Layered B52 Shot (Easy Cocktail Recipe) + Video

A B52 Shot is a silky smooth, creamy, and rich layered shot. The perfect party drink, this gorgeous cocktail is super easy to make with only 3 ingredients! The B52 drink goes down smoothly and will bring life to any party!! Grab your shot glass, and get ready to pour! It’s the best shot recipe – ever! 

What do you get when you combine chocolate, coffee, and orange flavors? The most delicious shooter you’ve ever tried! 

You don’t need to be a master bartender to make a mind-blowing drink, and this layered cocktail proves it.

People will stare in awe at the bottom layer, middle layer, and top layer – and want to know how you got your layering skills! 

Cocktail enthusiasts love this eye-catching shot because of the fun, distinct layers. It’s one of the most popular shots, and you’re about to see why. 

You can use different brands of alcohol for this recipe, but the ones listed on the recipe card really are the best way. 

They give the perfect creamy texture with a subtle blend of coffee that proves why this B-52 recipe is the best. 

The detailed instructions are on the recipe card below so be sure to pay attention as there is a specific order that has to happen with this classic drink. 

Don’t stress – it is a simple construction, but one that has to be followed! 

B52 Shot

This cocktail is just SO gorgeous, it will make you thirsty with just one look — and the B-52 drink is a snap to make!  The recipe card below gives you all the details to get the desired look – with ease! 

All you need are the ingredients, the right glasses, a bit of technique, and bam! This decadent, rich Irish Cream and Kahlua shot will have everyone satisfied. 

I’m also obsessed with pairing drinks with great desserts. Personally, I think that a B 52 shot goes really well with something sweet, like a cookie. 

I recommend toffee caramel and Italian wedding cookies.

Do you enjoy simple cocktails that are extra sweet? If so, make a mocha express!

B-52 Cocktail Ingredients

• Coffee Liqueur – Kahlua is the tried and true ingredient for a B52 shot. This liqueur is smooth and sweet, but it’s rich enough that the flavor is never lost among others.
  
  Amaretto is pretty popular as well, but any coffee liqueur with crème de cacao will work in a B52 drink.
  
• Irish Cream liqueur – Irish cream is, well, creamy. It also has a vanilla flavor, which makes it nice and smooth. 
  
  When choosing a brand, you can’t go wrong with Baileys! Another popular cocktail to make with Irish cream is a Kahlua mudslide.
  
• Orange Liqueur – This liqueur has a very warm, somewhat spicy, and delicious mix of bitter and sweet flavors. 
  
  I use Grand Mariner in this recipe, but triple sec is also often used.

Tips for Flawless Layered Shots

• Keep the ingredients refrigerated. This drink is most delicious when chilled, so definitely don’t use room-temperature B-52 cocktail ingredients when whipping this one together.
  
• Use the right type of glassware. This cocktail is shooter-sized because there are three layers. 
  
  Use tall shot glasses to accommodate (and show off!) all 3 layers of your B 52 shot!

How to create gorgeous separate layers 

To make a layered cocktail, carefully tip the glass and pour each liqueur down the side of the shot glass.

This way you won’t disrupt each layer, giving you a gorgeous presentation! Just have a steady hand, and with a little practice, you’ll be a b-52 shot pouring expert in no time. 

You can also place a spoon upside down in the glass and pour the ingredients over the back of the spoon. It’s a neat trick to make you look like a master bartender.

B-52 Drink Recipe FAQ

B 52 Shot Variations

There are a ton of different versions of this cocktail! 

• B52 with Bombay Doors – Build this classic shooter with Bombay gin 
• B52 in the Desert – Use gold tequila in place of the Irish Cream
• B52 with a Full Payload – Add a 4th layer of Frangelico and top it all off with a flaming layer of Bacardi 151

If you really want to experiment, break out your liqueurs and mixers and create something truly unique with your B-52 cocktail ingredients!

• B51 – Made with Frangelico hazelnut liqueur rather than orange
• B53 – Replaces Irish cream with some sugary Sambuca
• B54 – Made with Amaretto almond liqueur 
• B55 – Swaps absinthe for the orange liqueur
• B57 – Uses peppermint schnapps in place of Irish cream — perfect for the holidays!

Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours. 

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Other Easy Cocktail Recipes

Originally published October 2012., updated and republished April 2025

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