B-51

The B-51 is a visually striking layered shooter that substitutes the orange liqueur of its famous sibling, the B-52, for a rich hazelnut liqueur. This simple change transforms the flavor profile, creating a smoother, nuttier taste that perfectly complements the coffee and cream layers. It serves as a delicious after-dinner treat or a fun party starter. The key to its appeal lies in the careful layering technique, which results in distinct, beautiful bands of color in the glass.
B-51

Preparation

Preparation time: 2 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The B-51 is primarily categorized as a layered shot or shooter. Due to its sweet, rich profile, it is also considered an after-dinner cocktail or digestif, perfect for concluding a meal.

Serving

The B-51 is a small shot served neat at room temperature in a standard shot glass. Despite its size, it carries a moderate alcohol content of around 22% ABV.
Serving size
45 ml / 1.5 oz
Alcohol content
~22% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Room temperature
Glass type
Shot glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

The B-51 is a direct descendant of the iconic B-52 shooter, which is widely believed to have been created in the 1970s. The 'B-5x' series of shots are named after the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress bomber, a long-range strategic bomber used by the US Air Force. The different numbers in the series denote variations in the top layer of liqueur; for the B-51, the signature ingredient is a hazelnut liqueur like Frangelico.
Origin
The B-51's origin is tied to the popularity of the B-52 in North America, likely emerging in the 1980s or 1990s as bartenders and drinkers experimented with the original formula. It's a creative variation rather than a drink with a single, documented point of origin.

B-51

The drink is most commonly known as the B-51. The name is a variation of the more famous B-52, and it is sometimes written as B51 Shot to specify its nature as a shooter.
Original name
B-51
Alternative name
B51 Shot

Characteristics overview

This drink presents a beautiful three-layered appearance with a smooth, creamy texture. The flavor is dominated by sweet notes of hazelnut and coffee, with a warming, nutty aftertaste.
Flavor
Nutty, Coffee, Creamy, Sweet, Hazelnut
Aroma
Hazelnut, Roasted coffee, Sweet cream, Vanilla
Taste balance
Sweet
Aftertaste
Smooth, Warming, Nutty, Lingering sweetness
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Layered, Opaque, Dark brown base, Creamy white middle, Golden-brown top
Texture
Smooth, Creamy, Viscous, Silky
Seasonality
Warming, All-season

Flavor intensity & Experience

The B-51 has a pronounced sweet and creamy flavor profile, with a notable nutty character and moderate alcohol strength. It is entirely still, with no sour, salty, or spicy notes.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This shot requires three key liqueurs in equal parts: a coffee liqueur, an Irish cream liqueur, and a hazelnut liqueur. The specific gravity of each allows for the distinct layering effect.
  • Coffee Liqueur15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Kahlúa is the most common choice.
  • Irish Cream Liqueur15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Baileys Irish Cream is the standard.
  • Hazelnut Liqueur15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Frangelico is typically used.

Ice type

  • None

Mixing equipments

No shakers or mixing glasses are needed. The only essential piece of equipment is a bar spoon, used to gently pour the liqueurs and create the layers.
  • Bar spoon for layering

Instructions

The construction of a B-51 is all about technique. Carefully pour the liqueurs in order of density—coffee, Irish cream, then hazelnut—over the back of a spoon to create clean layers.
1. Pour the coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa) into the bottom of a shot glass.
2. Hold a bar spoon upside down over the shot glass, with the tip of the spoon just touching the inside of the glass, close to the surface of the first layer.
3. Slowly and gently pour the Irish cream liqueur (e.g., Baileys) over the back of the spoon. It should flow down the side of the glass and form a distinct layer on top of the coffee liqueur.
4. Repeat the process with the hazelnut liqueur (e.g., Frangelico), pouring it over the back of the spoon to create the third and final layer.
5. Serve immediately. The shot is typically consumed in one go.

Garnishing

The B-51 is traditionally served without a garnish. Its visual appeal comes entirely from the sharp, distinct layers of the liqueurs.
  • None

Dietary Information

This drink contains alcohol, caffeine from the coffee liqueur, dairy from the Irish cream, and nuts from the hazelnut liqueur. It is not suitable for those with dairy or nut allergies, or for vegans.
✓ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✕ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

For a small shot, the B-51 is relatively high in calories and sugar due to the liqueurs used. It contains approximately 130 calories and 16 grams of sugar per serving.
Calories
Averagely 130 kcal / 544 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 16g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 16g
Sugar level

Occasions

This sweet and potent shot is ideal for celebratory occasions and parties. It's also perfectly suited as a liquid dessert or an after-dinner digestif to cap off a nice meal.
  • Party
  • After-dinner
  • Celebration
  • Dessert drink

Pairing suggestions

The B-51's sweet, nutty, and coffee flavors make it an excellent partner for rich desserts, especially those with chocolate or coffee notes like tiramisu. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a liquid dessert to end a meal.
  • Chocolate desserts
  • Tiramisu
  • Cheesecake
  • As a standalone dessert course

The B-51: A Nutty Takeoff on a Classic Shot

The B-51 is a classic layered shot known for its distinct appearance and delicious, sweet flavor profile. A variation of the more famous B-52, it replaces orange liqueur with hazelnut liqueur, resulting in a nutty, creamy, and coffee-forward taste. While it requires a steady hand to layer correctly, the result is a rewarding and impressive shooter. It's a perfect party drink or a sweet finale to a dinner.

Similar shots

B-52

The classic version uses an orange liqueur (like Grand Marnier or Cointreau) as the top layer instead of hazelnut liqueur.

Variations

Flaming B-52

A B-52 where the top layer of high-proof orange liqueur is ignited before being consumed (quickly, with a straw). This is not recommended with the B-51 as Frangelico is lower proof.

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