Hot Shot Cocktail Drink

Hot Shot Drink

Are you looking for a standout cocktail? This Hot Shot Drink recipe has you covered! Use basic ingredients to make a delightful drink.

Hot Shot Drink Recipe

Enjoy this simple Hot Shot Drink recipe! Mix the perfect fall shot with Galliano Vanilla, hot espresso, and cream.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

99 kl

Ingredients

  • ½ oz Galliano Vanilla
  • ½ oz hot Espresso
  • ½ oz Heavy Cream or half-and-half
  • Hot water, to rinse the glass

Equipment

  • Shot Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Bar spoon optional

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Fill your shot glass with hot water and let it rest for a few minutes.
  • Add Galliano: Once the shot glass has warmed up, discard the water inside. You can now fill your shot glass up to â…“ with Galliano Vanilla (approx. ½ oz Galliano Vanilla).
  • Layer Coffee: Take the bar spoon and place it inside the shot glass, back side on top, just touching the surface of the layer of Galliano Vanilla. Slowly pour the hot espresso over the back of the spoon to create a layer on top of the Galliano. This layer should be roughly equivalent to â…“ of the glass too (approx. ½ oz hot Espresso).
  • Layer Heavy Cream: Using the same technique, layer 1 part of heavy cream or half-and-half on top of the coffee. This layer should be roughly the same size as the other two and rise to the top of the glass (approx. ½ oz Heavy Cream or half-and-half). Serve immediately and enjoy while still hot.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Galliano Vanilla: If you don't have Galliano Vanilla, you can use regular Galliano L’Autentico as a substitute. Generic vanilla liqueur also works well in this recipe: it's different but still gives a nice flavor. Licor 43 is also a nice option to consider as it pairs very well with coffee too. 
  • Espresso: Strong brewed coffee works in place of espresso if you don't have an espresso machine. Just make sure it's hot and
  • Heavy Cream: I sometimes use half-and-half instead of cream for a lighter option. It's less rich but still adds a nice texture. If you want, you can also use whipped cream (sweetened or not depending on your preference) as a substitute: the lighter texture also works well in this drink and makes it perfect as a dessert drink.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

You can use vanilla syrup as a substitute for the Galliano liqueur. It may not layer as well as when using liqueur, but it will still make for a delicious coffee shot!

Making it Vegan:

To make a vegan version of the Hot Shot drink, just make sure to use plant-based cream to make the top layer. Galliano L’Autentico and Galliano Vanilla liqueur are vegan friendly, so you don’t have to worry about finding a substitute liqueur.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
99
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
6
g
9
%
Saturated Fat
 
3
g
19
%
Trans Fat
 
0.2
g
Sodium
 
6
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
4
g
1
%
Sugar
 
4
g
4
%
Potassium
 
30
mg
1
%
Cholesterol
 
17
mg
6
%
Protein
 
1
g
2
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.3
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Vitamin C
 
0.03
mg
0
%
Calcium
 
10
mg
1
%
Iron
 
0.02
mg
0
%

 

 

Hot Shot Cocktail Drink

Hot Shot Drink Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
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Enjoy this simple Hot Shot Drink recipe! Mix the perfect fall shot with Galliano Vanilla, hot espresso, and cream.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 99

Ingredients
 

  • ½ oz Galliano Vanilla
  • ½ oz hot Espresso
  • ½ oz Heavy Cream or half-and-half
  • Hot water - to rinse the glass

Equipment

  • Shot Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Bar spoon optional

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Fill your shot glass with hot water and let it rest for a few minutes.
  • Add Galliano: Once the shot glass has warmed up, discard the water inside. You can now fill your shot glass up to â…“ with Galliano Vanilla (approx. ½ oz Galliano Vanilla).
  • Layer Coffee: Take the bar spoon and place it inside the shot glass, back side on top, just touching the surface of the layer of Galliano Vanilla. Slowly pour the hot espresso over the back of the spoon to create a layer on top of the Galliano. This layer should be roughly equivalent to â…“ of the glass too (approx. ½ oz hot Espresso).
  • Layer Heavy Cream: Using the same technique, layer 1 part of heavy cream or half-and-half on top of the coffee. This layer should be roughly the same size as the other two and rise to the top of the glass (approx. ½ oz Heavy Cream or half-and-half). Serve immediately and enjoy while still hot.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Galliano Vanilla: If you don't have Galliano Vanilla, you can use regular Galliano L’Autentico as a substitute. Generic vanilla liqueur also works well in this recipe: it's different but still gives a nice flavor. Licor 43 is also a nice option to consider as it pairs very well with coffee too. 
  • Espresso: Strong brewed coffee works in place of espresso if you don't have an espresso machine. Just make sure it's hot and
  • Heavy Cream: I sometimes use half-and-half instead of cream for a lighter option. It's less rich but still adds a nice texture. If you want, you can also use whipped cream (sweetened or not depending on your preference) as a substitute: the lighter texture also works well in this drink and makes it perfect as a dessert drink.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

You can use vanilla syrup as a substitute for the Galliano liqueur. It may not layer as well as when using liqueur, but it will still make for a delicious coffee shot!

Making it Vegan:

To make a vegan version of the Hot Shot drink, just make sure to use plant-based cream to make the top layer. Galliano L’Autentico and Galliano Vanilla liqueur are vegan friendly, so you don’t have to worry about finding a substitute liqueur.

What is a Hot Shot Drink?

A Hot Shot Drink is a coffee cocktail made of Galliano Liqueur, espresso, and cream.  This drink offers a unique blend of herbal liqueur with rich espresso and creamy texture, making it a delightful choice for coffee lovers looking for something different.

A side shot of a Hot Shot drink in a shot glass on a wooden coaster and board with a coffee beans jar on the side and coffee beans around

What is a Hot Shot Drink made of – The ingredients

You need these ingredients to make a Hot Shot Drink:

  • Galliano Vanilla: Adds a sweet, herbal flavor with hints of vanilla and anise.
  • Espresso: Provides a strong, rich coffee base that balances the sweetness.
  • Heavy Cream or Half-and-half: Creates a smooth, creamy texture and adds a touch of richness.

Galliano Vanilla, Espresso, and heavy cream laid out on a white bar table

How do you make a Hot Shot Drink?

Learn to prepare a Hot Shot Drink with our easy steps:

1
<p>Begin by filling a shot glass with hot water to gently warm it up. Let it sit for a few minutes before discarding the water.</p>

Begin by filling a shot glass with hot water to gently warm it up. Let it sit for a few minutes before discarding the water.

2
<p>Once the glass is warm, pour Galliano Vanilla liqueur (approx. 0,5 oz), filling the glass about one-third of the way.</p>

Once the glass is warm, pour Galliano Vanilla liqueur (approx. 0,5 oz), filling the glass about one-third of the way.

3
<p>Next, take a bar spoon and place its back side just above the Galliano layer. Slowly and carefully pour hot espresso over the spoon, allowing it to float on top of the liqueur, creating a second layer equal in size to the first.</p>

Next, take a bar spoon and place its back side just above the Galliano layer. Slowly and carefully pour hot espresso over the spoon, allowing it to float on top of the liqueur, creating a second layer equal in size to the first.

4
<p>Finally, using the same technique, pour heavy cream or half-and-half over the espresso to form a final layer, completing the drink. Serve immediately and enjoy it while it's still warm.</p>

Finally, using the same technique, pour heavy cream or half-and-half over the espresso to form a final layer, completing the drink. Serve immediately and enjoy it while it's still warm.

History and Origin of the Hot Shot Drink

The Hot Shot cocktail was created in 1987 by Swedish bartender Bosse Bergstrom for a coffee drink competition held in Stockholm.

The drink quickly became popular all across Sweden and beyond. It remained particularly beloved all over Northern Europe, where it even has its own national day since 2021.

A Hot Shot drink, shot from above, in a shot glass on a beige surface surrounded by Galliano Vanilla, Espresso, and heavy cream

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FAQ

How many calories are in a Hot Shot Drink?
A typical serving contains around 100-150 calories, depending on the cream and sugar used.
How strong is the Hot Shot Drink?
Its alcohol by volume (ABV) is approximately 10-13%, which is about 20-26 proof.
What alcohol is used in a Hot Shot Drink?
Galliano Vanilla or L'Autentico, an Italian herbal liqueur, is the primary alcohol used in the cocktail.
In which glass is a Hot Shot Drink served?
It is traditionally served in a shot glass, preferably a stemmed one.
What does a Hot Shot Drink taste like?
The drink offers a unique blend of sweet, herbal flavors from the Galliano, rich bitterness from the espresso, and creamy smoothness from the cream. Perfect as an after dinner treat!
What is the ratio of ingredients in a Hot Shot Drink?
The typical ratio is 1:1:1, meaning equal parts Galliano , espresso, and heavy cream.
How is a Hot Shot Drink served?
Serve it with hot, fresh coffee to enjoy its full flavor profile.

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