Instructions
Pour Lemon Rum:
- Pour 0.5 oz lemon rum into a shot glass.
Add Lemonade:
- Top with 0.5 oz lemonade or Sprite/7-Up.
Slam for Bubbles:
- Place a towel on the table, cover the shot glass with your hand to seal it, and quickly slam the glass on the towel to create a bubbly effect.
Serve:
- Immediately serve and enjoy the fizzy, zesty shot!
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The Boom Boom Shot is a creature of modern bar culture, likely originating in casual party settings rather than from a specific speakeasy or historical figure. It's a testament to the ongoing trend of interactive, high-energy shots designed for shared experiences, often found where the vibe is more important than a complex recipe.
This falls squarely into the 'party shot' category, a relative of drinks like the Jägerbomb or the Pickleback, but with its own unique physical interaction. What sets the Boom Boom Shot apart is the manual 'slam' technique that creates its signature bubbly effect, making it an experience as much as a drink.
You won't typically find this on a curated cocktail menu in a high-end bar. Instead, expect to order or serve a Boom Boom Shot at a lively house party, a casual college bar, or anywhere the goal is to get the good times rolling with a bit of playful theatrics.
What it tastes like
The Boom Boom Shot delivers a straightforward citrus punch. The lemon rum provides a sweet and tangy base with a clear alcohol presence, which is then mellowed and brightened by the lemonade or lemon-lime soda. Expect a fizzy, zesty, and slightly sweet flavor that goes down easy, with the rum's character front and center.
This shot clocks in around 17.5% ABV, assuming a 35% ABV lemon rum. With that strength, a single Boom Boom Shot is roughly three to four times stronger than your average 5% ABV beer. It's designed for a quick impact, not a slow sip.
The technique
Building a Boom Boom Shot is about speed and execution. Start by pouring 0.5 oz of lemon rum into a standard shot glass. Next, top that with 0.5 oz of lemonade or a lemon-lime soda like Sprite or 7-Up. The crucial step follows: place a bar towel or napkin on a sturdy surface, cover the shot glass with your hand to create a tight seal, and quickly slam the glass down on the towel to create the 'boom' and carbonation. Serve and consume immediately.
The single most crucial technique tip is ensuring a proper, airtight seal with your hand over the shot glass before you slam it down. A good seal is what traps the air and forces the carbonation into a bubbly frenzy, giving you the desired 'boom' effect. Without it, you're just slamming a shot.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Lemon Rum
- Use
- A quality flavored rum, like Bacardi Limón or Captain Morgan Lemon. Look for one that tastes like real lemon, not artificial candy.
- Skip
- Overly sweet lemon-flavored liqueurs or anything that tastes like cleaning product. Avoid unflavored rum unless you plan to add fresh lemon juice.
- Why
- The lemon rum is the primary alcoholic component and the core flavor driver. Its zest and sweetness define the shot's character, so quality here matters for taste and balance.
Lemonade / Lemon-Lime Soda
- Use
- Freshly squeezed lemonade for a brighter, tarter shot, or a reliable, well-carbonated lemon-lime soda like Sprite or 7-Up for consistency and fizz.
- Skip
- Flat soda will kill the 'boom' effect. Avoid overly sugary concentrate that tastes artificial or dilutes the rum's flavor too much.
- Why
- This ingredient provides the necessary sweetness, tartness, and most importantly, the carbonation that makes the 'boom' effect work. It balances the rum and adds a refreshing zing.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Spicy Boom Boom
- A fiery kick with your fizz
- Add a tiny dash of a spicy rum or a few drops of a chili liqueur to the shot before the slam for a warming, peppery edge.
Berry Boom Boom
- Fruity and vibrant
- Substitute lemon rum for a berry-flavored rum, such as raspberry or strawberry, and use a complementary berry-flavored soda or a splash of berry juice with plain soda.
Tropical Boom Boom
- An island twist
- Swap the lemon rum for coconut rum and use a mix of pineapple juice and a splash of lemon-lime soda to maintain the fizz and add a sunny, tropical flavor.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Use white rum with a small splash of fresh lemon juice and a tiny bit of simple syrup to replicate the flavor profile.
A combination of club soda or seltzer with fresh lemon juice and a touch of simple syrup can work in a pinch, though it might be less sweet.
A small rocks glass or even a sturdy juice glass can be used, provided it's small enough to seal with your hand.
A bar mat, a thick napkin, or even a sturdy, clean kitchen cloth will provide enough cushion for the slam. Just ensure it's on a stable surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Boom Boom Shot?
A Boom Boom Shot typically contains 0.5 oz of lemon rum and 0.5 oz of lemonade or a lemon-lime soda like Sprite or 7-Up.
How do you make a Boom Boom Shot?
You pour lemon rum and lemonade/soda into a shot glass, cover it with your hand, slam it on a towel to create fizz, and then drink immediately.
Why is it called a Boom Boom Shot?
The name comes from the 'boom' sound and the bubbly effect created when you slam the sealed shot glass on a surface.
What does a Boom Boom Shot taste like?
It tastes zesty, sweet, and citrusy, with the distinct flavor of lemon rum balanced by the soda or lemonade, and a refreshing fizz.
Is the Boom Boom Shot strong?
Yes, at around 17.5% ABV, it's roughly three to four times stronger than a typical 5% ABV beer, making it a relatively potent shot.
Can I use different rum for a Boom Boom Shot?
Absolutely. While lemon rum is standard, you can experiment with other flavored rums like berry or coconut for different taste profiles.
Can I use different soda in a Boom Boom Shot?
Yes, you can use various lemon-lime sodas, clear sodas, or even a mix of juice and soda, though the lemon-lime profile is classic.
Is the 'slam' necessary for a Boom Boom Shot?
The 'slam' is what gives the Boom Boom Shot its name and signature fizzy effect. While you can drink the shot without slamming, you'd miss out on the intended experience and the 'boom'.
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