Ingredients
- .5 oz Irish Cream
- .5 oz Coffee Liqueur
- .5 oz Peppermint Schnapps
Instructions
Combine Ingredients:
- Pour Irish cream, coffee liqueur, and peppermint schnapps into a stainless steel shaker over ice.
Shake:
- Shake well until completely cold.
Strain and Serve:
- Strain the mixture into an old-fashioned glass and serve immediately.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The Girl Scout shot doesn't have a grand, documented origin story. It popped up in bars as a playful, dessert-inspired shooter, likely gaining traction in the late 20th century as sweet, layered shots became popular.
Think of it as part of the dessert shot family, cousins to things like the B-52 or the Mudslide. What sets it apart is that distinct peppermint kick, which makes it taste exactly like a specific cookie, rather than just generally sweet and boozy.
You'll find this one on a late-night bar menu, a casual house party, or after a heavy meal when someone's craving something sweet but doesn't want another full dessert. It's a crowd-pleaser that gets people talking, especially if they catch the reference.
What it tastes like
The Girl Scout hits you with a triple threat of flavors. You get the creamy, vanilla notes from the Irish cream, the dark roasted depth of the coffee liqueur, and then the unmistakable cool, minty punch of the peppermint schnapps. It's a balanced sweetness, with the mint cutting through the richness.
Given the equal parts, this shot packs a decent punch. With a typical Irish cream (17% ABV), coffee liqueur (20% ABV), and peppermint schnapps (around 50% ABV), you're looking at something in the neighborhood of 29% alcohol by volume. That's significantly stronger than a standard beer, so treat it like the potent dessert it is.
The technique
Building a Girl Scout is about as simple as it gets: dump all three ingredients into a shaker with ice. You'll want to make sure you get a proper chill on it, so don't be shy with the ice. Once it's frosty, strain it into an old-fashioned glass. No fancy garnish needed, this one speaks for itself.
The key here is getting it really cold. That peppermint schnapps needs to be ice cold to give you that refreshing, almost tingly sensation on the tongue. A lazy shake means a lukewarm, unbalanced drink, and nobody wants that.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Peppermint Schnapps
- Use
- A good quality, higher-proof schnapps for that distinct mint kick.
- Skip
- Thin, overly sweet mint liqueurs that taste like toothpaste.
- Why
- This is the defining flavor. It brings the 'Thin Mint' to the party. Without that sharp, cool peppermint, it's just a creamy coffee shot.
Irish Cream
- Use
- Your go-to brand, something creamy and rich. Baileys is the standard for a reason.
- Skip
- Cheap, watery cream liqueurs that taste artificial.
- Why
- It provides the essential creamy texture and a subtle vanilla base that rounds out the coffee and mint. It's the smooth foundation.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Frozen Scout
- A blender-made dessert cocktail.
- Combine all ingredients with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and blend until smooth. Serve in a chilled coupe for a boozy milkshake vibe.
Dark Roast Scout
- A coffee-forward twist.
- Increase the coffee liqueur to 1 oz and reduce the Irish cream slightly to .25 oz. This pushes the coffee notes to the forefront while keeping the creamy balance.
Mint Chocolate Chip
- Add a chocolate layer.
- Drizzle chocolate syrup into the glass before straining, or add a dash of dark creme de cacao to the shaker for an extra layer of chocolate richness.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Use any creamy liqueur, like RumChata or a homemade cream liqueur. Even a dash of heavy cream with a tiny bit of vanilla extract can work in a pinch.
Use a shot of chilled espresso with a touch of simple syrup and a dash of dark rum or brandy for depth.
Try a clear creme de menthe, but be careful with the sweetness. Or, a few drops of peppermint extract with a neutral spirit like vodka.
Any small, sturdy glass will do. A shot glass works, or even a small juice glass if you're feeling informal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Girl Scout?
A Girl Scout contains Irish cream, coffee liqueur, and peppermint schnapps, typically in equal parts.
Is the Girl Scout a shot or a cocktail?
It's usually served as a shot, but you can certainly sip it like a small, dessert cocktail if you prefer.
What does a Girl Scout taste like?
It tastes like a creamy, mint chocolate cookie, with a strong hit of coffee and a boozy kick.
Is it sweet?
Yes, it's definitely a sweet drink, designed to be a dessert in a glass. The mint helps cut through some of the richness.
Can I make a batch of Girl Scout shots?
Absolutely. Just scale up the ingredients in a pitcher, keep it chilled, and shake individual servings with ice right before serving.
What's the best way to serve a Girl Scout?
Serve it immediately after shaking, very cold, in a small glass. No need for elaborate garnishes.
What kind of Irish cream should I use?
Any good quality Irish cream will work, but Baileys is a common and reliable choice for its consistent flavor and texture.
Can I make it less strong?
You can reduce the peppermint schnapps slightly and increase the Irish cream or coffee liqueur, but it will alter the signature mint flavor. Or, serve it over a small amount of ice to dilute it as you drink.
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