Ingredients
- 1 oz Aged Tequila
- 1 oz Watermelon Schnapps
- 1.5 oz Sours
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice cubes.
- Shake well to mix and chill the ingredients.
- Strain the mixture into an old-fashioned glass.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The Hot Carl Shot does not have a storied history or a definitive inventor. It emerged from the late night bar scene, a product of bartenders mixing popular liqueurs to create something potent and memorable. Its roots are firmly in American dive bars and college towns, places where quick, impactful shots are always in demand.
This shot belongs to the 'party shot' family, alongside other potent, sweet concoctions like the Jager Bomb or the Washington Apple. What separates the Hot Carl is its specific combination of cinnamon and intense mint, creating a distinct hot-and-cold sensation that hits hard and fast. It is a simple two-ingredient build, relying on the liqueurs to do all the work.
You are most likely to encounter a Hot Carl Shot in a high-volume bar, a college hangout, or at a casual house party. It is not a drink you would find on a craft cocktail menu. This is a shot for when the night is ramping up, or winding down, and the goal is pure, unadulterated fun with friends.
What it tastes like
The Hot Carl Shot delivers a powerful dual flavor profile. You get the immediate warmth and spice of cinnamon from the Goldschlager, quickly followed by the intense, bracing chill of peppermint from the Rumple Minze. Both liqueurs are sweet, so the overall impression is a sugary, spicy, and very minty shot that leaves a distinct cooling sensation in its wake.
With both Goldschlager and Rumple Minze clocking in at high proof points, this shot is potent. A typical 1.5 ounce Hot Carl Shot has an ABV around 47 percent. To put that in perspective, a single Hot Carl Shot contains roughly the same amount of pure alcohol as a standard 2.5 ounce pour of 80 proof liquor. It is significantly stronger than an average 12 ounce beer, which usually sits around 5 percent ABV.
The technique
Building a Hot Carl Shot is straightforward. You will need a standard shot glass. For a layered effect, carefully pour about 0.75 ounces of Goldschlager first, then slowly float 0.75 ounces of Rumple Minze on top using the back of a spoon. For a quicker serve, simply pour both liqueurs directly into the shot glass. Serve immediately, as this shot is not designed to sit.
The key technique tip for a Hot Carl Shot is to get the proportions right. An equal split between the cinnamon and mint liqueurs ensures the signature hot-and-cold dynamic. Too much of one throws off the balance, making it either too fiery or too aggressively minty. Consistency is king here for the intended effect.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Goldschlager
- Use
- The original Goldschlager is the standard. Look for its distinctive gold flakes and robust cinnamon flavor.
- Skip
- Do not substitute with Fireball. While it is cinnamon, the flavor profile and proof are distinct enough to change the shot entirely.
- Why
- Goldschlager provides the crucial hot, spicy cinnamon component and the visual gimmick of the gold flakes. It is half the character of the shot.
Rumple Minze
- Use
- Stick with Rumple Minze for its intense peppermint flavor and high proof. It is the gold standard for this shot.
- Skip
- Avoid using standard peppermint schnapps. It is often lower proof and less concentrated in flavor, which will dilute the shot's impact.
- Why
- Rumple Minze delivers the powerful, icy mint blast that defines the 'cold' aspect of the Hot Carl. Its high ABV also contributes significantly to the shot's potency.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Hot Carl Bomb
- Energy drink kicker
- Drop a Hot Carl Shot into a glass of energy drink for a quick, stimulating mix. It is a popular way to extend the party.
Fire Carl
- Spicier cinnamon kick
- Swap Goldschlager for Fireball Cinnamon Whisky. This gives a slightly different, often sweeter, cinnamon profile to the shot, maintaining the heat.
Cold Carl
- Extra minty chill
- For those who prefer more mint, increase the proportion of Rumple Minze slightly or add a dash of crème de menthe for an even colder sensation.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Use another high-proof cinnamon liqueur like Fireball, though the flavor will be slightly different and you lose the gold flakes.
A strong peppermint schnapps can work in a pinch, but expect a less intense mint flavor and a slightly lower overall proof.
Any small glass or even a measuring spoon can deliver the shot. The point is to get it down quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Hot Carl Shot?
A Hot Carl Shot typically contains equal parts Goldschlager cinnamon liqueur and Rumple Minze peppermint liqueur.
Is a Hot Carl Shot strong?
Yes, both Goldschlager and Rumple Minze are high-proof liqueurs, making the Hot Carl Shot quite potent. It is stronger than a typical shot of 80 proof liquor.
How do you layer a Hot Carl Shot?
Pour Goldschlager into a shot glass, then carefully float Rumple Minze on top using the back of a spoon to create a distinct layer.
What does a Hot Carl Shot taste like?
It tastes like a blast of hot cinnamon followed by an intense, icy peppermint chill. It is very sweet and leaves a strong cooling sensation.
Why is it called a Hot Carl Shot?
The name is colloquial and likely refers to the 'hot' cinnamon and 'cold' mint combination, with 'Carl' being a playful, crude addition. There is no official historical origin.
Can you make a Hot Carl Shot without alcohol?
No, the Hot Carl Shot relies entirely on its alcoholic liqueurs for its characteristic flavor and effect. There is no non-alcoholic equivalent.
Is a Hot Carl Shot served chilled?
While the Rumple Minze provides a cold sensation, the shot itself is typically served at room temperature, or with ingredients chilled from the bottle. No ice is usually added to the shot glass itself.
What is the best way to drink a Hot Carl Shot?
It is designed to be consumed quickly. Most people take it as a single gulp to get the full effect of the contrasting flavors.
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