How to Layer a Shot
A layered shot involves using liquors, liqueurs, syrups or cream to create a layered effect in a shot glass. These shots are visually pleasing and fun to include at parties. Layered shots can be tricky. Give yourself a few chances to practice so that by the time you make layered shots for friends you will look like an old pro. Don't be afraid to experiment with flavors either. The perks of a layered shot is that you can use more syrups or liqueurs; it doesn't have to be a mix of strong alcohols. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Choose liquors, syrups or liqueurs that will look cool as a layered shot. The visual appeal is a big reason to make a layered shot and all golden liquor doesn't achieve that effect very well.
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Organize the ingredients by gravity. The higher the gravity, the more the liquor will sink to the bottom of the shot glass. Not knowing the gravity of your liquor is a common reason many people's layered shots end up mixing.
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Decide how much of each ingredient to pour. For example, if you have a liquor, liqueur and cream, you probably only need a thin layer of cream to float on top but more liquor on the bottom.
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Pour the first layer directly into the shot glass. Don't let it pour on the sides of the glass or splash, otherwise the next ingredient will mix and disturb the layering effect.
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Pour the second layer into the glass using the back of a bar spoon to pour the ingredient over the back of the spoon and along the side of the glass. Keep the spoon just above the last ingredient and pour slowly to make sure the layers don't mix.
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Allow the layers to stabilize and then serve the shot.
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References
- "The New York Bartender's Guide": Sally Ann Berk: 1997
- "The Little Black Book of Cocktails": Virginia Reynolds & Kerren Barbas: 2003
- "The Modern Mixologist: Contemporary Classic Cocktails": Tony Ganim, Mario Batali & Mary Elizabeth Faulkner: 2010
- "Big Bad-Ass Book of Cocktails": Paul Knorr: 2010
- Super Cocktails: Layering Cocktails Specific Gravity Chart