History of the B52
A well-made B52 shot is a true testament to the artistry and skill involved in cocktail crafting. Th...
B52 Cocktail recipe
Cocktail recipe
Rating
4.9 / 5
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.
The B52 is a layered liqueur shot that sits firmly in late-20th-century bar culture, built for visual impact as much...
... more
The B52 is a layered liqueur shot that sits firmly in late-20th-century bar culture, built for visual impact as much as flavour. While its exact origin is often debated and not definitively pinned to a single inventor, you’ll find it most closely associated with the era when after-dinner liqueurs and showy shooters became staples behind the bar. Served in a shot glass, it’s a compact, dessert-leaning drink that feels equal parts playful and indulgent.
Expect a sweet, creamy-smooth profile driven by three familiar flavours. Coffee liqueur brings a deep, roasted sweetness at the base, orange liqueur adds a bright citrus lift through the middle, and Bailey’s finishes with a rich, milky creaminess. Together, the orange notes cut through the coffee’s darker edge, while the cream rounds everything into a soft, confection-like sip.
This is the kind of drink you reach for when you want something quick, sweet, and crowd-pleasing—especially after dinner or as a celebratory round. If you enjoy creamy liqueurs, coffee flavours, or orange-tinged sweetness, you’ll find it an easy win for parties, nights out, and dessert-in-a-shot moments.
Check out all our FAQ's on this cocktail
Microbadges
IBA Official Drink
Cocktail Of The Day
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.
Invented
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(1977)
Base ingredient
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bailey's
Calories
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
179 calories
Alcohol content
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17.33% | 1.04 units units of alcohol *
Details
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Easy
Classic
Cocktail Colin says:
5/5
Coffee liqueur leads with deep roasted sweetness, followed by Bailey’s creamy cocoa-vanilla richness, and finished by orange liqueur’s bright citrus lift that keeps the sip from feeling too heavy. The contrast works because the orange liqueur sharpens the creamy Bailey’s while the coffee liqueur anchors everything, making it ideal for dessert-shot fans and anyone who likes sweet, layered flavors.
Method
How to make a B52
Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
- Bailey's 20ml, Orange liqueur 20ml, Coffee liqueur 20ml
-
- Layer the ingredients in the shot glass
-
- Starting by pouring in the heaviest first, the coffee liqueur
-
- Follow with the Baileys, pouring carefully so the layers do not mix
-
- Finally float the Grand Marnier on top then serve
Power tips
Elevate the B52 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- To create crisp, defined layers, use an inverted bar spoon or the back of a regular spoon to gently pour each liqueur over.
- Chill each liqueur before layering, as this helps maintain the separation and ensures the drink is served cold without needing additional chilling.
- Upgrade to premium to receive even more power tips on this cocktail.
B52 masterclass
Master the craft of the B52 cocktail with one of our cocktail deep dive masterclasses
Your private tasting notes
~ Register as a user for free to create tasting notes, save your bar and more ~
Featured in
FAQ's
What is the origin of the B52 cocktail?
The B52 cocktail is believed to have originated in the late 1970s. It was reportedly invented by Peter Fich, a head bartender at the Banff Springs Hotel in Alberta, Canada. The cocktail is named after the B-52 Stratofortress bomber used by the USAF, which itself was named for its ability to carry large payloads, reflective of the drink's potent mix of ingredients.
How is the B52 cocktail prepared?
The B52 cocktail is typically prepared by carefully layering its three components in a shot glass. The method involves pouring coffee liqueur first, then the Irish cream (Bailey's), and finally the orange liqueur on top. Each ingredient is gently poured over the back of a spoon or by using a pourer to ensure the layers remain distinct, creating a visually striking presentation.
What variations of the B52 cocktail exist?
Several variations of the B52 cocktail exist, altering either ingredients or preparation method. Popular versions include the B51, substituting Frangelico for the Irish cream, the B53, which uses Sambuca instead of Irish cream, and the B54, replacing coffee liqueur with Amaretto. Some bartenders also serve the B52 flambé, igniting the top layer of orange liqueur before serving.
Can the B52 cocktail be made differently to accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, the B52 can be adapted for various dietary restrictions. For those avoiding dairy, vegan alternatives to Bailey's, such as almond or coconut milk-based liqueurs, can be used. Similarly, gluten-free versions of the coffee and orange liqueurs are available for individuals with gluten sensitivities. Always check the ingredient labels or consult manufacturers to ensure compliance with specific dietary needs.
How should the B52 cocktail be consumed?
The B52 is traditionally served in a shot glass and consumed in one go, allowing the drinker to experience the layered flavors sequentially. However, some prefer to gently stir the layers before drinking to combine the flavors. When served flambé, always ensure the flame is extinguished before consuming to prevent injury.
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.
- Access to Cocktail Colin; ask Cocktail Colin anything on an individual cocktail and he'll give you the answers you need.
- 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...)
Have you tried our Wordpress Plugin?
Download our plugin and embed cocktail recipes directly onto your own site or blog.
Choose from our whole recipe database, or choose a specific cocktail made with a certain ingredient, and let us place a beautiful recipe on your own site.
Find out moreYou might also like
Dive into this creamy blend of Baileys and coffee liqueur
Mudslide
Vodka, Bailey's, Coffee liqueur, Vanilla ice cream
Dive into this rich coffee and cream fusion.
Shaft
Vodka, Bailey's, Crème de café, Coffee
Indulge in this creamy mix of chocolate and vodka.
Mud Shake
Vodka, Bailey's, Chocolate milk
Discover this luscious Bailey's and Amaretto blend.
The Gilbert
Bailey's, Amaretto
* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
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 creatingBuild 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
Jump to
Top
Ingredients
Method
Power tips
Tasting notes
Comments
Featured in
FAQ's
Cocktail Colin
Your cocktail expert
Hi! I'm Cocktail Colin
Ask me anything about this cocktail - how to make it, substitutions, variations, or any other questions!
Become a member to access Cocktail Colin
Become a member (for free) to pick Cocktail Colin's cocktail filled brain on everything on this cocktail, from substitutions, if you can use what you have, to serving suggestions and more.
Become a member
Comments