Duck Fart Shot

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Whiskey, Kahlúa, and Baileys Irish Cream are layered together in this tasty shot with a funny name, the Duck Fart.

Every cocktail and mixed drink has a history. Even if some of those tales are lost to time, forever a mystery never to be solved, somebody, somewhere, was the first to craft it, serve it or drink it. Often, some kind of record is kept. Recipe books dating back hundreds of years are still in circulation today, passing the stories of many legendary tipples down from generation to generation. And then there are concoctions that, for whatever reason, have no remembered past.

Tonight’s drink has a few stories that go with it. As well as a peculiar name. The Duck Fart is a shot comprised of three layered ingredients. Coffee liqueur, Irish cream and then whiskey. Smooth, creamy and with the bitter bite of coffee and spicy kick of whiskey, it’s an impressive-looking, yet simple mixture. The silly name only adds to its charm, as well as keeping it a memorable shooter.

While there are a few different stories floating around about how the shot got its title, the general consensus is that the recipe itself was invented at a bar called the Peanut Farm in Anchorage, Alaska. The Anchorage Press reported that Dave Schmidt, a Peanut Farm bartender, first crafted the drink when an elderly lady came in on a slow night and started experimenting with different mixtures. When Schmidt whipped up the combo of whiskey, coffee and Irish cream liqueur, the woman is said to have let out a belch which sounded like a “duck fart” after she tried it. The name stuck, and the Duck Fart Shot started to become popular at other watering holes in Alaska.

There are other claims to the origins of the Duck Fart’s name. Some say Schmidt was inspired by a breed of ducks native to Oregon. Others tell of a man wearing a weird duck-billed ballcap that caught the bartender’s attention. Wherever the handle came from, one thing is certain:

Duck Farts are delicious.

What Is The Best Whiskey To Use In A Duck Fart Shot?

Some say that the original Duck Fart was made with Crown Royal Canadian whisky. When I made this shot at home, I used a High West rye, which added some nice spicy heat on the finish. I also tried it with some Jameson Black Barrel, an Irish spirit aged in charred oak barrels, which gave an extra buttery smoothness to the proceedings. If you have a favorite, I think it’ll work pretty nicely, too. If you’re unsure and can’t decide, go for a trusty bottle of Jack Daniel’s.

WHAT GLASSWARE IS USED?

Chill some standard shot glasses in the freezer for up to thirty minutes before preparing and serving your Duck Farts.

CAN YOU MAKE THIS SHOT USING BOURBON?

Absolutely. It’s very good with it, too. The smoother and sweeter spirit will bring notes of caramel and vanilla, which meld wonderfully with the flavors from the Baileys and Kahlúa.

Similar Shots To The Duck Fart

Shots aren’t just for party animals and frat houses these days. You’ll see for yourself below that some of the shooters we have here at Twist & Toast are not unlike the Duck Fart. Layered, thoughtfully constructed and featuring pleasurable textures and flavors, these little drinks look just as good as they taste. Try a few out with your friends this weekend.

• B-52 Shot – Grand Marnier, coffee liqueur and Irish cream are layered and then set on fire.
• Blow Job Shot – This naughty-sounding treat is simply Kahlúa and Baileys topped with whipped cream.
• Hot Shot – Galliano, hot espresso and heavy cream will keep you toasty this winter.
• Slippery Nipple Shot – Another risqué titled shot, layered with grenadine, Irish cream and sambuca.