Anaconda Shot

The Anaconda Shot is a no-nonsense, two-ingredient shooter. It delivers a potent kick of anise from white sambuca, balanced by the warmth of bourbon. This is a quick hitter for when the night is already going strong, typically ordered by those who know exactly what they are getting into and are not looking for subtle nuances. It is about efficiency and a bold flavor profile in a single gulp.

Anaconda Shot

4.52 from 45 votes

Calories: 84kcal

Prep Time: 3

Total Time: 5

Ingredients

▢ .5 oz Bourbon Whiskey
▢ .5 oz White Sambuca

Instructions

▢
Pour both ingredients in equal parts into a shot glass. and serve.

Estimated Nutrition:

Calories: 84kcal (4%)Carbohydrates: 5g (2%)Sugar: 5g (6%)

Shot

Where it came from

Like many simple shots, the Anaconda Shot’s exact origin is murky, likely born in a busy bar sometime in the late 20th or early 21st century. It is the kind of spontaneous creation that emerges from a bartender experimenting with bottles behind the rail, or a patron’s specific request for a strong, sweet shooter. You will find it primarily in American dive bars or college towns.

This shot falls into the broad category of two-ingredient liquor shots, similar to a B-52 (Kahlua, Baileys, Grand Marnier) or a Kamikaze (vodka, triple sec, lime). What sets it apart is the distinct combination of a strong American whiskey with the potent, sweet anise flavor of sambuca, creating a unique profile that is hard to mistake for anything else.

You would typically encounter or serve an Anaconda Shot in a high-volume setting, like a packed bar on a Friday night, or as a round among friends at a house party. It is not a sipper for quiet contemplation, but a social lubricant designed for quick consumption and immediate impact.

What it tastes like

The Anaconda Shot hits you first with the bright, almost medicinal sweetness of anise from the sambuca. This quickly blends into the smoother, oaky warmth of the bourbon, bringing notes of caramel and vanilla to the mid-palate. The finish is a lingering, sweet spice, with the distinct sambuca flavor dominating the aftertaste, softened by the whiskey’s residual warmth.

With 0.5 oz of bourbon (around 42.5% ABV) and 0.5 oz of white sambuca (around 40% ABV), this 1 oz shot packs roughly 41% ABV. To put that in perspective, a standard 12 oz beer at 5% ABV contains about 0.6 oz of pure alcohol. This single shot has nearly double that amount, making it significantly stronger than most cocktails which typically sit between 15-25% ABV.

The technique

Building an Anaconda Shot is as straightforward as it gets. Grab your shot glass, then measure and pour the bourbon first, followed by the white sambuca. There is no shaking, stirring, or chilling required, as it is meant to be consumed at room temperature, straight from the bottle. Just pour, present, and move on.

The only technique tip that truly matters here is ensuring accurate equal parts. Because the flavors are so distinct and the drink is consumed quickly, a precise 1:1 ratio ensures neither the bourbon’s warmth nor the sambuca’s anise overpowers the other completely, delivering the intended balance for this potent shooter.

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Ingredient Spotlight

The bottles that make or break this drink.

Bourbon Whiskey

Use: A mid-range bourbon like Bulleit, Jim Beam, or Wild Turkey 101 works well. The specific nuances get lost in the sambuca, so save your high-end stuff.
Skip: Cheap blends that taste like rubbing alcohol. Also, heavily flavored whiskeys; they will clash with the anise.
Why: Bourbon provides the necessary warm, oaky backbone and a touch of sweetness that grounds the intense anise of the sambuca, preventing it from being too sharp.

White Sambuca

Use: Any standard white sambuca brand like Romana or Luxardo. Consistency in anise flavor is key.
Skip: Green Chartreuse or Absinthe. While also anise-flavored, their profiles are much more complex or potent and will completely change the drink.
Why: Sambuca is the primary flavor driver, delivering the sweet, potent anise note that defines the Anaconda Shot’s character and gives it its distinctive bite.

Three Variations

Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.

Black Anaconda

A darker, richer take: Substitute white sambuca for black sambuca, which often has a deeper licorice flavor and a darker color.

Fire Anaconda

For a spicy twist: Swap regular bourbon for a cinnamon whiskey like Fireball, adding a fiery kick to the anise and whiskey base.

Absinthe Anaconda

Amp up the anise: Add a dash (just a few drops) of absinthe to the shot for an even more pronounced licorice punch and a slight herbal complexity.

What if I don't have…

Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.

No Bourbon?

Rye whiskey or even a Canadian whisky can work, though the flavor profile will shift from sweet oak to spicier notes.

No White Sambuca?

Ouzo or Arak could substitute for the anise flavor, but expect a drier, less sweet result. Avoid pastis unless you want a cloudy drink.

No Shot Glass?

Any small, sturdy glass will do. A cordial glass or even a small espresso cup in a pinch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.

What is in an Anaconda Shot?

The Anaconda Shot contains equal parts Bourbon Whiskey and White Sambuca.

What does an Anaconda Shot taste like?

It tastes like a potent blend of sweet anise from the sambuca, followed by the warm, oaky notes of bourbon, finishing with a lingering sweet spice.

Is the Anaconda Shot strong?

Yes, it is a very strong shot, typically around 41% ABV. It contains significantly more alcohol than a standard beer or most cocktails.

How do you make an Anaconda Shot?

You simply pour equal parts bourbon whiskey and white sambuca into a shot glass and serve it as is.

Why is it called an Anaconda Shot?

The name likely refers to its potent, “squeezing” kick, perhaps combined with the somewhat exotic, snake-like association of the anise flavor.

What kind of whiskey is best for an Anaconda Shot?

A mid-range bourbon whiskey like Jim Beam, Bulleit, or Wild Turkey works well, as its specific nuances will be blended with the strong sambuca.

Can I use flavored Sambuca?

While white sambuca is traditional, you could experiment with a coffee or licorice-flavored sambuca if you are looking to change the flavor profile.

Is the Anaconda Shot served chilled?

No, the Anaconda Shot is typically served at room temperature, straight from the bottles.

From the Drink Lab catalogue

Drink Lab has been collecting cocktail recipes since 2013. Some we wrote ourselves, plenty came in from readers, and the rest got passed across a bar somewhere along the way.

Last updated May 8, 2026 · 1 min read