Everyone has layers, including shots. Shots usually contain two or three different layers, which bartenders shake together to make a drink with a smooth finish. But, what if you could separate those layers to create visually appealing shots? 

Once you learn how to layer shots by following the tutorial below, you can start having a bit more fun at your themed parties. You don’t need a reason to make this kind of drink. Floating cocktails are fun even on your average Friday night, and you can make them in your favorite colors. If you do want an occasion, you can make red, white, and blue drinks for patriotic get-togethers or rainbow shooters for your Pride event. Go ahead and get creative.

It’s time to delve into the science of the matter. Some liquids are heavier than others.  Just like your salad dressings separate on the shelf, drinks will separate when poured in a specific order (and aren’t shaken). This isn’t always the desired effect, but it can be if you’re interested in making fun shots with colorful layers. Read on to learn how to combine science and mixology in layered drinks.

How to make the best layered shot recipe: A complete guide

Welcome to the test kitchen, or rather, the test bar. 

1. To experiment, take two or three liquors off your bar (preferably in different colors) and pour the heaviest liquid into a shot glass. The idea is to always work from the heaviest to the lightest liquids in the drink. If you’re not sure which is the heaviest, you may need to experiment, but that’s not terrible if you drink the “accidents.”  Otherwise, a good rule of thumb is to start with very syrupy or thick liquids, like creams. Bailey’s for example, will sit nicely at the bottom of some shots, unless it’s paired with something even heavier, like a butterscotch liqueur. 

2. Then, add in the second liquor very slowly using the float technique. Hold a bar spoon backside up over the first layer. The tip of the spoon should nearly touch the liquid that’s already in the glass. Now, pour the second liquor into the glass over the back of the spoon. This technique helps you get a steady, controlled stream of liquid. As you pour in this second ingredient, move the spoon upwards. Don’t despair if the liquids run together a bit. As long as the weights are different enough, the ingredients will separate in time. 

3. Repeat Step 2 if you’re adding in more shot layers. If this process seems straightforward but you need some inspiration, read on to the next section for time-tested layered cocktail recipes that are almost guaranteed to work. For best results, concentrate on making one shot at a time. When you get the hang of layering, then you can try making a whole row of drinks.

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Classic layered shot recipes 

B-52 shot: ‍

For this shot, you’ll need Kahlua, Bailey’s Irish Cream, and Grand Marnier. Kahlua is the heaviest liquor here, so this will be your base. Then, following Step 2 from the tutorial on layered shots above, add in the Irish cream. Repeat with the Grand Marnier. Step back, and take a second to admire your creation, and then enjoy this rich, caramel-flavored shot. 

Red, white, and blue shots:

‍One of the most famous layered shots with grenadine is very patriotic. This drink takes advantage of this pomegranate liquid’s syrupy, heavy nature to make a vibrant red base layer. For your second layer, add white crème de cacao liqueur. Finish off your layered shot with blue curaçao. 

If you want to pre-measure your ingredients and you’re wondering how much of each ingredient normally goes into a layered drink, take the size of your shot glass and divide it by the number of layers. For example, if you use a 1-ounce shot glass for this recipe, which has three layers, you will need one-third ounce of each ingredient. 

Butterball:

‍All we can say is “yum.” This butterscotch-flavored, creamy shot tastes like candy with a kick. Plus, it’s easy to make and is an excellent recipe to start with if you’re a novice at layered shots. Your first layer is 1 ounce of butterscotch schnapps and the second is a one-half ounce of Irish cream liqueur.

Superman shot:

‍This is the kind of drink that gets “oohs and ahhs” from guests. It only contains three liquors but seems to include far more. The ingredients don’t separate fully, creating a stunning ombre effect. 

To make, start with a layer one-half ounce of Dr. McGillicuddy's cherry liqueur, then move on to the lighter liquids. Add in one-half ounce of Giffard Banane du Brésil banana liqueur, and finally, one-half ounce of UV Blue Vodka.

Bartender’s tip: You may be wondering why we’re mentioning such specific brands and varieties of ingredients in some of these shots. The reason is that the weight of liquors varies from brand to brand, and the varieties in these tutorials are known to separate well. You can try substitutions, but we can’t guarantee that the weights of the liquors will be different enough to create proper layers in your drinks. A different alcohol content can affect the weight of a layer, too.

Irish flag:

‍Take your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations to the next level with this tri-color shot. Bailey’s isn’t the heaviest of the bunch here, so don’t get ahead of yourself. 

To make, start with a layer of green crème de menthe liqueur. Then, add a layer of Irish cream liqueur. Finally, top off with an orange layer of Grand Marnier. These will be a nice interlude from the St. Patrick’s Day menu of Guinness and Jameson. 

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Gopuff has everything you need for your layered shot bartending experiments, including snacks to help soak up all those shots that didn’t come out exactly right and something to keep you entertained while they separate. Place your order and you’ll receive everything at your door in just minutes.