B 52


A layered coffee‑orange‑cream shooter with striking visual contrast.


Base spirit
Liqueur
Style
Dessert
Glassware
Shot glass

The B‑52 stacks coffee liqueur, Irish cream, and orange liqueur into a clean three‑layer shot. Its flavor is sweet, creamy, and candy‑like with hints of mocha and orange. Precision pouring ensures distinct layers. Despite its simplicity, it remains one of the most recognizable layered cocktails.


A B-52 shot with perfectly separated three layers.

Ingredients

Servings
  • 0.5 oz coffee liqueur
  • 0.5 oz Irish cream
  • 0.5 oz orange liqueur

Did you know?

The B‑52’s name references the B‑52 Stratofortress bomber; bar historians note it rose to fame in 1970s and 80s fern bars.

Source:Imbibe; cocktail folklore archives

Bartender's Note

Pour over the back of a spoon to preserve layers.

How to make the B 52

  1. 1Layer coffee liqueur.
  2. 2Float Irish cream.
  3. 3Float orange liqueur.

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