The B-52 Shot is a popular shot, served on fire. It is made using three ingredients: Coffee Liqueur, Irish Cream Liqueur and Grand Marnier. The B-52 Shot recipe is believed to have been created in 1977 by bartender Peter Fich at Banff Springs Hotel in Alberta, Canada. He was a fan of the band, The B-52s, and named the recipe after them.
Related: Kamikaze Shot, Lemon Drop Shot, Green Tea Shot, Jello Shot, Mexican Candy Shot, Scooby Snack Shot, Flaming Dr. Pepper.
Ingredients
- Coffee Liqueur – Such as Kahlua.
- Irish Cream – Such as Bailey’s.
- Grand Marnier – Orange liqueur.
The best glass to serve a B-52 shot in is a tall shot glass. If you want to set it on fire, you can use a candle lighter or a kitchen torch.
Instructions
In a shot glass, begin by pouring a layer of Kahlua.
Next, slowly add a layer of Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur.
Last, pour a layer of Grand Marnier on the top.
(Optional) Serve with a flame on the top. *If you choose to set your shot on fire, be extra careful as the glass can become hot.
Tips for Making
- B-52 Cocktail – To turn this shot into a cocktail, just pour one ounce of each ingredient (rather than 1/3 an ounce) and serve it in a cocktail glass rather than a shot glass.
- Layering Tips – Use a bar spoon or the back of a spoon to pour each layer more slowly. Pouring from a shot glass rather than a bottle also helps to pour more slowly. The slower your pour, the cleaner each layer will appear.
- Variations – If you replace the Grand Marnier with Frangelico, it’s a B-51. In the B-53 recipe, Sambuca replaces the Irish cream. If you substitute the Grand Marnier for Amaretto, it becomes the B-54.
- Flame Tips – If you want to set your shot on fire, adding a thin layer of overproof rum to the top will help a lot.
More Layered Shot Recipes
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s in a B-52 Shot?
Kahlua Coffee Liqueur, Bailey’s Irish Cream and Grand Marnier Orange Liqueur.
Why is it called a B-52 Shot?
The B-52 drink recipe was named after the band, The B-52s. It was not named after the US B-52 Stratofortress bomber or the beehive hairstyle (although the band was named after the hairstyle).
Get our FREE recipe guide with our most popular recipes of all time!
Free Popular Recipe Guide
Our top 25 recipes of all time!
Get the Recipe
Learn to make a B-52 shot (or cocktail) using Kahlua, Bailey’s and Grand Marnier orange liqueur. Set on fire to serve (optional).
Instructions
-
In a shot glass, begin by pouring a layer of Kahlua.
-
Next, slowly add a layer of Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur.
-
Last, pour a layer of Grand Marnier on the top.
-
(Optional) Serve with a flame on the top. *If you choose to set your shot on fire, be extra careful as the glass can become hot.
Notes
- B-52 Cocktail – To turn this shot into a cocktail, just pour one ounce of each ingredient (rather than 1/3 an ounce) and serve it in a cocktail glass rather than a shot glass.
- Layering Tips – Use a bar spoon or the back of a spoon to pour each layer more slowly. Pouring from a shot glass rather than a bottle also helps to pour more slowly. The slower your pour, the cleaner each layer will appear.
- Variations – If you replace the Grand Marnier with Frangelico, it’s a B-51. In the B-53 recipe, Sambuca replaces the Irish cream. If you substitute the Grand Marnier for Amaretto, it becomes the B-54.
- Flame Tips – If you want to set your shot on fire, adding a thin layer of overproof rum to the top will help a lot.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
B-52 Shot
Amount per Serving
% Daily Value*
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
