When the cold winds blow and the air has turned to ice, come inside and warm up by the fire with a strong, comforting Hot Shot.
A lot of the drinks I write about here at Twist & Toast are made for hot days, summer vacations and poolside parties. Tall, colorful cocktails, poured over crushed ice, or shaken to the point of being perfectly chilled are usually what we think of when offered a drink. Even something as simple as a few fingers of whiskey can be enjoyed on the rocks. And for extra cold libations, some folks even stick their spirits in the freezer.
Tonight’s drink is something a little different. For one, it’s hot. Literally. And layered. And a shot. A hot, layered shot. Called a Hot Shot. This creamy, vanilla and anise-tinged shooter delivers on what it’s supposed to do, too. It’ll warm you up while winding you down. And on those freezing, dark and biting winter nights, a few of these can get an impromptu party started.
Comprised of Galliano, hot and fresh espresso, and a top layer of cream, this satisfying and steamy treat first popped up in the late 1980s at a cocktail competition in Sweden. Bartender Bosse Bergström entered the contest in 1987 with his creation, the Hot Shot. His entry ended up being so popular, that every year in November, Sweden celebrates National Hot Shot Day.
When a drink has its own holiday, that’s a tipple worth trying at least once.
What Is The Best Alcohol To Use In A Hot Shot?
The only alcohol used in this concoction is Galliano, which is a sweet, herbal Italian liqueur. Vanilla-forward, with notes of anise and a woodsy, citrusy presence, Galliano is most famously used in the classic 1970s cocktail the Harvey Wallbanger. A bottle of the liqueur shouldn’t be difficult to procure at your local liquor store, and with a few to choose from that are reasonably priced, you’ll easily find one to match your budget.
Ingredients
- 1/2 ounce Galliano liqueur
- 1/2 ounce freshly brewed hot espresso
- 1/2 ounce heavy cream
Instructions
- Pour 1/2 ounce of Galliano liqueur into a shot glass.
- Slowly pour 1/2 ounce of hot espresso over the back of a spoon into the shot glass to create a second layer.
- Gently float 1/2 ounce of heavy cream on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon.
Nutrition
WHAT GLASSWARE IS USED?
You need a sturdy and stalwart shot glass for this drink. After you’ve layered your shot into it, be mindful of the heat as you grasp and drink it.
WHAT IS A GOOD SUBSTITUTE FOR GALLIANO?
If you’re having a hard time finding Galliano and are searching for a suitable replacement, try making your Hot Shots with sambuca, anisette, Licor 43 or Yellow Chartreuse. Keep in mind that vanilla-based liqueurs will probably be your best bet over anise-heavy ones.
Other Layered Drinks Worth Trying
You loved the impressed gasps from your guests when they laid their eyes on the layered look of the Hot Shot. Now your wheels and gears are turning a little faster in that brain of yours, wondering what other similar-looking shots can be served at your next soirée. Check some of these out, then try them on your friends the next time they come over.
- Buttery Nipple Shot – Butterscotch schnapps and Irish cream make up this naughtily-named shooter.
- Baby Guinness Shot – Creamy and strong, this little guy looks just like its big brother.
- B-52 Shot – This layered shooter is lit on fire before being imbibed.
- Duck Fart Shot – Whiskey, Kahlúa and Irish cream bring some serious taste to this funny-sounding shot.
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