Ingredients
- .5 oz Almond Liqueur
- .5 oz Peach Schnapps
- .5 oz Cranberry Juice
- 1 Splash(s) Orange Juice
- 1 Splash(s) Lemonade
Instructions
Shake Ingredients:
- In a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice cubes, combine 0.5 oz almond liqueur, 0.5 oz peach schnapps, 0.5 oz cranberry juice, a splash of orange juice, and a splash of lemonade.
Shake Well:
- Shake until well mixed and chilled.
Strain and Serve:
- Strain into a 2-oz shot glass and serve immediately.
Serve:
- Enjoy the sweet and fruity flavours!
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The exact origin of the Carolina Piece of Ass is, frankly, a bit hazy. This isn't a drink you'll find in dusty old cocktail tomes. It's more likely a product of a busy bar's shot menu, probably dreamt up in the late 90s or early 2000s when sweet, layered shots were having a moment. No clean attribution here, just pure, unadulterated party fuel.
It fits squarely into the 'sweet and potent shot' family, right alongside things like a Liquid Cocaine or a Red Headed Slut. What sets it apart is that combination of almond and peach, balanced by a mix of fruit juices. It’s designed to be approachable, masking its boozy core with a friendly, fruity facade. Think of it as a stealthy party animal.
You'd likely stumble across this one in a high-energy college bar, a beach town pub, or at a house party where someone's trying to make a statement with their shot selection. It’s not for quiet contemplation. This is a drink for when the night is young, or when it's just about to get interesting. Definitely a crowd-pleaser for those who like their shots on the sweeter side.
What it tastes like
First sip delivers a sweet and fruity punch, led by the unmistakable candied notes of peach schnapps. The almond liqueur adds a nutty, almost marzipan-like depth that keeps it from being just another sugary shot. Cranberry juice brings a tart counterpoint, while the orange and lemonade splashes brighten the whole thing up, making it dangerously easy to knock back.
Don't let the sweet facade fool you. With half an ounce each of almond liqueur and peach schnapps, this shot carries a decent kick. Assuming standard strengths, you're looking at a shot that's around 10 to 12% ABV. That’s roughly double the alcohol content of a standard light beer, all packed into a two-ounce pour. It goes down smooth, but it's not a session drink. Treat it like a sprinter, not a marathon runner.
The technique
Building this shot is as straightforward as it gets. Grab a shaker, fill it halfway with ice. Pour in your almond liqueur, peach schnapps, cranberry juice, and those splashes of orange and lemonade. Seal it up tight and give it a good, hard shake until the shaker is frosty. This isn't a gentle stir; you want everything properly chilled and mixed before it hits the glass.
The key here is chilling it down properly. Nobody wants a lukewarm shot, especially not one that's this sweet. Really commit to the shake. It ensures all those different liquids are perfectly integrated and ice cold, making for a smoother, more enjoyable gulp. A lazy shake means a less cohesive taste, and nobody wants that.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Peach Schnapps
- Use
- Go for a reliable bar brand like DeKuyper or Bols. You want that bright, slightly artificial but familiar peach flavor.
- Skip
- Don't try to get fancy with a real peach liqueur here. The schnapps' specific sweetness is what makes this drink tick. Avoid anything too cloyingly sweet or thin.
- Why
- This is the engine of the drink's sweetness and its signature fruity character. It's the primary flavor you're signing up for.
Almond Liqueur
- Use
- Amaretto is the play here. Disaronno is a classic, but any decent quality amaretto will do the trick.
- Skip
- Don't substitute with almond extract; it's too potent and lacks the sweetness and body. Other nut liqueurs will give you a different drink entirely.
- Why
- It brings a nutty, slightly marzipan-like complexity that cuts through the bright fruit, giving the shot a more interesting backbone than just pure peach.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Long Ass
- Turn it into a highball.
- Pour the shaken mix over fresh ice in a tall glass and top with soda water or lemon-lime soda. It stretches the flavor and makes it a bit more sessionable.
Tropical Ass
- Swap out the juices.
- Trade the cranberry and orange for pineapple juice and a splash of coconut cream. You'll get a richer, more vacation-friendly vibe.
Kicking Ass
- Add a little extra kick.
- For a bit more oomph, add an extra .25 oz of vodka or light rum to the shaker. It'll boost the potency without messing with the core flavors too much.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Try a hazelnut liqueur like Frangelico for a similar nutty depth, or just add another .5 oz of peach schnapps for a sweeter, simpler shot.
Apricot brandy can offer a similar stone fruit sweetness, or use a peach-flavored vodka for the fruit without the syrupy body.
Pomegranate juice will give you a similar tartness and color, or go for a splash of raspberry syrup for a different berry note.
Any small glass or even a small espresso cup will work in a pinch. Just make sure it's small enough for a quick gulp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Carolina Piece of Ass?
A Carolina Piece of Ass contains almond liqueur, peach schnapps, cranberry juice, a splash of orange juice, and a splash of lemonade.
Is the Carolina Piece of Ass a strong drink?
It packs a decent punch for its size. With two liqueurs, it's typically around 10-12% ABV, which is double the strength of many beers, concentrated into a small shot.
Is the Carolina Piece of Ass sweet?
Absolutely. With peach schnapps and almond liqueur as the base, plus multiple fruit juices, it's designed to be a very sweet and fruity shot.
What kind of almond liqueur should I use?
Amaretto is the standard choice here. Brands like Disaronno work well, providing that distinct sweet almond flavor and body.
Can I make a batch of Carolina Piece of Ass shots?
You can definitely batch this one for a party. Just scale up the ingredients proportionally, mix everything in a pitcher, and chill it well before serving. Give it a quick shake with ice before pouring individual shots.
What does 'splash' mean in a recipe?
A 'splash' is a small, unmeasured amount, usually just enough to add a hint of flavor or acidity without dominating the drink. Think a quick pour, maybe .25 to .5 oz.
What's the best way to serve this shot?
Serve it ice cold and straight up in a shot glass. It's meant to be enjoyed quickly, so make sure it's shaken well before pouring.
Can I make this a non-alcoholic drink?
It's tough to replicate the specific liqueur flavors without alcohol. You could try almond syrup and peach syrup with the juices, but it won't be quite the same.
More Like This
More drinks in the same family.
