B-52
The B-52 is a vibrant layered cocktail that combines coffee liqueur, Irish cream, and orange liqueur, creating a visually striking drink often served in a shot glass.
- 5 min
- Easy
- Shot glass
- 3 ingredients
B-52
Ingredients
- Kahlua½ oz
- Baileys irish cream½ oz
- Grand Marnier½ oz
Method
- Chill a shot glass and all three liqueurs.
- Pour in the Kahlúa.
- Slowly pour the Baileys over the back of a bar spoon so it floats on the Kahlúa.
- Float the Grand Marnier on top the same way.
What you need
Nothing fancy. Here is what to look for. We earn a small cut if you buy through these links, at no cost to you.
The hero bottle
A Mexican coffee liqueur made with arabica coffee, rum, sugar and vanilla. It's 20% ABV in the US and 16% in some markets, including the UK and Canada. Sweet coffee and caramel with vanilla behind it. It's more dessert than espresso.
See 28 Kahlua drinksWhere it comes from
The B-52 shot is a layered cocktail creation named after the famous B-52 Stratofortress bomber aircraft, reflecting the Cold War era's military imagery in popular culture. Emerging in the 1970s, this tri-layered shot became iconic for its visual appeal and impressive balance of flavors. The strategic layering technique required to create this drink elevated shooting culture from casual to craft-focused.
Tips from the bar
- Layering requires understanding liquid densities
- use heavy cream as the densest layer on bottom
- layer each ingredient slowly using a bar spoon to prevent mixing
- serve ice-cold
- presentation is crucial to this drink's appeal
Twists worth trying
- B-52 With A Kick
- Traditional version layered with Kahlúa, Bailey's, and Grand Marnier for visual and flavor complexity
- Flaming B-52
- flaming variation with overproof rum ignited for dramatic presentation
- B-52 Shooter
- stronger variation using vodka instead of cream liqueur
What to eat with it
- Chocolate mousse
- tiramisu
- coffee cake
- chocolate-covered strawberries
- Bailey's-infused desserts
- dark chocolate truffles
The finished drink
Questions
What is in a B-52?
A B-52 is made with kahlua, baileys irish cream, grand marnier.
What glass do you use for a B-52?
Serve a B-52 in a shot glass.
What does a B-52 taste like?
Expect creamy, coffee, sweet.
What can I make with Kahlua?
We have 28 drinks built around Kahlua. See them all on the Kahlua page.
Spec checked against Difford's Guide. Reviewed November 7, 2026
More with Kahlua
Every Kahlua drink →One good drink, every Friday.
A recipe, a trick and the bottle worth buying next. No spam, and the unsubscribe link actually works.