Ingredients
- 0.25 oz Coconut Rum
- 0.25 oz Blue Curacao Liqueur
- 0.25 oz Coffee Liqueur
- 0.25 oz Irish Cream
Instructions
Combine Ingredients:
- Add 0.25 oz of coconut rum, 0.25 oz of blue curaçao liqueur, 0.25 oz of coffee liqueur, and 0.25 oz of Irish cream to a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice cubes.
Shake Well:
- Shake the mixture well to combine and chill the ingredients.
Strain and Serve:
- Strain the cocktail into a Collins glass.
Garnish:
- Garnish with a slice of orange.
Enjoy:
- Serve immediately and enjoy your unique and flavorful Alien Orgasm Cocktail.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The Alien Orgasm emerged from the late 20th century cocktail boom, a time when creative, often brightly colored, shooters and layered drinks gained popularity. Its exact origin is hazy, likely developing in casual bars across North America as bartenders experimented with new liqueurs and fun names.
This drink belongs to the 'shooter' family, a subgenre of cocktails meant to be consumed quickly. It's a close cousin to other layered cream and liqueur shots like the B-52, but its distinctive melon and orange profile sets it apart. The layering technique is key to its visual appeal.
You'll typically find the Alien Orgasm in high-volume, unpretentious bars, nightclubs, or at house parties. It's the kind of drink you order when you're out with friends and want something sweet, easy-drinking, and a bit playful. It’s not for the martini crowd, but it definitely has its place.
What it tastes like
Expect a sweet and creamy explosion with distinct notes of honeydew melon from the Midori, balanced by the rich, slightly whiskey-laced cream of the Irish cream. The triple sec adds a bright, citrusy orange zest that cuts through the sweetness and provides a refreshing counterpoint, making it taste like a boozy, fruity dessert.
At 0.5 oz each of Midori (20% ABV), Irish Cream (17% ABV), and Triple Sec (20% ABV), a 1.5 oz Alien Orgasm shot comes in at roughly 19% ABV. This means it's about four times stronger than a typical 5% ABV beer by volume, but because it's served in such a small quantity, it's roughly equivalent to half a standard drink.
The technique
Building an Alien Orgasm is all about the layers. Start with a chilled shot glass. Pour 0.5 oz of Triple Sec into the bottom. Next, slowly layer 0.5 oz of Irish Cream over the back of a bar spoon, letting it gently float on top of the Triple Sec. Finish by layering 0.5 oz of Midori in the same manner. Serve immediately.
The most important technique tip is patience when layering. Use a bar spoon, held just above the previous layer, and pour your next ingredient very slowly. This minimizes mixing and ensures those distinct, colorful stripes.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Midori
- Use
- Suntory Midori is the standard. Its vibrant green color and distinct honeydew melon flavor are irreplaceable.
- Skip
- Generic green melon liqueurs often taste artificial and lack the specific profile Midori brings to the table.
- Why
- Midori provides the signature bright green hue and the sweet, fruity melon backbone that defines the 'alien' aspect of this drink's flavor and appearance.
Irish Cream
- Use
- Baileys Irish Cream is the go-to for its rich, creamy texture and balanced whiskey notes. Carolans or other quality brands also work well.
- Skip
- Thin, low-quality cream liqueurs will compromise the texture and overall richness of the shot.
- Why
- Irish Cream contributes the essential creamy mouthfeel and a subtle warmth, making the shot smooth and dessert-like, rounding out the fruity flavors.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Alien Orgasm Cocktail
- A longer, sippable version.
- Combine the ingredients over ice in a rocks glass, stir gently, and top with a splash of soda water or lemon-lime soda for a refreshing, full-sized drink.
Frozen Alien Orgasm
- A frosty, blended treat.
- Blend all ingredients with a scoop of ice until smooth. Serve in a chilled coupe or Margarita glass for a slushy, dessert-style cocktail.
Screaming Orgasm
- The vodka-spiked cousin.
- Add 0.5 oz of vodka to the original Alien Orgasm recipe. This version adds a bit more kick without significantly altering the core flavor profile.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
A quality green melon liqueur can substitute, though the flavor profile may be slightly different.
Heavy cream mixed with a small dash of Irish whiskey can mimic the flavor and texture in a pinch.
Any orange liqueur, such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier, will work, potentially adding a more refined orange note.
A small cordial glass or even a diminutive rocks glass will serve the purpose for this layered shot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Alien Orgasm?
An Alien Orgasm typically contains Midori melon liqueur, Irish cream, and triple sec, layered in a shot glass.
Is the Alien Orgasm a shot or a cocktail?
It's traditionally served as a layered shot, but it can easily be adapted into a longer cocktail served over ice or a frozen blended drink.
What does an Alien Orgasm taste like?
It tastes sweet, creamy, and fruity, with prominent notes of melon and orange, balanced by the richness of Irish cream.
How do you layer an Alien Orgasm?
Pour each ingredient slowly over the back of a bar spoon, starting with the densest liquid (triple sec), then Irish cream, then Midori.
What kind of glass do you use for an Alien Orgasm?
A standard shot glass is ideal for showcasing the layers, but a small cordial glass also works well.
Is it strong?
For its small volume, the Alien Orgasm is relatively strong at around 19% ABV, but it's meant to be consumed quickly.
Can I make it a full-sized drink?
Yes, combine the ingredients over ice in a larger glass, stir, and consider adding a splash of soda water or lemon-lime soda.
What other "orgasm" drinks are there?
Other popular "orgasm" themed drinks include the Screaming Orgasm (adding vodka) and the Orgasmic (a variation often with coffee liqueur).
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