Boilermaker
Build ∙ 2 min ∙ 6.8% ABV ∙
The Boilermaker is a shot of bourbon and a lager in one glass: the shot glass is flipped upside down inside a Boston glass and the beer poured over it.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Fill a shot glass to the brim with Bourbon
- Invert a Boston glass over the shot glass, pressing them firmly together
- Quickly flip the glasses over so the Bourbon is trapped inside the upside-down shot glass
- Pour Lager into the Boston glass, over the submerged shot
Tips
- Pour the lager slowly down the side of the glass so the foam doesn't run over the top.
- Stick to a light lager; a hoppy IPA clashes with the bourbon instead of letting it come through.
History
The boilermaker traces to the mining camps of Butte, Montana, in the 1890s, where it was first known as the "Sean O'Farrell" — a name said to reflect the many Irish bartenders working the town. By most accounts it was served only when miners had finished their shifts.
The name "boilermaker," evoking the tradesmen who built and repaired steam boilers, attached to the whiskey-and-beer pairing later and has carried working-class associations ever since.
FAQ
What is in a Boilermaker?
Bourbon and lager. A shot glass of bourbon is flipped upside down into a Boston glass and the lager is poured over it.
Why is it called a Boilermaker?
The name evokes the tradesmen who built and repaired steam boilers. The drink itself is traced to Butte, Montana, in the 1890s, where it was first called the Sean O'Farrell.
Is a Boilermaker a drop shot?
It can be: dropping the shot glass into the beer is often called a depth charge. Here the shot glass is flipped upside down in the empty glass first and the lager is poured over it.
What is a shot of whiskey and a beer called?
In American terms it is a boilermaker. When the beer is kept separate as a chaser it is simply a shot and a beer, while Scotland's version — a small whisky beside a half pint — is a half and a half.
What whiskey is best for a Boilermaker?
Bourbon, as here, gives a sweet, warm note that carries through the beer; rye gives a spicier edge.
