Flatliner
/

Flatliner
Cocktail recipe

Rating

3.84 / 5
The Flatliner is a distinctive cocktail that melds the anise-flavored sweetness of sambuca with the clean, neutral spirit of vodka. This concoction is intensified by the fiery kick of Tabasco sauce, offering a spicy undertone that contrasts sharply with the other ingredients. Served in a cocktail glass, the Flatliner presents a unique layered appearance and delivers a bold, multi-dimensional tasting experience. Often featuring in the repertoire of daring drinkers, this cocktail is known for its potent flavor profile and is a conversation starter at any gathering.
Check out all our FAQ's on this cocktail
Base ingredient
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sambuca
Calories
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
100 calories
Alcohol content
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
39% | 1.17 units *

Cocktail glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Serves:
-
+

Method
How to make a Flatliner

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Add the sambuca to a cocktail glass, then slowly pour the Tabasco sauce on top so it forms a layer
Then carefully float the vodka on top of them all and serve

Power tips
Elevate the Flatliner with these master mixologist tips

Upgrade to premium

And receive world class tips on how to raise your cocktails to the next level.

Find out more
Subscribe to premium to receive power tips from top bartenders around the world. Raise you mixology game.
Read the tweaks that take this simple cocktail to the next level of greatness. Become the next best mixologist which people all talk about.

Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

·  Layer  ·  Float  · 

Your private tasting notes

~ Register as a user for free to create tasting notes, save your bar and more ~

Can you make this?

Add the ingredients you have at home to your My Bar and we'll show you what cocktails you can make. Start off by adding the ingredients you have for this cocktail using the plus icons.

Comments

No comments yet…

You need to be a user with a verified email to comment on cocktails. Login / register

Featured in

~ Not featured in any of your lists, or any public lists, register as a user to create a list and add this cocktail. We'll then show the lists here ~

FAQ's

Ingredient substitutions icon

Can I substitute Sambuca with another liquor in a Flatliner?

Yes, you can substitute Sambuca with another anise-flavored liquor, like Anisette or Ouzo, to maintain the cocktail's distinct licorice taste. However, this may slightly alter the drink's original flavor profile.

Preparation techniques icon

How do I properly layer the ingredients in a Flatliner?

To layer a Flatliner, start by pouring Sambuca into your glass as the base. Then, using the back of a spoon or a pourer, gently pour the vodka over the Sambuca. Finally, add a dash of Tabasco sauce on top. The density of the liquids allows them to layer if poured slowly and carefully.

Serving suggestions icon

What’s the best way to serve a Flatliner?

A Flatliner is best served in a chilled cocktail glass. Consider chilling your glass in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes before preparing the cocktail to keep it cold. Serve immediately after layering the ingredients to appreciate the distinct layers before they mix.

Alcohol content comparison icon

How does the alcohol content of a Flatliner compare to that of other classic cocktails?

With an alcohol content of 39%, the Flatliner is considerably stronger than many classic cocktails such as the Margarita or the Mojito, which typically have alcohol contents ranging from 10% to 20%. This makes the Flatliner a potent choice best enjoyed in moderation.

Ingredient specifics icon

Why is Tabasco Sauce used in a Flatliner, and can it be considered a key ingredient?

Tabasco Sauce adds a unique spiciness that contrasts with the sweet and herbal flavors of Sambuca and vodka, creating a complex and memorable taste experience. It's considered a key ingredient because it provides the distinctive kick that sets the Flatliner apart from other cocktails.

Upgrade your mixology

Become a member for free taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11. Or become a premium member to rise to cocktail greatness.

  • Save your bar forever
  • Access to our Cocktail Creator, allowing you to create your own wonderful concoctions.
  • Create personalised cocktail menus for all your events, bars or parties
  • Save cocktails to personalised 'Tried' and 'Want to try' lists
  • Create and record tasting notes on cocktails
  • Create lists of cocktails to share with friends and family
  • A personalised MyBar URL, allowing you to share everything you can make with friends
  • And much more ... (what to buy next, measurement choices, search personalisation...)

The Ultimate Christmas Cocktail Hub

The ultimate destination for all things Christmas and Cocktails. Crate your own Christmas cocktail, cocktail advent calendars, a host of Christmas themed cocktails and more.

Filter by Christmas cocktails that contain a certain ingredient, or just browse them all. The go-to location this Christmas.

Let's go

Create your own cocktail menu!

Use our interactive cocktail menu creator for free, and create wonderful looking cocktail menus for your next party, gathering or bar.

Great looking pre-built designed themes, group your cocktails, choose what to show on them and a host more options.

Get creating
build your bar

Create a cocktail

Choose a theme and some ingredients, give us some description and we'll create an amazing cocktail for you.

Register as a Premium Make Me a Cocktail community member and get access to an even more powerful creator.

Start creating

Build your bar

Tell us what you have at home and we’ll find a delicious cocktail for you to make right now.

Register as a Make Me a Cocktail community member and we’ll save your ingredients list so you can come back to it at any time.

Create My Bar
build your bar light mode image