Ingredients
- 2 Part(s) Cinnamon Schnapps
- 1 Part(s) Larger Beer
- 1 Splash(s) Grenadine Syrup
Instructions
- Fill 3/4 of a shot glass with chilled goldschlager then add 1/4 glass of bud light. Splash grenadine on top for color. Allow the beer to suspend the gold flakes in the glass. Serve immediately.
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
This shot doesn’t have a storied past or a specific inventor; it’s a product of modern bar culture, likely conceived in a college town or a bustling party bar sometime in the late 20th or early 21st century. It’s a testament to the era when flashy, high-proof shots became popular, appealing to a crowd looking for a quick, potent pour. You won’t find it in a classic cocktail book, but you’ll find it on many a bar mat after a busy night.
The Glam Trash belongs firmly in the “party shot” family, a cousin to drinks like the Jägerbomb or the Lemon Drop. Unlike its bomb shot relatives, it’s not dropped into a separate mixer but layered, creating a visual effect with the gold flakes. Its straightforward combination of a flavored schnapps and beer separates it from more complex layered shots, focusing on immediate impact rather than nuanced flavor.
You’d typically encounter or serve a Glam Trash in a high-energy setting: a busy dive bar on a Friday night, a college bar during a themed party, or a house party where the focus is on fun and volume. It’s not a pre-dinner aperitif or a quiet nightcap; it’s a call for another round, best served to a crowd that appreciates a bit of flash and a strong hit of cinnamon.
What it tastes like
The first hit is pure, sweet cinnamon spice from the schnapps, warm and assertive, quickly followed by the crisp, slightly malty notes of light lager. The grenadine adds a touch of berry sweetness and a visual pop without heavily altering the core flavor. The finish is a lingering warmth from the alcohol, with a subtle beer bitterness that cuts through the initial sweetness, leaving a surprisingly clean, if potent, aftertaste.
Given the recipe of two parts Goldschlager (43.5% ABV) to one part Bud Light (4.2% ABV), a typical 2-ounce Glam Trash shot clocks in around 30% ABV. This means a single shot contains roughly 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol, making it significantly stronger than a standard 12-ounce light beer, which has about 0.5 ounces of pure alcohol. It packs more punch than most standard cocktails, which usually hover between 15-25% ABV.
The technique
Building a Glam Trash is a simple process, but attention to detail makes it shine. Start with a chilled shot glass to maintain the beer’s effervescence and keep the drink cold. Pour the Goldschlager first, filling about three-quarters of the glass. The key is to then gently float the Bud Light on top, letting the beer’s carbonation lift and suspend the gold flakes. A final small splash of grenadine adds a crimson layer for visual flair. Serve it fast; the gold flakes are best enjoyed in motion.
The single most important technique tip for the Glam Trash is the gentle addition of the beer. Pouring the Bud Light too aggressively will cause the gold flakes to sink to the bottom immediately, losing the drink’s signature visual appeal. A slow, controlled pour over the back of a spoon or down the side of the glass ensures the beer’s carbonation can effectively lift and suspend the gold, creating that shimmering “glam” effect. Skip this, and you just have a cinnamon beer shot.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Goldschlager
- Use
- Goldschlager is the standard here. Its distinct cinnamon flavor profile, combined with the real gold flakes, is what defines the Glam Trash. Other cinnamon schnapps like Fireball lack the visual appeal.
- Skip
- Generic cinnamon schnapps without the gold flakes. While they provide the flavor, they miss the “glam” part of the Glam Trash, making it just a simple shot.
- Why
- The gold flakes are the visual gimmick that gives this shot its name and appeal. The cinnamon provides the primary flavor driver and alcoholic kick.
Lager Beer
- Use
- A light, crisp lager like Bud Light, Coors Light, or Miller Lite works best. Their mild flavor doesn’t compete with the cinnamon, and their carbonation helps suspend the gold flakes.
- Skip
- Darker, heavier beers or IPAs. Their strong flavor profiles will clash with the cinnamon, and their higher viscosity might not suspend the gold flakes as effectively, leading to a muddled taste.
- Why
- The light lager provides effervescence and volume, diluting the schnapps just enough while its flavor stays in the background. It also plays a crucial role in the visual suspension of the gold flakes.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Trashy Apple
- A green apple twist on the gilded classic.
- Substitute green apple schnapps for the cinnamon schnapps. The tart apple pairs surprisingly well with a light lager and the grenadine provides a nice color contrast.
Golden Lemon
- Citrus brightens up the party.
- Use a lemon-flavored vodka or schnapps instead of cinnamon. The citrus adds a zesty, refreshing note, making the shot feel a bit lighter while still delivering a kick.
Midnight Glam
- Darker beer, deeper flavors.
- Swap the light lager for a dark lager or a mild stout. This adds a richer, roasted malt dimension to the shot, creating a more complex flavor profile for those who prefer something less bright.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Use a cinnamon whiskey like Fireball for the flavor, but you’ll lose the gold flakes. The shot will still be potent and spicy.
A light ale or even ginger ale can work in a pinch. The ginger ale will add a different sweetness and spice, but it won’t be quite the same.
A splash of cranberry juice or even a dash of red food coloring can provide the visual pop, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Any small, narrow glass will do. A cordial glass or even a small juice glass can serve as a substitute, just adjust quantities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Glam Trash?
A Glam Trash contains Goldschlager cinnamon schnapps, Bud Light lager beer, and a splash of grenadine syrup.
Is Glam Trash a shot or a cocktail?
It is served as a shot, designed for quick consumption.
What does a Glam Trash taste like?
It tastes primarily of sweet, fiery cinnamon with a subtle, crisp beer finish and a hint of berry sweetness.
Is the Glam Trash strong?
Yes, it’s a potent shot, typically around 30% ABV, making it stronger than most beers and many standard cocktails.
Can I make a Glam Trash in advance?
No, it should be made and served immediately to best appreciate the visual effect of the gold flakes suspended in the beer.
What are the gold flakes in Glam Trash?
The gold flakes in Goldschlager are real 24-karat gold, safe for consumption, and primarily for visual effect.
Why is it called Glam Trash?
The “Glam” comes from the shimmering gold flakes, and “Trash” reflects its unpretentious, high-energy party shot nature.
Can I use any beer for Glam Trash?
A light, crisp lager is recommended. Heavier or darker beers will alter the flavor profile significantly and may not suspend the gold flakes as well.
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