Breakfast Shot Recipe

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Breakfast Shot Nutrition Facts

Calories:180

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:10g

Alcohol:14%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: January 7, 2024

History

The Breakfast Shot cocktail is a fun and delicious twist on the classic breakfast flavors. It was created as a way to enjoy the taste of breakfast in a cocktail form, making it perfect for brunch or early morning gatherings. The combination of whiskey, butterscotch schnapps, and orange juice gives it a unique flavor profile that is both sweet and savory.

  • The Breakfast Shot is a relatively modern creation, gaining popularity in the 2010s
  • It is often enjoyed at brunches or early morning events
  • Fans of whiskey and breakfast flavors will likely enjoy this cocktail

How Breakfast Shot Tastes?

The Breakfast Shot is a sweet and savory cocktail with a smooth, creamy texture. The whiskey provides a warm, robust base, while the butterscotch schnapps adds a rich, buttery sweetness. The orange juice brings a tangy, citrusy note that balances out the sweetness and adds a refreshing finish.

Interesting facts about Breakfast Shot

  • The Breakfast Shot is sometimes served with a side of bacon, making it a true breakfast in a glass
  • The cocktail is often served in a shot glass, but can also be enjoyed in a rocks glass over ice
  • The combination of whiskey and butterscotch schnapps is sometimes referred to as a 'Pancake Shot'

Ingredients

Whiskey

Whiskey brings a robust and often smoky flavor that provides an imposing backbone for our Breakfast Shot. At 1.5 oz, it ensures this shot isn't just a sugary morning treat but also packs a punch. Too little and you lose the bravado, too much and you might not make it to lunch! If you sub in bourbon, expect a sweeter, more mellow ride.

Alex Green

Butterscotch Schnapps

Butterscotch Schnapps is practically dessert in a glass. Half an ounce is the sweet spot that sings harmonies with the whiskey without turning the drink into a sticky mess. Skip it, and you lose the 'breakfast' vibe. Swap it for caramel liqueur and you'll keep the spirit but stray closer to a dessert shot.

Emma Rose

Orange Juice

Orange juice is our morning sunshine and vitamin C jab in this liquid breakfast. A mere one ounce brightens the shot and cuts through the heaviness. No OJ? You might as well be doing shots at midnight. Apple juice could be an alternative, taking you from an orchard walk to sunset vibes.

Mary Mitkina

Bacon

The bacon garnish isn't just for looks—though it's as Instagrammable as a puppy with a bowtie. It infuses a smoky, savory note that rounds off the sweetness and offers a textural crunch. No bacon? The shot will survive, but the joy of saying 'cheers' with a bacon mustache is unparalleled.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Breakfast Shot Drink

  1. Fill a shaker with ice
  2. Add 1.5 oz of whiskey
  3. Add 0.5 oz of butterscotch schnapps
  4. Add 1 oz of orange juice
  5. Shake well until chilled
  6. Strain into a shot glass or rocks glass
  7. Optionally, garnish with a strip of bacon

Pro Tips

  • Use a high-quality whiskey for the best flavor
  • For a smoky twist, try using a peated whiskey
  • If using bacon as a garnish, cook it until crispy for the best texture

Perfect Pairings

Breakfast Pairings

  • Pancakes: The sweet taste of butterscotch schnapps and the maple flavor that pancakes provide are a match made in breakfast heaven.
  • Hash Browns: The savory crunch of hash browns pairs nicely with the smooth, sweet and boozy shot. Plus, they're a staple on any breakfast spread!
  • Eggs Benedict: A classic dish with rich flavors that complement the smoky notes of whiskey in the shot.

Brunch Cocktails

  • Bloody Mary: The savory and spicy character of a Bloody Mary could contrast nicely with the sweetness of the Breakfast Shot.
  • Mimosa: Perfect for those preferring a lighter, citrus accompaniment to balance the rich flavors of the shot.

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What you could change in Breakfast Shot

  • Whiskey can be replaced with bourbon or rye whiskey for a different flavor profile
  • Butterscotch schnapps can be substituted with caramel liqueur for a slightly different sweetness
  • Orange juice can be replaced with pineapple juice for a more tropical twist

Explore all drinks starting with B here

And of course - twists🍹

Maple Breakfast Shot

  • Replace butterscotch schnapps with maple syrup.
  • Add a drop of bitters for depth.

Just like pancakes on a lazy Sunday, this twist is for the sweet tooth in all of us. The maple gives it a lumberjack-approved twist, and the bitters add a complexity that whiskey aficionados will appreciate.

Sunrise Breakfast Shot

  • Mix 0.5 oz cherry liqueur in place of butterscotch schnapps.
  • Add a splash of grenadine.

This version rises with a fruity blush, like the dawn of a new day. The cherry and grenadine create a flavor profile that's more sunrise than breakfast, but still a great way to kick off your morning.

Vegan Breakfast Shot

  • Use coconut water instead of orange juice.
  • Substitute bacon garnish with a grilled pineapple chunk.

For our plant-based friends, this twist exchanges the animal products for tropical tones while keeping the party vibes. Sipping this, you'll feel like you're sunbathing on the beaches of a vegan paradise.

In case you forgot basics how to make Breakfast Shot

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Breakfast Shot

Can I make the Breakfast Shot non-alcoholic?

While the original recipe calls for alcohol, you can create a non-alcoholic version by substituting the whiskey and butterscotch schnapps with non-alcoholic alternatives, like flavored syrups.

Does it matter what type of whiskey I use for the Breakfast Shot?

Different whiskeys may give different subtleties to the cocktail, but ultimately, the choice of whiskey boils down to individual preference.

Can this recipe be made in large batches?

The recipe can certainly be multiplied to serve a crowd. Just ensure to adjust the ingredient amounts accordingly and to serve immediately.

Can I serve the Breakfast Shot as a cocktail instead of a shot?

Yes, you can serve it as a cocktail. Simply double the recipe and serve it over ice in a rocks glass.

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