The question behind this drink was whether it was named for the B-52 bomber or the B-52s, the 80’s/90’s alternative rock band (Love Shack, Rock Lobster).  Personally, either one would be awesome. The B-52 shot was however, named for the band by Peter Fich the head bartender at Banff Sprigs Hotel, Alberta, Canada in 1977. Does it matter really how it got it’s name, though? I’m glad it’s here so thank you, Pete!  I do like the B-52’s though, the group, and Love Shack is one of my all-time favorite songs.  

The B-52 shot is now a part of my drink repetoire! I have to admit, the idea of mixing Kaluah and Grand Marnier weirded me out a little at first. Orange liqueur isn’t my thing, but the marriage coffee, cream and citrus is a celebration of flavor! It’s only a shot, and until you master the layering of each liqueur it can be a little tricky to make, but it’s so easy to get a little carried away and drink a few of them before you know it. It’s very delicious.

This Is How You Start the Party!

The B-52 has only three ingredients. They each stand very well on their own strength. Together, they hit the “damn that’s good” trifecta of well…goodness. The hook, the thing that makes this such a great party drink and makes you look like a bartending wizard is the layering, the alchemy that makes it so f’n cool. It’s all about the specific gravity of each liqueur. Cocktail Hunter has a useful chart that gives a brief explanation and a specific gravity chart chart that’s helpful if you’d like to experiment and create your own layered drink.

The New York Sour is another layered drink that floats red wine on a sour cocktail. This classic cocktail is awesome in its own right, but it doesn’t have that same vibe you get from the B-52.

There are many variations of the B-52 using a variety of swap outs, the B-53 calls for replacing Bailey’s for Sambuca, or the B-54 switching out the Grand Marnier for Amaretto. Or, you could set the B-52 aflame in which case, it is now called appropriately a Flaming B-52.  Though I would venture a guess that by the time you’re ready to start putting fire to the B-52, you’ve probably already had too many.  So, don’t try that.

How to make a B-52 Shot

The B-52 is a layered drink, but it’s not rocket science and it’s fun getting there. It tastes better cold, so I recommend chilling the liqueurs.

Ingredients

⅓ oz Kahlua
⅓ Bailey’s Irish Cream
⅓ Grand Marnier

You’ll also need a shot glass and a spoon.

Pour Kahlua as your first layer.  For your second layer using  a bar spoon, if you don’t have a bar spoon, any spoon will do. Place the spoon in the glass, bowl side facing down and close to the glass, slowly pour the Bailey’s Irish Cream over the spoon. The Bailey’s Irish Cream should lay on top of the Kahlua creating the second layer.  Finally, repeat the process topping off the shot with Grand Marnier slowly pouring it over the spoon. Click here to visit Tip Hero’s You Tube video to see it done.

Enjoy and sip slow!