Layers: the Art of Layered Shots

Orange Grappaccino

2008-12-28T22:12:00.000-08:00

I found some leftover grappa, so I tried to utilize it. Layer equal amounts, in this order:

Kahlua
Grand Marnier
grappa

Uh! Pack some punch (I guess grappa was not quite as old as I thought), but all in all a delicious drink!

Springtime

2008-11-05T21:17:00.000-08:00

Springtime - good name, as the drink is green and yellow, and generally delightful. I am afraid I have picked a wrong glass for it though. Perhaps a shorter and wider glass would be looking better.
To make springtime, layer equal amounts (about 1/2 ounce each):

Midori (a melon liquor)
whisky
white rum

The top, clear layer of rum cannot be seen, but it can be felt!

Sweet red, white and blue.

2008-10-29T20:44:00.000-07:00

This one is just for looks: patriotic, flag colors. Just right in time for the elections. One can impress the guests during the victory party with that. But, unfortunately, it is way too sweet. And the alcohol content is rather low...
To create the sweet red, white and blue, layer carefully:

one part grenadine,
one part creme de cacao, and
one part blue curacao.

Enjoy. Follow with a shot of straight vodka to balance the sweetness.

After 20:00 hours

2008-10-06T19:20:00.000-07:00

This one took some experimentation, finally I settled for:

3 part chocolate liquor, (Godiva in my case), and
2 part peppermint schnapps (Rumple Minze).

I tried different proportions. 1:1 (1/2 ounce and 1/2 ounce) but it was too minty. 2:1 (1 ounce Godiva and 1/2 ounce peppermint) was too sweet. 3:2 was just perfect.

I tried to come up with a good name for this, but 'After Eight' was the only thing coming to my head. I thought it may be trademarked, or something, so I've decided that 'After twenty hundred hours' would do just fine.

Stars End

2008-07-08T21:03:00.000-07:00

Layered:

Kahlua (1/3 oz)
Irish Cream (1/2 oz)
Cognac (1/2 oz)

First I tried it with equal amounts of the liquors, but then the Kalhua is slightly overpowering. The second one had less Kalhua but more taste. This drink is a mellower version of the ever popular B-52 (why don't I have an entry for it yet?).

As to the Cognac, I have used Hennessy, but I believe any would do.

Emerald isle

2008-06-29T15:17:00.000-07:00

This one consists of:

Midori (a melon liquer),
Blue Curacao,
Vodka (as usual, straight from freezer),

in equal parts. My vodka of choice is Zubrowka, even though it does have a pronounced taste of its own.

This drink is excellent, just a tad too sweet for me.

Marsh

2008-02-27T19:21:00.000-08:00

Since the last one was a bit too sweet, this time I tried it without the Curacao. Bingo! I call it Marsh, as it seems to be a bit muddy:

bottom half: ice cold peppermint schnapps

top half: Jägermeister.

Cool, refreshing and herbal. Just what is needed after heavier, fattier dinner. For the schnapps I use, as usual, the Rumple Minze Peppermint Schnapps.

Oil Spill

2008-02-23T19:27:00.000-08:00

Also known as "Alaskan Oil Slick".

bottom 1/3: blue curacao

middle 1/3: peppermint schnapps

top 1/3: jägermeister

All of these should be ice cold, preferably from the freezer (except the curacao). For the peppermint schnapps I use Rumple Minze Peppermint Schnapps, as I like its more natural taste, but really, any will do.

All in all this one was a bit of disappointment, the Blue Arctic beats this one by a mile.

Grand Slam

2008-02-23T19:18:00.000-08:00

This one is a winner:

First, shake 1 oz orange juice, 1oz gin and 1/2 oz Grand Marnier with ice.

Pour in glass, and add splash (1/4 teaspoon) of grenadine.

Really delicious, and pretty (even though the layers are a bit fuzzy).

Blue Arctic

2008-02-20T11:52:00.000-08:00

This is a simple one:

bottom half: blue curacao
top half: vodka

Vodka must be kept in freezer, or else the drink will not work. I use the best vodka in the world, "Zubrowka", but any will do.

Creating a layered shot

2008-02-20T11:40:00.000-08:00

Creating a layered shot is easier than I expected. The key to the success is the steady hand, and a teaspoon. (And, of course, an idea of what can go into it.)

I pour the first layer straight into the shot glass. Carefully, since splashing liqueur on the walls of the glass makes for an ugly drink. All the layers after that, I pour on the back of a teaspoon inserted into the glass, just like that:

After that it is simple: tip the glass into my mouth, taste the stuff for few seconds, and gulp it down! The "tasting phase" is important (for me). The layered shots would loose much of their charm if I just quaff them like a medicine...