Introducing the B-52 drink, a distinctive triple-layered shot of three liqueurs—coffee, Irish cream, and orange. A Canadian bartender, Peter Fich, came up with this mix inspired by one of his favourite bands, the B-52’s. Cindy Wilson, the lead singer, wore a beehive hairstyle, which Fich thought mimicked the nose shape of the B-52 bomber plane. While the B-52 is traditionally served in a shot glass, we’re serving ours after dinner in a wine glass with slightly more generous portions!
Best Ever B-52 Cocktail: Ingredients and Recipe
PREP TIME 5 min

QUICK TIPS
INSTRUCTIONS
Pour the coffee liqueur into a wine glass
With the back of a spoon lowered into your glass, gently pour the Irish cream over the spoon to float on the liqueur below
Repeat this method with the Grand Marnier. Serve and enjoy!
The best B-52 cocktail recipe
Just like a B-52 shot, the B-52 cocktail ingredients include equal quantities of the three liqueurs, resulting in a coffee-cream drink with a sweet orange kick. Don’t fret about how to achieve the funky layers; it’s not that tricky and all you need is a spoon. Once you’ve made it once, you’ll be a pro! See our tips in the recipe below.
How to layer B-25 cocktail ingredients like a pro
The secret is all in the pour. Pouring B-52 cocktail ingredients slowly over the back of a spoon breaks the flow of the liqueur, slowing it down so it doesn’t disturb the layer below. The difference in density of the liqueurs also helps the layers stay separate and float on top of one another, so it’s important to layer from heaviest to lightest. Nifty science, right? Enjoy it layered or mix it all up together, we won’t judge.
Different B-52 cocktail variations
If you enjoy the simplicity of 3 ingredient cocktails, then these variations are worth a try. They’re still made with easy equal pours of three liqueurs, with the heaviest on the bottom and the lightest on top.
- B-51: a hazelnut liqueur replaces the orange liqueur
- B-53: an anise seed liqueur replaces the orange liqueur
- B-54: a tequila replaces the orange liqueur
- Flaming B-52: an additional shot of rum (50% ABV plus) is added on top, which you can flambé
- Frozen B52: a blend of the original ingredients with crushed ice