B-52 Shot
A sweet and coffee cocktail ∙ Layer ∙ 2 min ∙ 26.7% ABV ∙
The B-52 Shot is a layered shot of coffee liqueur, Irish cream liqueur and an orange-cognac liqueur, poured in that order without mixing.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Refrigerate all ingredients
- Carefully layer in the chilled glass in the following order: Crème de Café liqueur 15 mlIrish cream liqueur 15 mlCognac orange liqueur (e.g., Grand Marnier) 15 ml
Tips
- Pour each layer slowly over the back of a bar spoon held just above the surface, so it settles on top instead of breaking through the one below.
History
The B-52's origins are not firmly documented, but the most repeated account credits Peter Fich, head bartender at the Banff Springs Hotel in Alberta, Canada, with creating the layered shot in 1977. Fich reportedly named his drinks after favorite bands and songs, and named this one for the new wave group the B-52's rather than the B-52 Stratofortress bomber. The band itself had taken its name from a beehive hairstyle likened to the bomber's nose cone. One of Fich's early customers owned several restaurants across Alberta and put the drink on his menus, which helped spread the belief that the shot originated at the Keg Steakhouse chain in Calgary rather than at the Banff Springs Hotel.
Other, less-repeated claims credit a Maxwell's Plum bartender in New York City with inventing it around the same period, and a separate claim ties it to a Malibu restaurant, though that version has been dismissed by cocktail historian Dale DeGroff as unsupported by evidence.
FAQ
What is in a B-52 shot?
Three equal 15 ml layers: coffee liqueur, Irish cream liqueur, and an orange-cognac liqueur such as Grand Marnier, poured slowly in that order so the bands stay separate.
Is a B-52 shot strong?
Moderately: this recipe comes in at roughly 27% ABV, below a straight shot of spirit but strong for something this sweet. The cream and coffee liqueurs can mask how much alcohol is in the small glass.
Why do they call it a B-52 shot?
It is often linked to the B-52 bomber, but the most repeated story says it was named after the band the B-52's. The band, in turn, was named for a beehive hairstyle compared to the bomber's nose cone.
What is a B-52 shot served in?
A shot glass, poured neat with no ice, so the three layers remain visible from the outside.
