Ice Bear
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Ice Bear
Cocktail recipe

Rating

3.98 / 5
The Ice Bear is a daring cocktail that brings together the distinct flavors of Sambuca and Cape Velvet. Sambuca, a star-anise flavored liqueur, offers a deep, herbal sweetness that merges uniquely with the creamy, smooth texture of Cape Velvet, a South African cream liqueur known for its rich and velvety taste. This contrasting combination creates an indulgent and arresting flavor experience. Served in a shot glass, the Ice Bear cocktail presents a layered look, showcasing its two-component simplicity and is typically enjoyed as a cold, sipping shot that offers a punchy taste contrast.
Check out all our FAQ's on this cocktail
Base ingredient
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Sambuca
Calories
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165 calories
Alcohol content
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27% | 1.62 units *

Shot glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Serves:
-
+
cocktail colin avatar

Cocktail Colin says:

4/5

Ice Bear marries the deep, aromatic essence of Sambuca with the creamy, rich undertones of Cape Velvet creating a contrasting dance of flavors. This cocktail, served as a cold layered shot, is a decadent indulgence ideal for savoring slowly and enjoying the complex interplay of its components.

Method
How to make a Ice Bear

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Add a shot of Cape Velvet to a shot glass, then carefully layer a shot of sambuca on top before serving

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·  Layer  · 

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FAQ's

Alcohol content comparison icon

How does the alcohol content of Ice Bear compare to other shots?

The alcohol content of Ice Bear is 27%, which is relatively average for shot-based cocktails. Many shots vary significantly in alcohol content, from as low as 15% to as high as 40% or more, depending on the spirits used. Ice Bear, with its mix of Sambuca and Cape Velvet, offers a moderate strength compared to the full spectrum of shot options.

Ingredient specifics icon

What is Sambuca, and how does it contribute to the taste of Ice Bear?

Sambuca is an Italian anise-flavoured liqueur. It's typically clear in color and has a strong licorice taste, thanks to the essential oils from the star anise it's made from. In the Ice Bear cocktail, Sambuca contributes a sweet, aromatic licorice flavor that blends with the creamy texture of Cape Velvet, creating a unique taste profile.

Ingredient specifics icon

What is Cape Velvet, and what does it add to Ice Bear?

Cape Velvet is a cream-based liqueur, often enjoyed in South Africa. It combines dairy cream with distilled spirits and has a velvety smooth texture and a taste that's sweet and subtly spirituous. In Ice Bear, it balances the sharp licorice flavor of Sambuca with a creamy, soft sweetness, resulting in a smooth and rich shot experience.

Serving suggestions icon

What is the ideal way to serve an Ice Bear shot?

The ideal way to serve an Ice Bear shot is well-chilled to enhance its flavors. You can either chill the ingredients before mixing or serve the shot over a small amount of crushed ice. Use a standard shot glass for serving. The cold temperature brings out the creamy texture of Cape Velvet and the aromatic qualities of Sambuca, making it more enjoyable.

Occasion suitability icon

What occasions are best suited for serving the Ice Bear cocktail?

The Ice Bear cocktail, with its unique blend of creamy sweetness and licorice sharpness, is best suited for after-dinner sipping or as part of a themed party drink menu. Its distinctive taste profile makes it an interesting choice for occasions that call for something out of the ordinary, such as Halloween parties, winter gatherings, or any event where adventurous palates are welcomed.

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