Paul Kushner
The Bazooka Joe Shot is a playful, candy-inspired shooter that’s as fun to make as it is to drink. With a trio of blue curaçao, banana liqueur, and Irish cream, this shot mimics the nostalgic flavor of bubblegum with a creamy, fruity twist. The vibrant blue color and smooth texture make it a favorite for parties, celebrations, or just a quick dose of whimsy. It’s sweet, colorful, and sure to be a hit among those who like their shots on the fun side.
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Tasting Notes
The Bazooka Joe Shot is a sweet, creamy shooter with layered notes of banana candy, citrus, and soft vanilla cream. Irish cream provides a smooth, dessert-like base that balances the tropical sweetness of banana liqueur and the tangy, slightly orange taste of blue curaçao. The result is a fun, easygoing flavor reminiscent of fruity bubblegum. The shot is rich and sweet without being overpowering, making it a great pick for casual rounds or celebratory toasts. Its eye-catching color and nostalgic taste make it as enjoyable to look at as it is to drink.
Equipment and Glassware
To make a Bazooka Joe Shot, you’ll need just a few bar basics. A cocktail shaker is essential to blend the liqueurs thoroughly and chill them properly. Add ice to the shaker to ensure the ingredients are served cold. A jigger or measuring tool will help you portion out each liqueur evenly. After shaking, strain the mix into a standard 1.5 oz shot glass using a hawthorne or fine mesh strainer. No additional tools are required, making this a fast and easy drink to prepare.
Ingredients
- 0.5 oz blue curaçao
- 0.5 oz banana liqueur
- 0.5 oz Irish cream liqueur
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Pour in the blue curaçao, banana liqueur, and Irish cream.
- Shake well until the mixture is thoroughly chilled.
- Strain into a shot glass.
- Serve right away.
Pro Tips
- Chill your shot glass in advance for extra refreshment
- Shake hard to fully mix and chill the creamy liqueur
- Don’t skip the shaker this shot needs proper blending
- Use a fine strainer for a smoother pour if using cracked ice
- Serve immediately to preserve the consistency of the Irish cream
- For visual effect, layer ingredients slowly over a spoon instead of shaking
- Use high-quality liqueurs to keep the flavor from tasting artificial
- This shot is best served fresh avoid making it in batches ahead of time
When to Serve
Bazooka Joe Shots are perfect for parties, birthday celebrations, or nights out with friends. Their playful flavor and bright color make them a hit for themed events, especially retro or 90s-inspired gatherings. Serve them as a welcome shot or bring them out as a round when the energy picks up. They’re also a great option for casual bar nights where fun, easy-to-drink shooters are in demand.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
Blue Curaçao:
- DeKuyper Blue Curaçao
- Bols Blue Curaçao
- Drillaud Blue Curaçao
Banana Liqueur:
- Giffard Banane du Brésil
- DeKuyper Crème de Banana
- Bols Banana Liqueur
Irish Cream:
- Baileys Irish Cream
- Carolans Irish Cream
- Five Farms Irish Cream
Similar Cocktails
Ingredients
- 0.5 oz Irish cream liqueur
- 0.5 oz banana liqueur
- 0.5 oz blue curaçao liqueur
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Pour in the blue curaçao, banana liqueur, and Irish cream.
- Shake well until the mixture is thoroughly chilled.
- Strain into a shot glass.
- Serve right away.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Shake vigorously to blend the cream liqueur evenly and chill the shot properly.
- For smoother layering, pour ingredients slowly over the back of a spoon (though the flavors are best shaken together).
- Chill your shot glass ahead of time for an extra cold finish.
