Get ready to shoot up the night with this delicious Root Beer Shooter! Made with coffee liqueur, cola, and Galliano, this sweet and satisfying drink is perfect for those who love a little kick in their shot. Mix and shake with a shaker and strainer, and serve in a shot glass. Perfect for any party or gathering, this recipe is a must-try for beginning bartenders looking to impress their guests. Try it now!
Root Beer Shooter Ingredients
- 1 Part Coffee Liqueur
- 1 Part Cola
- 1 Part Galliano
Root Beer Shooter Equipment
- shaker with strainer - get rid of large pieces of ingredients (ex: fruit parts, seeds)
Root Beer Shooter Recipe
- fill a shaker halfway with ice cubes
- shake till perfectly chilled
- fill Shot glass
Recommend: serve in Shot glass
At the bar, the shot glass is a well-known glass. They are available in a range of styles, shapes, and sizes. Shot glasses come in helpful for measuring out cocktail components. The typical shot size is 1.5 ounces (oz).Root Beer Shooter: A Classic Drink with a Twist
As a professional bartender, I have served countless drinks to my patrons, but one that always stands out is the Root Beer Shooter. This iconic drink has been around for decades and is loved by many for its unique flavor and appearance. In this article, we will explore the popularity, ingredients, garnishing, variations, common mistakes, and more about this classic drink.
Popularity
History and Origins
The Root Beer Shooter is believed to have originated in the United States during the 1950s. It was initially made with root beer, vodka, and Galliano liqueur. Over time, the recipe has evolved, and different variations have emerged. Today, the Root Beer Shooter is made with coffee liqueur, cola, and Galliano, and it has become a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts.
Famous for
The Root Beer Shooter is famous for its unique flavor, which is a combination of coffee, cola, and anise. The anise flavor comes from the Galliano liqueur, which is made from a blend of herbs and spices, including anise, juniper, and vanilla. The drink is also famous for its appearance, which resembles a mini root beer float.
Geographic
The Root Beer Shooter is popular in the United States, particularly in the Midwest and the South. It is also served in some bars and restaurants in Canada and the United Kingdom.
Appearance
The Root Beer Shooter is a layered drink that resembles a mini root beer float. The bottom layer is brown, which comes from the coffee liqueur. The middle layer is black, which comes from the cola. The top layer is yellow, which comes from the Galliano liqueur. The layers are separated due to the differences in density of the liquids.
Ingredient Roles
The Root Beer Shooter is made with three ingredients: coffee liqueur, cola, and Galliano. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in the flavor and appearance of the drink.
Coffee Liqueur
The coffee liqueur is the base of the drink and gives it a rich, sweet, and slightly bitter flavor. It also gives the drink its brown color.
Cola
The cola adds a fizzy and refreshing element to the drink. It also contributes to the black layer in the middle.
Galliano
The Galliano liqueur adds a unique anise flavor to the drink, which gives it a distinct taste. It also contributes to the yellow layer on top.
How to Garnish
The Root Beer Shooter is typically served in a shot glass and does not require any garnish. However, some bartenders may choose to add a small scoop of vanilla ice cream on top to enhance the root beer float appearance.
Variations
The Root Beer Shooter is a versatile drink that can be modified to suit different preferences and dietary needs. Here are some variations:
Virgin/Mocktail Version
To make a virgin or mocktail version of the Root Beer Shooter, simply omit the coffee liqueur and Galliano and replace them with a non-alcoholic coffee syrup and anise extract or syrup, respectively.
Gluten-Free Version
To make a gluten-free version of the Root Beer Shooter, ensure that the cola and coffee liqueur are gluten-free. Some popular gluten-free cola brands include Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Dr. Pepper. For the coffee liqueur, Kahlúa is a popular gluten-free option.
Vegan Version
To make a vegan version of the Root Beer Shooter, ensure that the cola and coffee liqueur are vegan-friendly. Some popular vegan cola brands include Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Dr. Pepper. For the coffee liqueur, Tia Maria and Kahlúa are vegan-friendly options.
Keto Version
To make a keto-friendly version of the Root Beer Shooter, replace the cola with a diet cola or a cola sweetened with stevia or another keto-friendly sweetener. For the coffee liqueur, use a sugar-free version such as Skinny Mixes’ Skinny Mixes Sugar-Free Coffee Syrup.
Low-Calorie Version
To make a low-calorie version of the Root Beer Shooter, use a diet cola and a low-calorie coffee liqueur such as Bailey’s Irish Cream Almande.
Common Mistakes when Making
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making the Root Beer Shooter:
- Not using a shaker with a strainer: The Root Beer Shooter has small pieces of ingredients such as cola bubbles that can be unpleasant to drink. Using a shaker with a strainer will help get rid of these large pieces.
- Not layering the drink correctly: Layering is crucial to the appearance of the drink. Ensure that the heaviest liquid (coffee liqueur) is at the bottom, followed by the cola, and then the Galliano on top.
- Using the wrong type of liqueur: The Galliano liqueur is essential to the unique flavor of the Root Beer Shooter. Using a different type of liqueur will result in a different taste.
In conclusion, the Root Beer Shooter is a classic drink with a twist that has been enjoyed by many for decades. Its popularity is due to its unique flavor, appearance, and versatility. By following the tips and guidelines in this article, you can make a perfect Root Beer Shooter every time.
If you are going to order Root Beer Shooter in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Root Beer Shooter can be served with different ingredients in different places.
