B-57 Shot
The B-57 Shot is a visually striking layered drink, part of the B-50 series of cocktails named after American bomber aircraft. It builds upon the classic B-52 by swapping the top layer of orange liqueur for anise-flavored Sambuca. This change creates a unique flavor profile that combines rich coffee and smooth cream with a sharp, licorice finish. It's a popular choice for those who enjoy the art of a layered shot and a bold, memorable taste.
Preparation
Preparation time: 3 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The B-57 is categorized as a shot, specifically a layered shot or pousse-café. This classification is due to its small size, method of consumption (typically in one go), and its distinct, unmixed layers of different liqueurs. It belongs to a family of similarly constructed shots popular for their visual appeal.
Serving
The B-57 is a small, potent shot served neat at room temperature in a standard shot glass. Its appeal lies in its distinct layers, which are best viewed through clear glass.
Serving size
Approximately 45 ml / 1.5 oz
Alcohol content
Estimated 25-30% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Room temperature
Glass type
Shot Glass
Glass treatment
None
Backstory
The B-57, like its siblings in the B-50 series, is named after a US bomber aircraft, in this case, the Martin B-57 Canberra. It's a direct variation of the more famous B-52, likely created in the 1980s or 90s by bartenders experimenting with the original formula. The family of shots became popular for their impressive presentation and the challenge of layering them perfectly.
Origin
The exact origin is unknown, but it is an American creation that emerged as a variation of the B-52 cocktail, which was invented in the late 1970s. The B-57 likely appeared sometime in the 1980s as the trend of layered shots grew.
B-57 Shot
The name "B-57 Shot" is straightforward and follows the naming convention of the B-50 series of layered shots. It is sometimes written without the hyphen as "B57 Shot". The name itself is a direct reference to the Martin B-57 Canberra bomber aircraft.
Original name
B-57 Shot
Alternative name
B57 Shot
Characteristics overview
This shot presents a beautiful three-layered appearance and a smooth, syrupy texture. The flavor profile is dominated by sweetness, with strong notes of coffee and cream followed by a bold anise and licorice finish.
Flavor
Sweet, Coffee, Anise, Creamy, Licorice
Aroma
Coffee, Anise, Cream, Sweet
Taste balance
Sweet
Aftertaste
Warming, Sweet, Anise
Fizziness
None, Still
Color appearance
Layered, Dark brown, Creamy beige, Clear
Texture
Smooth, Creamy, Syrupy
Seasonality
All-season, Warming
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor is intensely sweet and creamy, with a pronounced alcohol presence. The dominant tastes are coffee and anise, with very little bitterness or sourness, resulting in a bold, dessert-like shot.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This shot requires three key liqueurs in equal parts: a coffee liqueur for the base, an Irish cream for the middle, and Sambuca for the top layer. The specific gravity of each is crucial for successful layering.
- Coffee Liqueur15 ml / 0.5 ozKahlúa is the most common brand used.
- Irish Cream Liqueur15 ml / 0.5 ozBaileys Irish Cream is the standard choice.
- Sambuca15 ml / 0.5 ozA clear Sambuca is used to maintain the distinct layered look.
Ice type
- None
Mixing equipments
The only essential piece of equipment is a bar spoon or a similar small spoon. It is used to break the flow of the liquid, allowing it to be poured gently and form distinct layers.
- Bar Spoon - used for carefully layering the liqueurs.
Instructions
The preparation involves carefully pouring each of the three liqueurs in a specific order over the back of a spoon. This technique ensures they remain separated and create the signature layered look of the shot.
1. Pour the coffee liqueur into the bottom of a shot glass to form the first layer.
2. Hold a bar spoon upside down over the glass, just above the first layer. Slowly pour the Irish cream liqueur over the back of the spoon, allowing it to gently flow on top of the coffee liqueur.
3. Using the same technique, slowly pour the Sambuca over the back of the spoon to create the third and final layer. Serve immediately.
Garnishing
The B-57 Shot is traditionally served without a garnish. Its distinct and colorful layers provide all the necessary visual appeal.
- None - The visual appeal comes from the layers themselves.
Dietary Information
This drink contains alcohol, caffeine from the coffee liqueur, and dairy from the Irish cream. It is not suitable for vegan diets or those with dairy allergies, and may contain soy.
✓ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✕ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This shot is high in sugar and carbohydrates due to the liqueurs used. It contains a moderate number of calories for its small size.
Calories
Averagely 110-130 kcal / 460-544 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 12-15 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 12-15 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This shot is perfect for lively social settings like parties and nights out with friends. Its unique flavor also makes it a suitable after-dinner digestif or a celebratory toast. It's a fun drink to make and share on special occasions.
- Party
- Night Out
- Celebration
- After-dinner Drink
Pairing suggestions
The B-57 is best enjoyed on its own as an after-dinner shot or a "dessert in a glass". Its sweet, rich flavors of coffee and anise complement sweet treats or can be enjoyed after a cup of espresso to round off a meal.
- Desserts
- Coffee
- On its own as a digestif
The B-57 Shot: A Layered Bomber of Flavor
The B-57 Shot is a classic layered shooter that offers a delightful visual and taste experience. It's a variation of the more famous B-52, replacing the top orange liqueur layer with anise-flavored Sambuca. This results in a sweet, creamy concoction with a distinct coffee and licorice flavor profile. While requiring a steady hand to prepare, the result is an impressive-looking and satisfyingly potent shot, perfect for parties and celebrations.
Similar Shots
You May Also Like
Piña Colada
A sweet and creamy blended tropical cocktail made with rum, pineapple juice, and coconut cream.
Barbados Rum Punch
A classic Caribbean cocktail from Barbados, famous for its rhyming recipe that perfectly balances sweet, sour, strong, and weak components.
Tequila Sunset
A visually stunning and fruity highball that swaps the Tequila Sunrise's red grenadine for a dark blackberry brandy float, creating a sunset effect.
Daiquiri No. 3
A refreshing and complex Cuban classic that balances white rum with the tartness of lime, the subtle sweetness of grapefruit, and a hint of maraschino liqueur.
Have You Tried These Yet?
T.N.T. Cocktail
A potent and aromatic pre-Prohibition classic featuring Canadian whisky, absinthe, and lemon juice.
The Gatlin
A rich and complex stirred cocktail that substitutes Old Tom Gin for whiskey in a Manhattan-style build.
Knickerbocker
A classic 19th-century rum sour balanced with sweet raspberry and a hint of orange liqueur.
Pharisäer
A warming German coffee cocktail made with strong coffee, dark rum, and sugar, topped with a thick layer of unsweetened whipped cream.