This playful little cocktail packs big breakfast flavor into one fun sip. The Breakfast Shot is a sweet, citrusy, slightly smoky drink that’s become a favorite at brunches and weekend get-togethers. Think of it as a mini celebration of morning comfort-whiskey, butterscotch, and orange juice all coming together in a shot glass, often with a crispy strip of bacon on the side. I’ve made this drink countless times-it’s always a hit and never fails to get a smile.
Breakfast Shot
What You’ll Need
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 shot (easy to scale up for a crowd)
Ingredients
– 1.5 oz (45 ml) whiskey (use your favorite smooth variety)
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) butterscotch liqueur
– 1 oz (30 ml) orange juice (fresh is best, but bottled works too)
– 1 strip of crispy bacon or an orange slice, for garnish
Equipment
– Shaker with ice
– Shot glass or small tumbler
– Jigger or measuring tool
– Strainer
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Pour in the whiskey and butterscotch liqueur.
- Shake well-about 10 seconds-until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Strain into a chilled shot glass.
- Serve immediately with the orange juice on the side and a strip of crispy bacon or orange slice for garnish.
Tips & Tricks
– Chill your glasses: Pop them in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving to keep everything extra cool.
– Make-ahead tip: You can mix the whiskey and butterscotch liqueur ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just shake with ice right before serving.
– Watch the pour: Butterscotch liqueur is sweet-if you prefer a less sugary sip, reduce it to 0.25 oz (7 ml).
– Texture tip: Bacon should be crispy, not chewy. It adds a great savory crunch that balances the sweet flavors.
– Substitutions:
– No butterscotch liqueur? Try maple liqueur or even a splash of maple syrup with a bit of extra whiskey.
– For a non-alcoholic version, use butterscotch syrup and orange juice-still fun and flavorful.
What It Tastes Like
The Breakfast Shot is smooth and sweet with a warm kick. You’ll taste the caramel-like richness of the butterscotch, followed by the bold depth of whiskey, then a bright citrusy finish from the orange juice. If you’re pairing it with bacon, the smoky, salty bite rounds it all out. It’s like a mini pancake breakfast in liquid form.
Storage
While this drink is best fresh, you can pre-mix the whiskey and butterscotch liqueur and store it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just shake with ice before serving. Don’t store it with orange juice-it’s better served fresh.
Serving Suggestions
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer brunches with friends. It’s quick to make, fun to serve, and always sparks conversation. Serve it:
– As a welcome drink for brunch
– Alongside pancakes, waffles, or a breakfast sandwich
– With a mini fruit cup for a refreshing contrast
Food Pairings
– Classic Breakfast Plate: Eggs, toast, and bacon or sausage. The savory notes balance the shot’s sweetness.
– French Toast or Pancakes: The maple-buttery flavors echo the butterscotch perfectly.
– Fruit Salad: A fresh, tart side dish brings out the citrus in the orange juice.
Variations to Try
Maple Bacon Breakfast Shot
– Use maple-flavored whiskey instead of regular.
– Garnish with a crisp bacon strip for that sweet-and-savory combo.
Spicy Sunrise Shot
– Add a tiny dash of hot sauce to the orange juice.
– It gives the finish a little kick and wakes up your taste buds.
Vanilla Dream Version
– Swap whiskey for vanilla vodka.
– Serve with a splash of cream soda instead of orange juice for a dessert-style twist.
Virgin Breakfast Shot
– Mix 1 oz (30 ml) butterscotch syrup with 1 oz (30 ml) orange juice.
– Serve chilled in a shot glass with a slice of orange.
FAQ
Can I make it without alcohol?
Yes! Use butterscotch syrup and orange juice for a delicious non-alcoholic version.
What kind of whiskey should I use?
Go for something smooth and not too smoky. Irish whiskey or a mild bourbon works great.
Can I batch these for a party?
Definitely. Multiply the whiskey and liqueur amounts, mix in a pitcher, chill, and shake individual portions with ice before serving.
Is it only for mornings?
Not at all! Despite the name, it’s great for evening brunches, weekend gatherings, or even as a fun dessert shot.
Can I skip the bacon?
Of course. Try an orange slice, candied pecan, or even a mini pancake skewer instead.
Whether you’re hosting brunch or just want to add a little joy to your weekend, the Breakfast Shot is a tasty way to shake up your morning routine. It’s easy, fun, and full of flavor-and once you try it, you’ll probably want to make it part of your brunch tradition too.
