How to Make a B-52 Cocktail: B-52 Shot Recipe

The B-52 is a cocktail built and served in a shot glass, that is made with equal parts coffee liqueur, Irish cream liqueur, and orange-flavored liqueur. The shot takes advantage of the specific density of each liqueur, and is typically served “layered,” or poured carefully so that each liqueur forms a distinct layer in the glass. The B-52 is rich, sweet, and visually appealing, making it one of the more well-known shot recipes.

The most likely origin of the B-52 drink recipe is with Peter Fich, head bartender at the Banff Springs Hotel in Alberta. Fich liked to name his creations after his favorite bands, which means that the B-52 cocktail was named after the popular band, the B-52s, and not after the B-52 Stratofortress bomber.

The B-52 is a layered shot famous for having a wide number of variations. Here are some of the most common:

1. 1. Flaming B-52: Set on fire before being served; often topped with a thin layer of overproof rum for easy lighting
2. 2. B-51: Substitutes Frangelico hazelnut liqueur for orange liqueur
3. 3. B-52 in the desert: Substitutes tequila for Irish cream
4. 4. B-53: Substitutes sambuca for Irish cream
5. 5. B-54: Substitutes amaretto almond liqueur for orange liqueur
6. 6. B-55: Substitutes absinthe for orange liqueur
7. 7. B-57: Substitutes peppermint schnapps for Irish cream