffee liqueur, using the back of a spoon to control the pour. This will help create a distinct and separate layer.
- Complete the layering process by pouring the orange liqueur onto the Irish cream layer, again using the back of a spoon to guide the pour and maintain the layer separation.
Tips and Tricks
- Layer carefully:Â Layering the liqueurs takes precision and a steady hand. I also recommend using a speed pourer if you have one. Use the back of a bar spoon or teaspoon to guide and slow down the pour, which will help create the defined layers in the shot glass. You can do this by resting the spoon against the inside of the glass as you pour each liqueur.
- Chill the liqueurs:Â Chilling the liqueurs in the fridge prior to layering can make the process easier, as the viscosity of the liquors change when cold. I would also highly recommend sticking your shooter glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving to keep your drink colder for longer.
- Know the specific gravity of each ingredient:Â The order in which you pour the liqueurs is actually very important. Generally, you’d first pour the heaviest liqueur (Kahlua) at the bottom, followed by the lighter Irish cream, and finally, the lightest orange liqueur on top. This helps keep the layers separate.
- Serve immediately:Â The Perfect B-52 Shot is best enjoyed immediately, especially if you’re lighting it up.
Variations
Here are some ideas for mixing up the classic B-52 Shot:
Flaming B-52 Shot: This is the most famous variation. This is not for the faint-hearted but living on the edge makes the world go round, right? Ignite the top layer (very, very carefully). Some adventurers will drink it with a flame-proof straw while still ignited, but I always say better safe than sorry and put out the flame first (after the applause, of course).
B-52 on the Beach:Â Swap the Grand Marnier for peach or pineapple schnapps and you have a more tropical vibe.
B-52 with a Bang: For a shot with a touch of heat, you can replace the Grand Marnier with cinnamon schnapps, like Goldschläger.
Nutty B-52 Shot:Â I love the flavors of this one. Simply substitute the Kahlua in this recipe for Frangelico, or another yummy hazelnut liqueur.
FAQs
Prepping B-52 shots in advance and stashing them in the fridge sounds like a real time-saver, but it’s not the best idea. Over time, those gorgeous layers can start to blend and messes with the look you’re after.
Classic B-52s use Kahlua, Baileys, and Grand Marnier, but who’s to stop you from switching things up? Play around with different coffee, Irish cream, or orange liqueurs to put your own spin on things.
I find a 1.5-ounce (45ml) shooter glass to be the best fit for a B-52. It fits the three liqueurs perfectly, plus it should be transparent so everyone can see (and be impressed by) that super cool layered look.
How to Store a B-52 Shot
Unfortunately, the B-52 shot isn’t quite cut out for making ahead or storing leftovers. If you leave it sitting too long, the layers start to mingle and the quality will begin to deteriorate. If you’ve made too many shots, you can always keep them in the fridge and drink them later, but it won’t be the same as when you’ve made your B-52 fresh.
