B-52 Shot

About the B-52 Shot

The B-52 is the shot that taught a generation how to layer. It stacks three liqueurs into tidy brown, cream and amber bands: coffee-rich Kahlua on the bottom, silky Irish cream in the middle, and orange-scented Grand Marnier on top. Taken in one go it drinks like a boozy tiramisu, warm and dessert-like rather than harsh.

How to get clean layers

Layering comes down to density: the sweeter, syrupier liqueur is heavier and sinks. Pour the coffee liqueur first, then float the Irish cream slowly over the back of a bar spoon held just above the surface, and finish with the Grand Marnier the same way. Go slowly, because speed is what muddies the bands. There is a full walk-through in our guide to how to layer a shot.

Variations and notes

• No Grand Marnier? Triple sec is a fine, slightly simpler stand-in for the top layer.
• Swap the coffee liqueur for dark creme de cacao to push it toward a chocolate-orange flavor.
• You will sometimes see the top layer flamed. We do not recommend it: it adds real risk without improving the drink, and it should never be done near guests.

Once you have this one down, try its cousins on the layered shots page.