Layering shots is an art form that is easy to master, but most importantly it’s extremely impressive and makes you the godfather of cocktails for the night. All you need is a spoon and a steady hand to unleash greatness, and before you know it you’ll be creating shots awe-inspiring someone will name their kid after you. 

Layering shots is an art form that is easy to master, but most importantly it’s extremely impressive and makes you the godfather of cocktails for the night. All you need is a spoon and a steady hand to unleash greatness, and before you know it you’ll be creating shots so awe-inspiring someone will name their kid after you.

Alcohol can be layered because each one has its own specific gravity, or weight for those of you who didn’t pay attention in chemistry. You’ll want to find out the specific gravity of the liquors you intend to layer before you begin. Here's a handy guide. 

A quick lesson in gravity:

  • Creme liqueurs are the heaviest, normally between 1.10-1.18. 
  • Fruit liqueurs typically go from 1.04- 1.10. 
  • Schnapps are normally in the 1.05-1.03 range.
  • Brandy clocks in between 1.06-1.04.
  • Hard liquor, like vodka, whiskey and gin each tend to have a specific gravity of less than 1.00.

Badass tip: top off a layered shot with some Bacardi 151(.98) and set that bitch on fire!

Gravity is as gravity does, so start with the heaviest alcohol on the bottom when you’re first learning. Once you begin to master this craft you’ll be able to defy gravity and hear panties hit the floor.

Let’s get to business:

  • Pour your first libation straight into the glass being careful not to slosh it all over. This is all about presentation after all. 
  • Next, grab your trusty spoon and your next lightest alcohol.
  • Flip the spoon upside down and touch it to the edge of the shot glass just above the liquor at the bottom.
  • Slowly pour the sweet nectar over the back of the spoon.

  • Gently raise the spoon so that you’re always just above the shot.
  • Repeat this step with as many types of alcohol as your heart desires and your glass will hold.

That's it, now you can pour shots so pretty that nobody will want to drink them.  That is until they remember this is a party not a gallery, and they came to get down. 

Now let’s practice.

Pick me Up
1/2 oz Coffee Liqueur
1/2 oz Irish Cream
1/2 oz Hazelnut Liqueur 

 

Bomb Pop Shot
1/3 oz Grenadine
1/3 oz Lemon vodka
1/3 oz Blue Curacao

Buttery Nipple
1 oz Butterscotch Schnapps
1/2 oz Irish Cream

Oil Spill
1/2 oz Goldschlager
1.2 oz Jagermeister

Remember, pour slowly and be patient. If your shots start mixing together at the end of the night, put down the spoon and walk away from the bar. 

Cheers!