Ingredients
- 1 Pinch(s) Salt
- .75 oz Peppermint Schnapps
- .75 oz Irish Cream
- 1.5 oz Whipped Cream
Instructions
Prepare Glass:
- Sprinkle a pinch of salt in the bottom of a shot glass.
Pour Schnapps and Irish Cream:
- Pour equal parts (0.75 oz each) peppermint schnapps and Irish cream into the shot glass.
Top with Whipped Cream:
- Generously top with 1.5 oz whipped cream.
Serve:
- Drink is to be consumed with "no hands" – pick up the glass with your mouth and slam it back in one swallow. Enjoy!
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
This shot is a modern bar creation, likely a riff on other creamy, sweet party shots. Its exact origins are unknown, but it fits perfectly into the era of playful and often provocatively named drinks popular at college bars and house parties from the late 20th century onwards. It is less about classic cocktail lineage and more about a good time.
The Cum Shot 2 sits squarely in the “dessert shot” family, alongside drinks like the Slippery Nipple or the Buttery Nipple. While those often use sambuca or butterscotch liqueur, this one distinguishes itself with a strong peppermint profile that cuts through the cream, rather than just adding sweetness. It is a close cousin to any number of “mint chocolate” or “peppermint patty” type shooters, but simpler.
You are not going to find this on a bespoke cocktail menu. This is a drink for a packed bar on a Friday night, a bachelor or bachelorette party, or a home gathering where the goal is fun and easy consumption. It is a shot you make when people are already in the mood to let loose, not one to start a contemplative evening.
What it tastes like
From the first sip, you get a rush of cool, sweet peppermint, quickly followed by the rich, coating texture of Irish cream. The salt at the bottom hits just as the mint starts to fade, giving a subtle pop that keeps the whole thing from being overly cloying. The finish is smooth and creamy, a lingering minty sweetness that makes it dangerously easy to go for another.
With 0.75 oz of Peppermint Schnapps (around 30% ABV) and 0.75 oz of Irish Cream (around 17% ABV), the liquid base of this shot comes in at roughly 23.5% ABV. This puts it stronger than your average beer, which typically hovers around 5% ABV, and right in line with or slightly above many standard mixed cocktails. It is a small pour, but it packs a decent punch for its size.
The technique
Building this one is straightforward. Start with a pinch of salt directly in the bottom of your shot glass. This is your base layer. Next, pour in the peppermint schnapps, followed by the Irish cream. Aim for a steady hand to avoid too much mixing at this stage, though some integration is fine. The final step is a generous dollop of whipped cream on top, ensuring it forms a nice cap.
The key technique here is the whipped cream topping, especially if you are going for the “no hands” method. You need a whipped cream that is firm enough to hold its shape and provide a stable seal for the shot. Too runny and it will just blend in or spill. A good, stiff whipped cream creates the necessary barrier and mouthfeel for the intended consumption.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Peppermint Schnapps
- Use
- Look for a clear, crisp peppermint schnapps like Rumple Minze, DeKuyper Peppermint Schnapps, or Dr. McGillicuddy’s. Aim for something around 30% ABV or higher for a good kick and flavor. The strong mint is essential here.
- Skip
- Avoid creme de menthe, as it is often much sweeter, thicker, and has a different texture. Also skip peppermint extract alone; it is far too potent and not designed for direct drinking as a liqueur.
- Why
- This is the primary flavor driver, delivering that unmistakable cool mint. It provides the alcoholic backbone and the refreshing contrast to the richness of the Irish cream. Without it, you just have a creamy dessert shot.
Irish Cream
- Use
- Baileys Irish Cream is the standard, but Kerrygold, Carolans, or Saint Brendan’s all work well. Any quality Irish cream liqueur will provide the necessary creamy texture, sweetness, and hint of whiskey.
- Skip
- Do not try to substitute with regular cream and a splash of whiskey. While it will be creamy, it will lack the specific sweetness, body, and distinct flavor profile that an Irish cream liqueur brings to the party.
- Why
- Irish cream provides the luxurious, sweet, and milky counterpoint to the sharp peppermint. It smooths out the schnapps and gives the shot its indulgent, dessert-like character. It is the ‘cream’ in the shot’s texture.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Chocolate Mint Shot
- Add a splash of chocolate
- Introduce a small amount of chocolate liqueur, like Godiva Chocolate Liqueur or Creme de Cacao, for a Peppermint Patty inspired flavor. Reduce the Irish cream slightly to maintain balance.
Coconut Cream Shot
- Tropical twist on the cream
- Swap out the Irish Cream for a coconut cream liqueur, such as CoCoMo or a homemade version, to bring a subtle tropical sweetness to the minty base.
Spiced Mint Shot
- A hint of warmth
- Add a dash of cinnamon liqueur or a very small amount of a spiced rum to the Irish cream before pouring, giving the shot an unexpected warmth to complement the cool mint.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
A different mint liqueur like green or white creme de menthe can work, but adjust for sweetness and color. Peppermint vodka or a very small amount of peppermint extract mixed with vodka could also pinch hit, but will be less sweet.
Any other cream liqueur, such as a coffee or chocolate cream liqueur, could be used for a different flavor profile. For a non-alcoholic option, a mix of heavy cream and a touch of vanilla syrup would provide the texture.
A dollop of heavy cream, frothed milk, or even a marshmallow can provide a similar creamy topping, though it might not hold its shape as well for the ‘no hands’ method.
A small cordial glass, a mini dessert cup, or even a small espresso mug will work. Just ensure it is a sturdy vessel that can be picked up with your mouth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Cum Shot 2?
A Cum Shot 2 contains peppermint schnapps, Irish cream, a pinch of salt, and is topped with whipped cream.
Is the Cum Shot 2 a strong drink?
It is a relatively strong shot, typically around 23.5% ABV. While it is a small volume, it packs more alcohol than a standard beer and is comparable to many full-sized cocktails.
How do you drink a Cum Shot 2?
The traditional way to consume a Cum Shot 2, as per its instructions, is ‘no hands.’ You pick up the shot glass with your mouth and drink it in one swift swallow.
What does a Cum Shot 2 taste like?
It tastes like a creamy, sweet peppermint candy with a boozy kick. The cool mint hits first, followed by the rich creaminess, all balanced by a tiny pinch of salt.
Can I make a Cum Shot 2 ahead of time?
It is best made fresh. The whipped cream can deflate or separate if left to sit too long, especially if it is not very firm. The salt might also dissolve completely, altering the intended effect.
Why is there salt in a Cum Shot 2?
The pinch of salt in the Cum Shot 2 serves to balance the sweetness of the liqueurs and enhance the mint flavor, preventing the drink from being overly sugary and adding a subtle savory note.
Are there other ‘shot’ drinks like this?
Yes, there are many creamy dessert shots such as the Buttery Nipple, Slippery Nipple, or various “Pudding Shots.” This one stands out with its distinct peppermint profile.
What is the best way to serve a Cum Shot 2?
Serve it immediately after preparation, ensuring the ingredients are well chilled. A cold shot glass will also help maintain the temperature and the integrity of the whipped cream.
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