B-53 Shot
Layer ∙ 2 min ∙ 26.3% ABV ∙
The B-53 Shot is a layered three-part shooter of Crème de Café liqueur, Irish cream liqueur, and Sambuca served in a shot glass. Coffee bitterness sits on the bottom, cream softens the middle, and anise-sweet Sambuca floats on top for a quick, dessert-like jolt.
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 mlVodka 15 ml
Tips
- Pour in order of density: Crème de Café liqueur first, then Irish cream liqueur, then Sambuca, so each layer floats without mixing.
- Pour each layer slowly over the back of a bar spoon held just above the liquid surface to prevent the layers from blending.
- Use a narrow shot glass and pour each of the three equal parts along the spoon in one steady, unbroken stream for clean layer lines.
- Keep the Irish cream liqueur well chilled beforehand since temperature differences between layers help maintain crisp separation.
History
The B-53 is a variation of the B-52 made with coffee liqueur, Irish cream, and Sambuca. In this version, Sambuca replaces the orange liqueur used as the top layer in the B-52, giving the shot a more anise-forward profile.
FAQ
What is in a B-53 shot?
A B-53 is Crème de Café liqueur, Irish cream liqueur, and Sambuca, layered in equal parts in a shot glass. The coffee liqueur sits on the bottom, Irish cream forms the middle, and Sambuca floats on top.
What is the difference between a B-52 and a B-53 shot?
A B-52 is traditionally built with coffee liqueur, Irish cream, and an orange liqueur such as Grand Marnier or Cointreau floated on top. A B-53 swaps that orange liqueur for Sambuca, trading the citrus top note for an anise-sweet one while keeping the coffee-and-cream base the same.
Is a B-53 shot layered or mixed?
It is layered, not shaken or stirred. Each liqueur is poured slowly over a barspoon in order of density so the three sit in distinct bands rather than blending together.
What glass is a B-53 served in?
A small shot glass, which is what lets the three layers stay visibly separated before drinking.
How many calories are in a B-53 shot?
A B-53 has about 141 calories per serving, coming from the three liqueurs rather than any mixer or juice.
