Ingredients
- .5 oz Irish Cream
- .5 oz White Creme De Cacao
Instructions
Start with creme de cacao:
- Pour half a shot of white creme de cacao into a shot glass.
Add the Irish cream:
- Gently pour a small amount of Irish cream into the shot to create a sinking effect.
Layer the rest:
- Tilt the shot glass to a 45-degree angle and slowly layer the remaining Irish cream on top.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, sweet blend!
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
No one's quite sure who put together the Masturbation shot, or when it first appeared, but its simple, layered charm suggests it's a modern bar creation. It's the kind of drink that gets passed around a busy bar late at night, a bit of a gag that stuck.
This shot belongs to the family of layered dessert drinks, where the visual appeal is as important as the taste. Think of it as a distant cousin to the B-52, but with less fire and more creamy satisfaction. Its main differentiator is the specific two-ingredient combination and the suggestive name.
You're not going to find this on any craft cocktail menu. This is a house party, dive bar, or last-call kind of shot. It's for when you want something sweet, easy, and a little bit naughty, without any pretense or fuss.
What it tastes like
First sip is all about that sweet, rich chocolate from the white creme de cacao, quickly followed by the comforting, boozy creaminess of the Irish cream. It's a smooth, dessert-like shot, tasting like a melted chocolate milkshake with a kick. The flavors are straightforward, unapologetically sweet, and designed for immediate gratification.
This shot lands around 19-20% ABV, making it a bit stronger than a typical glass of wine but still well below what you'd find in a stiff martini. You're getting roughly a third of the alcohol of a standard 12oz beer in a single shot. Think of it as a small dessert, not a heavy hitter, so it won't knock you off your barstool too quickly.
The technique
Building a Masturbation is all about the layers. Start with the white creme de cacao in a shot glass. Then, gently pour the Irish cream over the back of a spoon, tilting the glass to a 45-degree angle. The goal is to get the Irish cream to float on top of the creme de cacao. Serve it immediately while the layers are distinct.
The trick to a good Masturbation is all in that second pour. Take your time. Tilt the glass just right and let the Irish cream slowly cascade off the back of a spoon. Rushing it just makes a muddy mess, and no one wants that.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Irish Cream
- Use
- Baileys is the industry standard for a reason. Its rich, consistent creaminess holds up well in layered drinks and delivers that familiar, comforting flavor.
- Skip
- Avoid generic or very cheap Irish cream liqueurs. They can sometimes curdle or separate, especially when layered, and often have an artificial aftertaste.
- Why
- This is the creamy backbone of the drink, providing both the texture and the primary boozy dairy flavor. Without quality Irish cream, you're missing the point.
White Creme De Cacao
- Use
- Look for brands like Bols or Tempus Fugit. They offer a clean, sweet chocolate flavor without being overly syrupy, ensuring a clear layer and good taste.
- Skip
- While dark creme de cacao works for flavor, it won't give you the visual contrast needed for this shot. Also, avoid anything that tastes like cheap chocolate syrup.
- Why
- It provides the essential sweet chocolate base and, crucially, the transparent layer that allows the Irish cream to stand out visually. It's half the flavor equation.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Nutty Nudge
- A little hazelnut for extra indulgence
- Add a tiny dash of hazelnut liqueur (like Frangelico) to the creme de cacao layer before adding the Irish cream for a richer, nutty twist.
Minty Moment
- Cool, creamy chocolate
- Introduce a few drops of white creme de menthe to the creme de cacao layer for a refreshing mint-chocolate profile. Keep it subtle to avoid overpowering.
Spiced Swirl
- Warm it up a touch
- Before layering, add a tiny splash of cinnamon liqueur or a pinch of ground cinnamon to the creme de cacao for a warming, spiced chocolate experience.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
You can try a mix of coffee liqueur (like Kahlua) and a splash of heavy cream, but the flavor profile will shift from chocolate-cream to coffee-cream.
Dark creme de cacao works for flavor, but you'll lose the visual layering effect. Alternatively, a chocolate liqueur could work, but check its sweetness level.
A small cordial glass or even a mini espresso cup will do the trick. The key is a small, narrow vessel to help with the layering.
The back of a small spoon is your best friend here. If you don't have one, try carefully pouring down the inside wall of the tilted glass, but it's trickier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Masturbation?
The Masturbation shot is made with just two ingredients: white creme de cacao and Irish cream liqueur. It's a sweet, creamy, layered shot.
Why is it called Masturbation?
The name is a cheeky, suggestive nod to the layered ingredients and perhaps the simple, self-contained pleasure of the drink. It's a bit of bar humor.
Is the Masturbation a strong drink?
It's a moderately strong shot, typically around 19-20% ABV. It's stronger than a beer or wine, but not as potent as a straight spirit or a strong cocktail.
Can I make Masturbation ahead of time?
No, this shot should be made and served immediately. The layers are meant to be distinct, and they will slowly mix if left sitting for too long.
What kind of Irish cream should I use?
For the best results, stick with a quality Irish cream like Baileys. Its consistency and flavor are reliable for layering and taste.
What's the best way to layer this shot?
Tilt the shot glass to a 45-degree angle. Slowly pour the Irish cream over the back of a spoon, letting it gently float on top of the creme de cacao. Take your time.
Can I use dark creme de cacao instead?
You can, and the flavor will be similar. However, using dark creme de cacao will eliminate the visual contrast between the layers, making it less distinct.
Is the Masturbation served hot or cold?
This shot is always served cold. Keep your liqueurs chilled to ensure the best layering and a refreshing taste.
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