Ingredients
- .5 oz Herbal Liqueur
- .5 oz Bourbon Whiskey
- .5 oz Gold Tequila
- .5 oz Cinnamon Schnapps
Instructions
- Combine the herbal liqueur, bourbon whiskey, gold tequila, and cinnamon schnapps in a mixing tin with ice.
- Shake well to mix and chill the ingredients.
- Strain the mixture into a shot glass.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The exact origin of the Kick Me in the Jimmy is a bit hazy, like most shots that gain traction in bars. It's a modern creation, likely born out of a bartender's late-night experiment or a challenge from a regular looking for something with a serious kick. Don't expect to find it in any old cocktail manuals.
This shot falls into the category of 'kitchen sink' or 'four horsemen' style drinks, where multiple spirits are combined for maximum impact. What sets it apart is the specific blend of herbal liqueur, bourbon, tequila, and cinnamon schnapps, giving it a unique flavor profile that's more than just a boozy mishmash. It's a shot with character, not just raw power.
You'd typically find this one at a lively bar, a house party, or anywhere the vibe is less about quiet contemplation and more about letting loose. It's a crowd-pleaser for those who appreciate a strong, flavorful shot that doesn't mess around. Definitely not a pre-dinner aperitif.
What it tastes like
The Kick Me in the Jimmy hits you with a layered flavor. You get the distinct herbal notes up front, quickly followed by the oak and caramel from the bourbon. The gold tequila adds a sweet, earthy agave backbone, and the cinnamon schnapps ties it all together with a warm, spicy finish. It's a lot of flavors, but they manage to play nice enough to make it interesting.
At 2 ounces total volume, with four different spirits, this shot packs a serious punch. Assuming standard proof for each ingredient, you're looking at an ABV around 37%. That's roughly the same amount of alcohol as a 12 ounce beer that clocks in at about 6.2% ABV. Treat it with respect, it's not a light pour.
The technique
Building a Kick Me in the Jimmy is straightforward. Grab a mixing tin, toss in your herbal liqueur, bourbon, gold tequila, and cinnamon schnapps. Fill it up with ice, then get a good grip. You want to shake this one hard and fast to get it properly chilled and mixed. Strain it into a shot glass, no frills, and serve it up.
The key here is a proper, vigorous shake. Don't just give it a few lazy jiggles. You need to really chill those spirits down and make sure they're thoroughly combined. A well-shaken shot is a smooth shot, and that's what makes this one go down easy despite its strength.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Bourbon Whiskey
- Use
- A solid, mid-shelf bourbon like Jim Beam, Maker's Mark, or Wild Turkey 101. Something with a good balance of sweetness and oak.
- Skip
- Your expensive single barrel sipper. This shot isn't the place for nuance. Also, avoid flavored whiskeys, they'll just muddy the waters.
- Why
- Bourbon provides the necessary backbone and warmth, grounding the other spirits with its familiar caramel and vanilla notes. It's the anchor of the drink.
Gold Tequila
- Use
- A decent reposado or a good quality mixto gold tequila. Something like Jose Cuervo Gold or Sauza Gold works well.
- Skip
- High-end añejo or a super cheap blanco. The añejo will be wasted, and a harsh blanco can throw off the balance.
- Why
- Gold tequila brings a distinct agave sweetness and a slight oakiness that complements the bourbon and herbal liqueur. It adds an essential layer of complexity and a bit of a wild card kick.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Spicy Jimmy
- For those who like a little extra heat.
- Add a dash or two of your favorite hot sauce, like Tabasco or Cholula, to the mixing tin before shaking. It amps up the 'kick' in the name.
Fruity Jimmy
- A sweeter, more approachable version.
- Introduce a splash of peach schnapps or apple liqueur to the mix. It softens the edges and adds a touch of fruit without losing the shot's core spirit.
Creamy Jimmy
- When you want a smoother, dessert-like shot.
- After shaking, add a small float of Irish cream or a dash of heavy cream to the shot glass. It mellows the intensity and adds a rich texture.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Try a mix of a few dashes of Angostura bitters with a tiny splash of green Chartreuse or even a small amount of absinthe for a similar herbal punch.
Rye whiskey will work in a pinch, giving it a spicier edge. A good blended Scotch could also stand in, though the flavor profile will shift.
Silver tequila will make it sharper and less mellow, but it's a fine substitute. Mezcal could also work if you're looking for a smoky twist.
Cinnamon whiskey like Fireball is a direct swap. Alternatively, a small amount of cinnamon syrup with a neutral spirit can mimic the flavor.
Any small, sturdy glass will do. A cordial glass, a small rocks glass, or even a small espresso cup can serve the purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Kick Me in the Jimmy?
A Kick Me in the Jimmy contains equal parts herbal liqueur, bourbon whiskey, gold tequila, and cinnamon schnapps.
Is Kick Me in the Jimmy a strong drink?
Yes, it's a potent shot. With four different spirits, it packs a significant alcoholic punch, designed for a quick, impactful experience.
What does a Kick Me in the Jimmy taste like?
It offers a complex blend of herbal, oaky, agave, and spicy cinnamon flavors. It's bold, warm, and surprisingly smooth for its strength.
Why is it called Kick Me in the Jimmy?
The name is a playful, slightly crude reference to the shot's potent kick and the immediate, strong sensation it delivers.
Can I make a Kick Me in the Jimmy as a cocktail?
While it's primarily a shot, you could scale up the ingredients and serve it over ice in a rocks glass. Just be aware it will still be a very strong drink.
What's the best way to serve a Kick Me in the Jimmy?
Serve it immediately after shaking, straight up in a chilled shot glass. The colder it is, the smoother it goes down.
Can I use different types of tequila?
Yes, but be mindful of the flavor impact. Blanco tequila will make it sharper, while añejo might be too complex and wasted in a shot.
Is it a good party shot?
Absolutely. It's designed for parties and social gatherings where a strong, flavorful shot is appreciated and can get the energy going.
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