Brain Hemorrhage

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

A bloody-looking shooter, the Brain Hemorrhage is the perfect treat to hand out to your friends at Halloween.

There’s a handful of years back in my childhood when it seemed that all the information in the world came at me all at once. Hearing phrases, expressions, curse words, and anything else I didn’t understand prompted a lot of questions, but mostly “what’s that?” One evening, my family was watching television, and somebody on it starts talking about brain hemorrhages, and I had no clue what they were talking about. What show we were watching has long since been forgotten, but I remember vividly asking about what a brain hemorrhage was. And the funny thing is, I can’t really recall the answer, just the image it conjured up in my head.

I was a big comic book reader and a huge fan of The Incredible Hulk. In the comics, Bruce Banner had a foe named Samuel Sterns, aka The Leader. His look was pretty striking and distinct, sporting a really large and elongated head that held a superpowered brain. Once a janitor at a chemical factory, Sterns was exposed to gamma radiation that resulted in his superhuman intelligence and telekinetic abilities, along with an almost comically exaggerated and oversized cranium. When my dad explained what a brain hemorrhage was, a picture of The Leader was in my mind.

So, as I pull together a bottle of peach schnapps, Irish cream and grenadine to make tonight’s recipe, the Brain Hemorrhage shot, my mind grapes can’t seem to get The Leader off their thoughts. As I prep this layered shooter for myself and “marvel” (get it?) at the slightly gory and gruesome look the drink has, I thought about some of the Hulk collections I have on my bookshelf and began to rifle through them, shot in hand. And then I find it… The Incredible Hulk, Issue 224, “Follow The Leader”. A classic caper to read, while I have a Brain Hemorrhage or two.

The shot, of course.

What Is The Best Alcohol To Use In A Brain Hemorrhage Shot?

You’ll need some peach schnapps and Irish cream liqueur to make this ghastly-looking, but smooth and fruity shot. For the Irish cream, Baileys is the most popular and common brand on store shelves, but I’ve recently fallen in love with Five Farms, which comes in a lovely old-style milk bottle. I’ve been seeing this behind many bars around Los Angeles lately, so if you come across the blue label, pick some up. For the peach schnapps, there are standbys like DeKuyper, but also Archers and Bols. And of course, don’t forget a little of Rose’s grenadine for the “blood”. Chill everything for this little concoction, too.

FAQs & Tips

WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH ARE USED?

Pop some shot glasses in your freezer for around 15 to 30 minutes to give your Hemorrhage an extra smooth texture. Drop a little grenadine in your shot to help achieve a grisly presentation.

CAN YOU STORE THE BRAIN HEMORRHAGE?

You cannot. Due to the layered preparation and dribbly, red grenadine float, it is only recommended to make this shot one at a time and serve it right away.

DOES THIS SHOT LOOK BETTER THAN IT TASTES?

The way the Brain Hemorrhage Shot looks is indeed a gimmick and a big selling point, but it tastes great, too. The Irish cream curdles a little in the peach schnapps, but the two combined together create a creamy, tart and fruity taste.

Other Shots Worth Trying

If the smooth and sweet Brain Hemorrhage tickled your taste buds, and your fancy, then you might be in the mood for more shots that use similar ingredients. Check out some of these recipes from Twist & Toast that feature either Irish cream or peach schnapps as one of their building blocks. Then explore the site for even more ideas for your next shindig.

• Wet Pussy Shot – Peach schnapps, vodka and cranberry juice make up this naughty little tipple.
• White Tea Shot – There’s no tea present in this vodka shooter, but you do get some peach schnapps.
• Oatmeal Cookie Shot – Cinnamon and butterscotch schnapps join forces with Irish cream liqueur to craft this snack in a shot glass.
• Baby Guinness Shot – Irish cream and coffee liqueurs combine to deliver this creamy treat.