Ingredients
- .33 oz OP Rum
- .33 oz Coffee
- 1.33 oz Grenadine Syrup
Instructions
Start with Grenadine:
- Pour 1.33 oz of grenadine syrup into the bottom of a shot glass.
Add the Coffee:
- Carefully pour 0.33 oz of hot coffee over the grenadine, making sure it sits on top of the syrup.
Top with OP Rum:
- Gently layer 0.33 oz of OP rum over the coffee to complete the shot.
- Serve and enjoy immediately!
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
This shot is a modern creation, likely born in high-energy bars or clubs where speed and visual appeal are key. Its name, Ferrari Shot #1, clearly evokes the imagery of fast cars, vibrant colors, and a quick, powerful experience. It doesn’t have a long, storied history, but rather fits into the category of contemporary party shots designed for immediate impact.
The Ferrari Shot #1 belongs to the family of layered shots, much like the classic B-52 or the Irish Flag. What sets it apart is the inclusion of hot coffee, which introduces a unique temperature contrast and a caffeine kick not typically found in other layered drinks. The combination of sweet grenadine, bitter coffee, and high proof rum gives it a distinct profile.
You’d typically find this shot served in lively bars, nightclubs, or at house parties where the atmosphere is geared towards fun and quick consumption. It’s not a drink for a quiet cocktail lounge or a leisurely brunch. Its design makes it perfect for a round of shots with friends looking to get a quick boost before hitting the dance floor.
What it tastes like
The Ferrari Shot #1 hits with a distinct progression of flavors. The front taste is all sweet, fruity grenadine, providing a syrupy base. This quickly gives way to the warm, slightly bitter, and robust notes of hot coffee in the middle. The finish is a fiery, potent kick from the overproof rum, leaving a lingering warmth and a strong alcoholic presence on the palate.
This shot contains approximately 0.25 ounces of pure alcohol, assuming a typical 75.5% ABV for overproof rum. While this is less total alcohol than a standard 12-ounce beer or many full-sized cocktails, its concentrated delivery and quick consumption mean its impact is immediate and noticeable. It's designed for a rapid, intense hit rather than a slow, measured buzz.
The technique
Building a Ferrari Shot #1 is all about careful layering. Start by pouring the grenadine directly into a shot glass, forming a dense base. The trick is to then introduce the hot coffee and overproof rum gently. Use the back of a bar spoon, held just above the surface of the liquid below, to slowly drizzle each subsequent ingredient. This allows the liquids to float on top of one another based on their differing densities, creating the distinct visual layers.
The single most important technique here is the slow, controlled pour over the back of a spoon. Rushing this step or pouring directly will cause the layers to mix immediately, resulting in a murky, unappealing brown shot with a muddled flavor profile. Patience ensures the beautiful, distinct layers and the intended progression of taste and temperature.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
OP Rum
- Use
- Overproof rums like Wray & Nephew White Overproof, Goslings 151, or other high proof rums (typically 75% ABV or higher) are essential. They provide the fiery kick and alcoholic punch this shot needs.
- Skip
- Standard 80 proof rum. It simply won’t deliver the intensity or the ‘fiery finish’ that defines the Ferrari Shot #1. The proof is crucial here.
- Why
- The overproof rum is the engine of this shot, delivering its namesake ‘fiery’ characteristic. It’s responsible for the strong alcoholic warmth and much of the drink’s immediate impact.
Grenadine Syrup
- Use
- A good quality grenadine is important. While Rose’s is common, a premium brand or even homemade grenadine (from pomegranate juice) will offer a richer, more authentic flavor. Its density is key for the base layer.
- Skip
- Cherry syrup or other red fruit syrups. Grenadine is specifically pomegranate based, and substituting it will alter the flavor profile significantly, often making the shot overly sweet and cloying.
- Why
- Grenadine provides the crucial sweet, fruity base and the vibrant red color for the bottom layer. Its higher sugar content also makes it denser, allowing the coffee and rum to float above it.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Turbo Shot
- Coffee liqueur for a smoother kick
- Substitute the hot coffee with a coffee liqueur like Kahlua or Tia Maria. This makes for a sweeter, colder shot with less caffeine, but still provides the coffee flavor.
Redline Rum
- Spiced up for a different burn
- Swap the standard OP rum for an overproof spiced rum. This introduces additional notes of cinnamon, vanilla, or clove, adding complexity to the fiery finish.
Pit Stop Pop
- Different fruit, same layered fun
- Replace the grenadine with a raspberry or cherry syrup. This will change the base fruit flavor while maintaining the sweet, dense bottom layer required for proper layering.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
A high proof bourbon or even a strong neutral spirit can provide a similar alcoholic kick, though the flavor profile will shift from rum to whiskey or vodka.
Espresso powder mixed with a small amount of hot water can work in a pinch, or a coffee liqueur if you prefer a sweeter, less intense coffee note.
Raspberry syrup or a good quality cherry syrup can be used, but be aware the flavor will be sweeter and fruitier, lacking grenadine’s tart pomegranate notes.
A small cordial glass or even a carefully portioned pour into a small juice glass will work. Just ensure the vessel is narrow enough for distinct layering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Ferrari Shot #1?
The Ferrari Shot #1 contains .33 oz OP Rum, .33 oz hot coffee, and 1.33 oz grenadine syrup, layered in a shot glass.
Why is it called Ferrari Shot #1?
The name suggests speed, vibrant colors (red for grenadine), and a powerful, quick-hitting experience, much like the luxury sports car it’s named after.
How do you layer the Ferrari Shot #1?
Layering is achieved by pouring each ingredient slowly over the back of a bar spoon, starting with the densest (grenadine), then coffee, and finally the rum.
Is the coffee supposed to be hot?
Yes, using hot coffee is intentional. It creates a unique temperature contrast within the shot, adding to the drink’s dynamic experience.
What kind of rum should I use?
You need an overproof (OP) rum, typically 75% ABV or higher, to get the characteristic fiery finish of the Ferrari Shot #1.
Can I make it less strong?
To reduce the strength, you could use a lower proof rum, though this will significantly change the shot’s intended character. You could also slightly reduce the rum quantity.
What other layered shots are there?
Other popular layered shots include the B-52 (coffee liqueur, Irish cream, orange liqueur) and the Irish Flag (creme de menthe, Irish cream, Grand Marnier).
What’s the best way to drink it?
The Ferrari Shot #1 is designed to be consumed quickly as a shot, allowing you to experience the progression of flavors and temperatures in rapid succession.
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