Dragon's Breath Shot

The Dragon's Breath is a potent two-ingredient shot designed for those who enjoy a bit of heat with their drink. It is built in a shot glass by carefully layering cinnamon schnapps, often Goldschläger with its signature gold flakes, over a base of green herbal liqueur like Chartreuse. The name is a direct reference to the warming, almost "fiery" sensation that spreads through the chest after consumption. It's a popular choice for parties and dares, valued as much for the experience as for its taste.
Dragon's Breath Shot

Preparation

Preparation time: 2 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This drink is classified as a shot, specifically a layered shot. Its preparation method, which involves carefully floating one liqueur on top of another, is key to its identity and visual appeal.

Serving

Serve this potent, room-temperature drink in a standard shot glass. The total volume is small, but the alcohol content is relatively high for a shot.
Serving size
Approximately 60 ml / 2 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 30-45% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Room temperature
Glass type
Shot glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

There is no definitive, single origin story for the Dragon's Breath Shot. It is widely considered a modern creation that emerged from the American bar and party scene in the late 1990s or early 2000s. Its creation was likely driven by the popularity of potent, visually interesting shots and the availability of high-proof cinnamon schnapps. The name aptly describes the spicy kick delivered by the top layer.
Origin
The Dragon's Breath Shot is believed to have originated in the United States around the early 21st century. Its specific creator and location are unknown, as is common for many modern party shots.

Dragon's Breath Shot

The drink is consistently known as the Dragon's Breath Shot. Alternative names like Fiery Dragon Shot simply emphasize the intense, spicy sensation provided by the cinnamon schnapps component.
Original name
Dragon's Breath Shot
Alternative name
Fiery Dragon Shot

Characteristics overview

This shot presents a bold flavor profile dominated by sweet herbal notes and a powerful cinnamon spice, leaving a long, warming aftertaste. Its appearance is its main feature, with a distinct layered look of green and gold.
Flavor
Spicy, Sweet, Herbal, Cinnamon, Intense
Aroma
Cinnamon, Herbaceous, Sweet, Pungent
Taste balance
Sweet, Spicy
Aftertaste
Warming, Long, Spicy, Cinnamon
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Layered, Green (bottom), Clear/Golden (top), Gold flakes (if using Goldschläger)
Texture
Smooth, Liquid, Syrupy
Seasonality
Warming, All-Season

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is intensely sweet and spicy, with a notable alcohol strength. There is no fruitiness, creaminess, or carbonation, making it a very direct and potent shot.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

Only two key ingredients are needed for this shot: a dense green herbal liqueur for the base and a fiery cinnamon schnapps to float on top.
  • Green Herbal Liqueur30 ml / 1 oz
    Green Chartreuse is classic, but other green herbal liqueurs or even crème de menthe can be used for a different flavor.
  • Cinnamon Schnapps30 ml / 1 oz
    Goldschläger is the traditional choice due to its strong flavor and visible gold flakes, which enhance the visual effect.

Ice type

  • None

Mixing equipments

The only essential piece of equipment is a bar spoon, used to break the flow of the top liquid and create a clean layer.
  • Bar Spoon - for layering the liquids gently.

Instructions

The process involves carefully pouring the base liqueur, then using the back of a bar spoon to gently float the second liqueur on top to create a clean layered effect.
1. Pour the green herbal liqueur carefully into a standard shot glass, filling it about halfway.
2. Take a bar spoon, invert it (so the bowl is facing up), and lower the tip until it is just above the surface of the green liqueur, resting against the inner side of the glass.
3. Very slowly and steadily, pour the cinnamon schnapps over the back of the spoon. This will disperse the liquid, allowing it to float gently on top of the denser liqueur beneath it.
4. Continue pouring until the glass is full. The two liquids should form two distinct layers.
5. Serve immediately and consume in one go.

Garnishing

No garnish is required for this shot. Its visual appeal comes entirely from the distinct separation of the colorful layers within the glass.
  • None - The layered effect and gold flakes (if using Goldschläger) serve as the garnish.

Dietary Information

This shot is generally suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences as it is free from caffeine, dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten. It is also vegan and vegetarian friendly.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This shot is quite high in sugar and calories for its size, primarily due to the sugar content in both liqueurs. It contains a significant amount of carbohydrates from the sweeteners used.
Calories
averagely 160-180 kcal / 670-750 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
averagely 15-20 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
averagely 15-20 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This shot is best suited for high-energy social gatherings like parties or a lively night out with friends. It serves as a fun challenge or a celebratory toast, designed to be consumed quickly.
  • Party
  • Night Out
  • Celebration
  • Dare

Pairing suggestions

The Dragon's Breath is a party shot meant for quick consumption and is not typically paired with food. Its intense flavor profile would likely overpower most dishes.
  • Not applicable

Unleash the Fire: The Dragon's Breath Shot

The Dragon's Breath Shot is a simple yet impressive layered drink that delivers a powerful punch of both flavor and alcohol. Combining the complex, sweet notes of an herbal liqueur with the fiery spice of cinnamon schnapps, it creates a memorable experience. While its preparation requires a steady hand to achieve the distinct layers, the result is a visually appealing shot that is perfect for celebrations. It is best enjoyed quickly to experience the full warming sensation that gives the drink its name.

You May Also Like

Dry Martini

A timeless and elegant cocktail featuring gin and dry vermouth, stirred to perfection and served ice-cold.

Godfather

A simple yet sophisticated cocktail made with Scotch whisky and amaretto, known for its smooth, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor profile.

Chief Lapu Lapu

A fruity and potent classic tiki cocktail balancing aged rum with the tropical sweetness of passion fruit and orange, sharpened by fresh lime juice.

Spanish Coffee

A spectacular and warming cocktail featuring coffee, liqueurs, and a dramatic flaming, caramelized sugar rim.

Have You Tried These Yet?

Greenhorn

A refreshingly crisp and herbaceous tequila cocktail featuring muddled cucumber and mint.

Alaska Cocktail

A crisp, aromatic, and spirit-forward classic cocktail featuring gin and Yellow Chartreuse.

Shaddock Cocktail

A bright and refreshing gin sour beautifully balanced with tart grapefruit, floral elderflower, and a whisper of bitter aperitif.

Derby

A sophisticated and aromatic gin-based classic, beautifully balancing botanical notes with sweet vermouth and luscious apricot liqueur.