B 52
A layered coffee‑orange‑cream shooter with striking visual contrast.
Base spirit
Liqueur
Style
Dessert
Glassware
Shot glass
Technique
Build
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.
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.
Missing a bottle? See smart swaps in Learn.
How to make the B 52
- 1 coffee liqueur.
- 2 Irish cream.
- 3 orange liqueur.
