Ingredients
- 1/3 oz Herbal Liqueur
- 1/3 oz Cinnamon Schnapps
- 1/3 oz Herbal Liqueur
Instructions
Mix the ingredients:
- Pour the herbal liqueur and cinnamon schnapps into a shot glass.
Stir and enjoy:
- Stir briefly, then shoot the drink and feel the spicy kick!
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The exact history of the Bin Laden shot is, predictably, a bit obscure. It's safe to say this one isn't coming out of any fancy Prohibition-era speakeasies. It's a product of dive bars and college towns, likely emerging sometime in the late 20th century when shots with provocative names were all the rage. No clean attribution exists for who first mixed these two.
This drink falls squarely into the "shooter" category, a family of quick, potent mixes designed for immediate consumption. It's a cousin to things like the Jägerbomb or the Kamikaze, but with a simpler, more direct flavor profile. What sets it apart is the specific combination of herbal bitterness and warm spice, creating a distinct, intense experience without the sugar overload of many other shots.
You're not ordering a Bin Laden at a craft cocktail bar. This is a drink for a packed bar on a Friday night, a backyard party that's gotten a little loud, or when you're just looking to cut through the noise with something unapologetically potent. It's a shared moment, a dare, or a quick reset button for the evening.
What it tastes like
The Bin Laden hits you with a strong herbal bitterness right upfront, typical of a robust herbal liqueur. This is quickly followed by a rush of fiery cinnamon from the schnapps, creating a sharp contrast that lingers on the palate. It's a bold, almost aggressive flavor profile designed to wake up your senses and leave a lasting spicy warmth. Don't expect subtle notes here.
At roughly 36% alcohol by volume, this one ounce shot packs a serious punch. To put that in perspective, it's roughly equivalent to downing about three standard beers in a single gulp. Treat it with the respect it demands, because it's built for speed and impact, not for casual sipping.
The technique
Building a Bin Laden is as simple as it gets. Grab a standard shot glass, then measure out your herbal liqueur and cinnamon schnapps directly into it. A quick, gentle stir with a bar spoon or even just a swirl of the glass will marry the flavors. The whole process takes seconds, and the timing is all about getting it down fast.
The only real technique tip here is to make sure your measurements are accurate. This isn't a cocktail where you can free-pour and expect the same results. The balance, as direct as it is, relies on those specific proportions to deliver that characteristic herbal-cinnamon kick. Don't eyeball it unless you know what you're doing.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Herbal Liqueur
- Use
- Jägermeister is the obvious choice here, with its complex, bitter-sweet herbal profile. Underberg or other potent digestifs could also work.
- Skip
- Anything too sweet or overly floral. You need that distinct, almost medicinal herbal backbone. Avoid light, citrusy liqueurs.
- Why
- This is the foundation, providing the deep, earthy, and often bitter notes that define half the shot's character. It's the anchor.
Cinnamon Schnapps
- Use
- Goldschläger is the classic for a reason, bringing that fiery, intense cinnamon heat. Other clear, potent cinnamon schnapps will do the job.
- Skip
- Cinnamon whiskey or any cream-based cinnamon liqueur. You need the pure, unadulterated spice and a clear spirit.
- Why
- It provides the sharp, spicy kick that cuts through the herbal liqueur and gives the shot its name-appropriate intensity. Without it, you just have a bitter herbal shot.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Spicy Herbal
- A little extra heat.
- Swap out the cinnamon schnapps for a higher proof chile liqueur or a few dashes of a potent hot sauce for a truly aggressive kick.
Minty Kick
- A cooling counterpoint.
- Introduce a splash of peppermint schnapps or a crème de menthe instead of the cinnamon for a brisk, cooling sensation after the herbal hit.
Sweet Surprise
- Soften the edges a bit.
- Add a small splash of butterscotch schnapps to the mix. It still keeps the shot character but adds a sweet, warming layer to the herbal base.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Try a strong, bitter amaro or a digestif like Fernet Branca for a similar medicinal and herbal profile, though the specific flavor will change.
A high-proof cinnamon whiskey can work if you don't mind the added whiskey notes, or a few drops of potent cinnamon extract in a neutral spirit.
Any small, sturdy glass will do. A small juice glass, a cordial glass, or even a very small rocks glass will get the job done. Just make sure it's easy to shoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Bin Laden?
The Bin Laden shot typically contains 2 parts herbal liqueur and 1 part cinnamon schnapps, poured into a shot glass.
What does a Bin Laden shot taste like?
It's a bold mix of bitter, complex herbal notes, immediately followed by a sharp, fiery cinnamon spice that creates a lingering warmth.
Is the Bin Laden shot strong?
Yes, it's a potent shot, generally around 36% ABV, designed for quick consumption and a strong, immediate kick.
What kind of herbal liqueur should I use?
A robust, somewhat bitter herbal liqueur like Jägermeister is the standard choice to give it its characteristic depth.
Can I make a Bin Laden a regular drink, not a shot?
While technically possible, its intense flavor and high alcohol content are specifically designed for a quick shot experience. It's not a sipper.
Why is it called a Bin Laden?
The name is a dark humor reference to its "explosive" kick and the "terror" it inflicts on your taste buds. It's a product of a specific era of provocative shot names.
What's the best way to drink a Bin Laden?
Pour it, give it a quick stir, and shoot it. It's meant to be consumed quickly to get the full impact of its contrasting flavors.
Are there similar shots to the Bin Laden?
Shots like the Jägerbomb or Kamikaze share the "shooter" category, but the Bin Laden's specific herbal-cinnamon profile is quite distinct.
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