Ingredients
- .75 oz White Creme De Menthe
- .25 oz Amarula Cream Liqueur
- 1 Dash(s) Cream
Instructions
Layer the Amarula:
- In a shot glass, gently layer 0.25 oz Amarula cream liqueur on top of 0.75 oz white crème de menthe.
Add the Cream:
- Carefully add a thin layer of cream on top to finish the shot.
Serve Immediately:
- Serve immediately and enjoy the minty, creamy flavours!
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The Springbok shooter is a modern classic, originating in South Africa. It gained popularity for its striking resemblance to the national rugby team's colors, the Springboks, making it a staple during sporting events and celebrations. It's a relatively recent invention, likely emerging in the late 20th century as cream liqueurs became more widespread.
This drink belongs to the layered shooter family, akin to a B52 or a Slippery Nipple, but distinguished by its specific flavor combination. The peppermint and cream pairing sets it apart from other layered shots, offering a unique cooling sensation alongside the rich, fruity cream. It's a dessert shot, but with a distinct herbaceous kick.
You'd typically order a Springbok in a lively bar, especially one with a sports focus, or at a festive gathering. It's not a serious cocktail bar staple, but rather a fun, crowd-pleasing drink. Perfect for igniting a party or as a sweet, boozy cap to a meal, particularly if you appreciate a good mint chocolate vibe.
What it tastes like
The Springbok delivers a potent one-two punch of cool peppermint and lush, tropical cream. The initial hit is a refreshing, almost bracing mint, quickly followed by the rich, slightly fruity, and caramel notes of Amarula. It's like a liquid after-dinner mint with a creamy, exotic twist. Surprisingly balanced for a shooter, given the distinct layers.
With a typical peppermint liqueur at around 20-25% ABV and Amarula at 17% ABV, a Springbok shooter, often 1.5 to 2 oz total, will pack a fair punch for its size. Expect it to be roughly equivalent to half a standard beer in terms of alcohol content, but consumed much faster. It's a quick hit, not a sipper.
The technique
Building a Springbok is all about the pour. Grab a standard shot glass. First, pour the Amarula Cream Liqueur, which is denser. Then, very carefully, layer the green peppermint liqueur on top. The trick is to pour it slowly over the back of a spoon, just touching the surface of the Amarula, letting it gently float on top. Serve it immediately, as it's a visual drink.
The only thing that matters here is a slow, steady hand and a spoon for layering. Pour too fast, and your layers will mix, ruining the visual appeal. Density does the work, but you need to guide it.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Amarula Cream Liqueur
- Use
- Authentic Amarula is key for the distinct marula fruit flavor. Don't skimp.
- Skip
- Avoid generic Irish cream liqueurs; they lack the unique fruitiness.
- Why
- Amarula provides the creamy body and the specific South African flavor profile that defines the Springbok. It's irreplaceable.
Green Peppermint Liqueur
- Use
- Bols Peppermint Green, Menthe-Pastille, or any good quality green crème de menthe. Color is important.
- Skip
- Clear peppermint schnapps, while minty, won't give you the visual appeal. Brown crème de cacao is a different drink.
- Why
- This layer provides the vibrant green color and the strong, refreshing peppermint kick that contrasts with the cream.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Chocolate Springbok
- Mint chocolate dreams
- Add a small layer of dark crème de cacao between the Amarula and the peppermint liqueur for an even richer, dessert-like experience. This makes it a three-layer shot.
Clear Springbok
- Same taste, different look
- Substitute green peppermint liqueur with a clear peppermint schnapps or white crème de menthe. You'll lose the signature green stripe, but the flavor profile remains intact.
Irish Springbok
- Emerald Isle twist
- Swap Amarula for Irish cream liqueur. You'll get a familiar creamy base, but without the unique marula fruit notes. Still a tasty mint and cream combo.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Irish cream liqueur (like Baileys) or another fruit-flavored cream liqueur can work, but you'll lose the unique marula taste.
Clear peppermint schnapps or white crème de menthe will provide the mint flavor, but you'll miss the iconic green color.
Any small, narrow glass will do. A cordial glass or even a small espresso cup can work in a pinch, though layering might be harder.
A bar spoon is ideal, but any small spoon or even a small knife blade can be used to gently guide the pour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Springbok?
A Springbok contains Amarula Cream Liqueur and green peppermint liqueur, layered in a shot glass.
How do you layer a Springbok?
Pour the Amarula first. Then, slowly pour the green peppermint liqueur over the back of a spoon held just above the Amarula, allowing it to float on top.
Why is it called a Springbok?
It's named after the South African national rugby team, the Springboks, because the layered green and cream colors match their team colors.
Is a Springbok a shot or a cocktail?
It is typically served as a layered shot, meant to be consumed quickly.
What does a Springbok taste like?
It tastes like a creamy, minty dessert shot, with notes of peppermint and the unique, slightly fruity flavor of Amarula.
Is it difficult to make a Springbok?
No, it's quite simple, but requires a steady hand to achieve distinct layers.
Can I use other cream liqueurs?
Yes, but using Amarula is key to the authentic Springbok experience. Other cream liqueurs will change the flavor profile.
What is Amarula?
Amarula is a cream liqueur from South Africa, made with sugar, cream, and the fruit of the African marula tree.
More Like This
More drinks in the same family.
