Classic Bar Shots: The B-52

This drink, or shot, fits into several categories to all of whom this is a first here at Canadian Cook. The B=52 is a layered shot, by that we mean the drink is built in the glass in such a way that each alcohol is distinctively separate from the others. Special care needs to go into this technique, often pouring the alcohol over the back of a bar spoon, but to some it is well worth it. It is also worth mentioning that the densest alcohol should be located on the bottom in order to keep the alcohols from blending.

While this week we are taking a look at the B-52 shot, there is actually an entire family of B-50 shots. All of these drinks contain both Irish cream and coffee liqueur but each member of the family has a different third spirit which can offer some fun variables and different tastes for those of you who are interested enough to check them out.

The B-52 consists of Irish Cream, coffee liqueur and orange liqueur (Grand Marnier, Cointreau or Triple Sec). This is a relatively light shot focusing more on blend of flavours. The orange balances well off of the coffee and cream notes in an alcoholic specialty coffee shot of sorts.

The shot itself:

1/3 Irish Cream

1/3 Coffee liqueur

1/3 Orange liqueur

Delicately pour each ingredient over a bar spoon and into a shot glass. Be careful not to pour too aggressively and disrupt the definitive layers of each. As mentioned earlier, the order of the alcohols does matter, so pour them in the order they are listed here.

This is a shot that can sneak up on you, have your fun but please do drink responsibly.