Stars and Stripes Shot
A berry and herbal cocktail ∙ Layer ∙ 2 min ∙ 34.8% ABV ∙
The Stars and Stripes Shot layers crème de cassis, maraschino and a green herbal liqueur into three distinct colored bands in a shot glass.
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 Cassis 15 mlMaraschino liqueur 15 mlHerbal liqueur (e.g., Green Chartreuse) 15 ml
Tips
- Pour each layer slowly over the back of a bar spoon, in recipe order: crème de cassis first, then maraschino, then the herbal liqueur on top.
History
The Stars and Stripes Shot belongs to the pousse-café family of layered drinks, and this specific recipe traces to Harry Craddock's Savoy Cocktail Book, published in 1930. Despite the patriotic name (a nickname for the U.S. flag), the layers run purple-red, clear, and green rather than red, white, and blue.
The pousse-café format itself is older, originating in 19th-century France as an after-dinner layering of liqueurs served alongside coffee. Today the shot is best known as a novelty drink for American patriotic occasions.
FAQ
What is in a Stars and Stripes Shot?
Three liqueurs, 15 ml each, layered in this order: crème de cassis, maraschino liqueur, then an herbal liqueur such as green Chartreuse on top. Chill the liqueurs and the glass first; it helps the layers stay separate.
