Frequently asked questions
The combination is so classy, we’ve recreated it here as a slow sipping after dinner drink in a stemmed cocktail glass. You can drink it either way, but we prefer enjoying it rather than downing it as a shot! This classic pairing of coffee, cream and orange became an instant hit, and it’s spawned all sorts of variations (including a flaming B52 shot). The B52 shot layers equal parts of these ingredients, which each float in separate layers due to their density:
Coffee liqueur (Kahlua, Tia Maria, or other) Irish cream (Baileys or other) Orange liqueur (Grand Marnier, Cointreau or Triple Sec)
Pour in the Kahlua first. Gently pour in the Irish cream over the back of a spoon. Pouring it over a spoon slows it down, allowing it to float on top of the Kahlua. Gently pour the Grand Marnier over the back of a spoon. This one will look a little less defined, especially if you’re making it in a cocktail glass. Speaking of that…
So, we like to make a B 52 cocktail in a cocktail glass! Here’s what to know about the differences:
Use 1 ounce of each ingredient (instead of ½ ounce for the shot). The separation of the orange liqueur layer will not be as definitive in a cocktail glass. Because it’s larger, the layer looks muddier. That’s ok! Stir it up before sipping! If you don’t, you’ll get a big gulp of Grand Marnier on first sip. You’ll want to stir the flavors so they meld together.
Kahlua is a coffee liqueur that’s made in Mexico: it’s made with rum, sugar and coffee (no dairy!). It does have some caffeine, but only about 25% as much as the same volume of coffee. How much does Kahlua cost? It’s relatively inexpensive: it costs about $15 to $20 for a large 750 ml bottle. What are substitutes? Try other types of coffee liqueur, like Tia Maria or Sheridan’s. What other cocktails use Kahlua? There are so many other great Kahlua drinks: try the classic White Russian or Black Russian, a frosty Bushwacker, or an Espresso Martini.
Grand Marnier is classic: it’s the most high end of all orange liqueurs. It’s a mixture of Triple Sec and Cognac and has a sophisticated, developed flavor, with notes of vanilla and oak. Cointreau is another great option: it’s a clear, orange-flavored liqueur with a lightly sweet, citrus perfume flavor. You can also use it to make a classic Margarita. Triple Sec is any clear dry orange-flavored liqueur. In most liquor stores, bottles labeled Triple Sec are lower in quality and more affordable than Cointreau. It has a straightforward orange flavor: it’s very citrusy, almost like an orange-infused vodka.
5 from 1 review
