The B-52 is a super easy shot drink or shooter, in this case, a layered shooter. It is apparently named after the popular new wave 70s band, who sang that iconic 80s/90s song, Love Shack.
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
It’s such a delicious drink, almost like drinking caramel out of a glass, but potent caramel.
B-52 Cocktail Ingredients
There are many variations to the B-52, with changes in the alcohol used, and each with a different number designation. But the original B-52 has:
- Kahlua, first layer – a coffee liqueur
- Baileys, second layer – creamy liqueur (click here to read up on Baileys)
- Grand Marnier, top layer – cognac and orange liqueur (Cointreau Noir is great too, if somewhat expensive)
All you do, is layer the 3 drinks in order as they appear above, see the recipe card below. Having said that, one of my readers, Tina, had this to say:
I used to be a cocktail waitress/bartender in the early 80’s and beyond – This is the REAL recipe given in this article. Except it wasn’t layered and it was chilled in a cocktail shaker then strained. SO much better that way. We used to add a float of Stoli on top. This is still my favorite drink 40 years later.
Many people replace the Grand Marnier with an orange liqueur, any Triple Sec will do. To me, Cointreau is the only Triple Sec worth drinking! However, I think using just an orange liqueur does rob the B-52 somewhat of the sharper and sophisticated hit that cognac gives.
B-52 Variations
B-51
Frangelico hazelnut liqueur instead of Grand Marnier
B-52 with Bomb Bay Doors
With a 4th layer of Bombay gin
B-52 in the Desert
With tequila instead of Bailey’s Irish cream
B-52 with a Full Payload
a B-52 with a 4th layer of Frangelico and a 5th layer of Bacardi 151 rum, which is then lit up.
B-53
With Sambuca instead of Irish cream.
B-54
With Amaretto (an almond liqueur) instead of Grand Marnier.
B-55
With absinthe instead of Grand Marnier.
B-57
With peppermint schnapps instead of Baileys.
B-156
This is just like the original B-52 but three times larger.
Flaming B-52
Add a splash of rum 151 to the Grand Marnier and light it up. The rum will ensure that you get a flame. Serve with a metal straw, or blow out the flame before drinking.
Let’s take a look at how to assemble the B-52.
If you like the recipe, don’t forget to leave me a comment and that all important, 5-star rating! Thank you!
And if you make the recipe, share it on any platform and tag me @azlinbloor, and hashtag it #linsfood
Lin xx
B-52, a Baileys Cocktail (with Kahlua and Grand Marnier)
Ingredients
- 15 ml (½ fl oz) Kahlua or any coffee liqueur
- 15 ml (½ fl oz) Baileys Irish Cream
- 15 ml (½ fl oz) Grand Marnier or Cointreau Noir
Instructions
- Pour the Kahlua into a shot glass.
- Then, place a spoon upside down, with the tip touching the edge of the glass. Very, very slowly, pour the Baileys on the back of the spoon, to create the second layer. Point the bottle or whatever you are using, towards your hand, and let the drink slowly run down the back of the spoon.
- Finally, top the Baileys with the Grand Marnier, again very slowly pouring it over the back of the spoon.
Lovely recipe. I will try it sometime. Thank you.
Delicious layered cocktail!!! I used ice in each glass, instead of the regular Bailey’s, I used the Bailey’s almondmilk liqueur. Big hit at my brother’s birthday. Thank you!!!
Hey Suzi, I’m pleased to hear that! Will have to try that version of Baileys!
I used to be a cocktail waitress/bartender in the early 80’s and beyond – This is the REAL recipe given it this article. Except it wasn’t layered and it was chilled in a cocktail shaker then strained. SO much better that way. We used to add a float of Stoli on top. This is still my favorite drink 40 years later.
Hi Tina, I am so pleased to hear that. I just love to hear from folks and their experiences; the fact that the drink wasn’t layered is a new one for me. And very interesting. I’m going to have to try that float, boy, it’s going to be one potent shot!
Cheers for this, we had such a great time making these on Friday, following your instructions. Even lit it! Fab stuff!
Wow, that’s cool! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
What is Cointreau Noir? I’ve never heard of it.
Hi Miles, it’s a new Cointreau flavour, like Grand Marnier: orange liqueur and cognac. You can read more about it here: https://www.linsfood.com/cointreau-french-orange-liqueur/.
Oooh, I can’t wait to try this! Thank you for another great idea!
A pleasure, Tracy.
This was awesome, thanks. We had it last night, it was delicious and so much fun! Going to try a few of the others next time!
Cool, thanks for letting me know!
Thank you for this. I have a girls’ night tomorrow and I was thinking of doing something like this. Just got to get the grand marnier. Cheers!
Fab, have a great time!
Yay! lovin these! it’s the weekend! Perfect timing
Cheers Sam.