Ingredients
- 45 mL Gin
- 15 mL Triple Sec
- 30 mL Lemon Juice
- 1 teaspoon Marmalade
- Ice
- Lemon twist for garnish
Instructions
Chill Your Glass:
- Begin by placing a martini glass in the freezer to chill. This will ensure your cocktail stays cool and refreshing as you sip.
Mix the Ingredients:
- Fill a Boston shaker with ice to cool down the ingredients quickly.
- Add the gin, Cointreau (or Triple Sec), fresh lemon juice, and a teaspoon of marmalade to the shaker. The marmalade not only sweetens the drink but also adds a slight texture and complexity.
Shake:
- Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. Shaking helps to properly integrate the marmalade with the liquid ingredients and chills the mixture thoroughly.
Strain and Serve:
- Strain the mixture into the chilled martini glass to remove any large pieces of marmalade and ice shards.
Garnish:
- Garnish with a twist of lemon on the rim of the glass. This not only looks elegant but also adds a hint of citrus aroma which enhances the drink's flavors.
Video
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The Breakfast Shot is a modern invention, likely born in American bars sometime in the late 20th or early 21st century. It is a product of the trend for novel, often dessert-like, shots designed for quick consumption and a memorable experience. There is no singular origin story or definitive creator, rather it emerged organically in the bar scene.
This drink fits into the category of 'themed shots' or 'dessert shots' alongside creations like the Oatmeal Cookie or the Green Tea Shot. What separates the Breakfast Shot is its playful incorporation of breakfast staples, particularly the bacon garnish and orange juice chaser, which are integral to the full experience.
You would typically order or serve a Breakfast Shot at a lively brunch event, a pre-game gathering, or as a fun, last call novelty in a casual bar or pub. It is less about sophisticated mixology and more about a good time and a memorable flavor combination.
What it tastes like
The Breakfast Shot offers a unique interplay of sweet, savory, and bright flavors. The initial shot delivers the smooth warmth of Irish whiskey balanced by the rich, buttery sweetness of butterscotch schnapps. This is immediately followed by the tart, refreshing burst of orange juice, which cleanses the palate, and then capped off by the salty, smoky crunch of bacon, creating a full breakfast symphony.
Assuming a standard recipe of 1 oz Irish whiskey at 40 percent ABV and 1 oz butterscotch schnapps at 15 percent ABV, the resulting 2 oz shot would be approximately 27.5 percent ABV. To put that in perspective, a single Breakfast Shot contains roughly five to six times the alcohol of a standard 12 oz beer at 5 percent ABV. This is a potent shot, so pace yourself.
The technique
To build a Breakfast Shot, combine 1 oz Irish whiskey and 1 oz butterscotch schnapps in a shaker with ice. Shake well until thoroughly chilled, then strain into a shot glass. Serve immediately with a small side glass of orange juice and a crispy strip of cooked bacon. The proper technique is to shoot the liquid, follow with the orange juice, and then eat the bacon.
The one technique tip that matters most for the Breakfast Shot is to ensure your bacon is perfectly crisp. Chewy or undercooked bacon detracts significantly from the intended sweet and savory contrast. A perfectly crunchy strip provides the essential textural and flavor counterpoint.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Irish Whiskey
- Use
- Jameson is the standard choice here. Its smooth, approachable character provides a solid base without overpowering the other flavors.
- Skip
- Avoid heavily peated Scotch or overly spicy bourbons. Their dominant flavors will clash with the butterscotch and the breakfast theme.
- Why
- Irish whiskey brings a light sweetness and a clean finish that allows the butterscotch and the subsequent chasers to shine. It is the backbone of the shot.
Butterscotch Schnapps
- Use
- Any reputable brand of butterscotch schnapps will work well. Look for one that delivers a clear, sweet butterscotch flavor.
- Skip
- Do not substitute with butterscotch syrup or caramel liqueur. The syrup lacks the alcohol content and the liqueur often has a different flavor profile.
- Why
- This ingredient provides the signature sweet, buttery note that makes the shot taste like a dessert or a breakfast treat. It is essential for the concept.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Pancake Shot
- Maple twist on the breakfast theme
- Substitute the butterscotch schnapps with maple syrup and add a dash of cinnamon whiskey for a different morning flavor.
French Toast Shot
- Spiced and creamy breakfast indulgence
- Swap butterscotch for a cinnamon liqueur and add a splash of cream liqueur. Serve with a sprinkle of nutmeg instead of bacon.
Maple Bacon Shot
- Amplifying the savory sweet
- Infuse your Irish whiskey with bacon for a few hours, then combine with butterscotch schnapps and a small amount of maple syrup. Still serve with an OJ chaser.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
A smooth Canadian whisky or even a light blended Scotch can work in a pinch, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.
A caramel liqueur can offer a similar sweetness, or try a mix of vanilla liqueur and a dash of brown sugar syrup.
Pineapple juice can offer a different tropical fruit chaser, or simply skip the chaser if you prefer a straight shot.
A small sausage link or a savory cracker can provide a similar salty, savory contrast, but bacon is truly the star here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Breakfast Shot?
A Breakfast Shot typically contains Irish whiskey and butterscotch schnapps, served with an orange juice chaser and a strip of cooked bacon.
Is the bacon mixed into the drink?
No, the bacon is typically served on the side as a garnish or a chaser to be eaten after the liquid shot.
Is the Breakfast Shot served hot or cold?
The liquid portion of the Breakfast Shot is always served cold, shaken with ice, while the bacon is usually warm or room temperature.
Can I make a Breakfast Shot without bacon?
Yes, you can, but you will miss out on a significant part of the 'breakfast' experience and the unique sweet and savory flavor combination.
What kind of whiskey works best in a Breakfast Shot?
Smooth, easy-drinking Irish whiskey like Jameson is the preferred choice, as it blends well with the sweet schnapps without being too assertive.
Is a Breakfast Shot a strong drink?
Yes, at approximately 27.5 percent ABV, it is a potent shot, significantly stronger than most beers.
When is the best time to drink a Breakfast Shot?
It is popular for brunch, pre-game gatherings, or as a fun, themed shot at the end of a night out.
What is the best way to drink a Breakfast Shot?
The common method is to first drink the whiskey and schnapps shot, then chase it with the orange juice, and finally eat the strip of bacon.
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