Mount Fuji

I have seen this recipe somewhere on the web, but can't remember the name given to this drink. Since it is green, brown, and (what was supposed to be) white, just like a mountain capped with snow, I decided to call it Mount Fuji in honor of Midori's Japanese roots.
Really delicious. not too sweet, not too heavy, light on alcohol, truly worth your while.

To prepare Mount Fuji, layer carefully:

• Midori
• espresso
• cream

I used decaf espresso, and poured it while still hot. I guess regular espresso would have been as good, and would have the additional benefit of caffeine, but it was too late when I prepared this drink. For the cream I used heavy whipping cream, but I believe something lighter would not hurt at all. Also, slightly less cream and slightly more Midori may make this shot even better.

Enjoy!

Orange Grappaccino

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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...