Ingredients
- 1 oz Bourbon Whiskey
- 1 oz Gold Tequila
Instructions
- Pour the bourbon whiskey into a shot glass.
- Add the gold tequila into the same shot glass.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
No one's quite sure who mixed bourbon and gold tequila together first, but it probably happened late on a Friday night in a bar that wasn't too concerned with fancy glassware or subtle flavors. This isn't a drink with a storied past or a named inventor, just a good old-fashioned shot built for speed.
The Jack Hammer belongs to the family of two-spirit shots, a category focused on delivering a quick, potent experience. It's less about delicate balance and more about the immediate impact of two distinct spirits colliding. Think of it as a simplified, no-frills version of a more complex mixed drink, stripped down to its core.
You'll find this one at a dive bar, a house party, or anywhere people are looking to kick things off without much fuss. It's a communal drink, a round for the table, or a quick pre-game ritual. Don't expect to see it on a craft cocktail menu, and that's exactly the point.
What it tastes like
Expect a direct hit of both spirits. The bourbon lays down a foundation of sweet corn, vanilla, and a touch of oak, offering a familiar warmth. Right behind it, the gold tequila asserts itself with its characteristic agave earthiness, maybe a hint of caramel from its aging, and a peppery bite that cleans the palate.
Clocking in at about 40% ABV, this shot is as strong as most straight liquors. Compare that to a standard beer at 5% ABV, and you're looking at eight times the punch in a fraction of the volume. It's potent, so treat it with respect, especially if you're planning on more than one.
The technique
Building a Jack Hammer is as straightforward as it gets. Grab a shot glass. Pour in the bourbon first, then follow with the gold tequila. No stirring, no shaking, no fancy garnishes needed. The idea is speed and simplicity, so get it done and get it out.
The only technique tip that matters here is to make sure your pour is steady and accurate. You're aiming for a 50/50 split. Beyond that, just make sure the shot glass is clean and ready for action. This isn't a drink that benefits from overthinking.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Bourbon Whiskey
- Use
- Any decent bourbon you'd happily sip on its own. Brands like Maker's Mark, Bulleit, or even a solid Jim Beam work well here. The sweetness and oak notes are key.
- Skip
- Anything too expensive or overly subtle. Its nuances will get lost. Also, avoid anything labeled 'whiskey-flavored' or 'spirit drink' that isn't actual bourbon.
- Why
- Bourbon provides the sweet, warm, and slightly woody base that grounds the tequila. It smooths out the rougher edges and adds body to the shot.
Gold Tequila
- Use
- A respectable gold tequila, often labeled 'reposado' or 'joven abocado'. Brands like Jose Cuervo Gold or Sauza Gold are common choices. Look for one that's smooth enough not to make you wince.
- Skip
- Top-shelf añejo tequilas; their complexity is wasted. Also, skip anything that smells like rubbing alcohol. Life's too short for bad tequila.
- Why
- Gold tequila brings its distinct agave character, often with hints of vanilla or caramel from its brief aging or coloring. It provides the sharp, earthy counterpoint to the bourbon's sweetness.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Silver Strike
- For a cleaner, brighter kick
- Swap the gold tequila for a blanco (silver) tequila. You'll get a sharper, more direct agave flavor with less of the oak or caramel notes.
Rye Ram
- When you want a spicier edge
- Substitute the bourbon with a rye whiskey. This introduces a drier, spicier backbone that cuts through the tequila with a different kind of heat.
Spiced Hammer
- A dash of aromatic complexity
- Add a dash or two of Angostura bitters to the shot. It introduces a layer of warming spices and a subtle herbal note, giving the simple shot a surprising depth.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Try a rye whiskey for a spicier kick, or even a Canadian whisky for a lighter, smoother profile. The flavor will shift, but the spirit type remains similar.
A blanco (silver) tequila will work, giving a cleaner, sharper agave taste. If you're really in a pinch, a mezcal could offer a smoky alternative, but that's a different animal entirely.
Any small, sturdy glass will do. A small juice glass, a cordial glass, or even a small espresso cup can pinch-hit. Just make sure it's stable and holds 2 oz.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a The Jack Hammer?
A The Jack Hammer contains 1 oz of bourbon whiskey and 1 oz of gold tequila, poured into a shot glass.
How strong is The Jack Hammer?
At roughly 40% ABV, The Jack Hammer is a potent shot, comparable in strength to a straight pour of either spirit.
Is The Jack Hammer a sipping drink?
No, The Jack Hammer is designed as a shot. It's meant to be consumed quickly, not slowly savored.
What does The Jack Hammer taste like?
It tastes like a direct mix of bourbon's sweet warmth and gold tequila's earthy, slightly peppery agave bite. It's strong and assertive.
Can I use silver tequila instead of gold?
Absolutely. Using silver (blanco) tequila will give the shot a cleaner, sharper agave flavor without the additional caramel or oak notes from gold tequila.
Is this a common cocktail?
While not a classic cocktail found in old recipe books, it's a very common two-spirit shot, especially in bars where direct, potent drinks are appreciated.
What's a good occasion for The Jack Hammer?
It's a solid choice for starting a party, as a quick round among friends, or when you need a swift, no-nonsense drink to kick things off.
Do I need to chill the ingredients?
Chilling isn't strictly necessary for a shot like this, but if you prefer your spirits cold, go for it. It won't hurt the drink, but it won't fundamentally change it either.
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