Ingredients
- 1 part Jager Herbal Liqueur
- 1 part 151 Rum
- 1 part Peppermint Liqueur or Schnapps
- 1 part Cinnamon Schnaps
- 1 part Tequila
Instructions
- Add equal parts of Jager Herbal Liqueur, 151 Rum, Peppermint Liqueur or Schnapps, Cinnamon Schnapps, and Tequila to a 3oz shot glass.
- Shoot it down and brace yourself for the ultimate flavor explosion.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
This kind of potent, multi-spirit shot rarely has a clear origin story. The Five Star General Shot likely emerged from a bartender’s challenge or a late night experiment in a college town bar, sometime in the late 20th or early 21st century. It is a product of mixing several strong, distinct liqueurs and spirits, aiming for maximum impact rather than delicate balance. It is a bar staple for those looking for a quick, intense hit.
The Five Star General Shot fits into the “bomb shot” or “power shot” family, alongside drinks like the Jagerbomb or the Vegas Bomb. Unlike those, which often include energy drinks or sweet mixers, the General keeps it pure alcohol and intense liqueurs. It shares the same “equal parts, strong flavor” ethos as a “Liquid Cocaine” shot, but with a different flavor profile focused on herbal, mint, and spice notes.
You would typically find this shot ordered in a high-volume bar, a college pub, or a dive bar where the focus is on fun and potency. It is a party starter, often served in a round for a group. This is not a drink you sip slowly at a craft cocktail lounge. It is for those nights when the goal is to make a statement and get the party rolling fast.
What it tastes like
The Five Star General Shot hits hard from the first sip. You get a blast of herbal bitterness from the Jager, quickly followed by the sharp, almost medicinal coolness of peppermint. The cinnamon schnapps then kicks in, adding a fiery spice that warms the back of the throat, while the tequila’s earthy, peppery notes provide a strong alcoholic backbone and a lingering finish. It is a chaotic but intense blend, with each flavor fighting for dominance.
With five equal parts of spirits and liqueurs, most of which are 30-40% ABV or higher (151 Rum being 75.5% ABV), this 3oz shot is exceptionally potent. Assuming average ABVs for the other components (Jager ~35%, Peppermint Liqueur ~30%, Cinnamon Schnapps ~30%, Tequila ~40%), the overall ABV of this shot is easily over 40-45% ABV. This means one Five Star General Shot is roughly equivalent to two standard cocktails or three to four average beers in terms of alcohol content. Treat it with respect.
The technique
Building a Five Star General Shot is straightforward. Grab a 3oz shot glass and your five bottles. Measure out equal parts of each ingredient directly into the glass. There is no need for stirring or chilling, as the intent is immediate consumption. The order of ingredients does not significantly impact the final taste, just pour them in. Serve it up as soon as it is assembled, ready for the quick shot.
The one technique tip that matters most for a shot like this is accurate measurement of equal parts. Eyeballing it might seem fine for a potent shot, but consistency is key, especially if you are making a round. Use a jigger or a measuring cup to ensure each shot has the intended balance of flavors and alcohol. Inconsistent pours can lead to one shot being overwhelmingly minty and another too heavy on the Jager, ruining the intended “explosion” for some.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
151 Rum
- Use
- Bacardi 151 (if still available), Goslings 151, Cruzan 151. These are high proof rums, typically 75.5% ABV or 151 proof, designed for maximum alcoholic impact and flammability.
- Skip
- Standard 80 proof rum. Using a regular rum will drastically reduce the potency and the fiery character that defines this shot. It just will not hit the same way.
- Why
- The 151 Rum is the primary driver of this shot’s extreme potency. It adds a raw alcoholic kick and a distinct rum character that stands out against the liqueurs, ensuring the “brace yourself” instruction is warranted.
Peppermint Liqueur (or Schnapps)
- Use
- Bols Peppermint, DeKuyper Peppermint Schnapps, Rumple Minze. Look for a clear, strong peppermint flavor. Schnapps versions are typically sweeter and less viscous, while liqueurs can be slightly richer.
- Skip
- Crème de Menthe. While minty, crème de menthe is often much sweeter and has a thicker texture, which will cloy the shot and diminish the sharp, clean peppermint bite needed here.
- Why
- Peppermint is crucial for the distinct cooling sensation that contrasts with the other strong flavors. It provides a sharp, refreshing counterpoint to the herbal Jager and spicy cinnamon, preventing the shot from becoming too muddled and adding to its “flavor explosion” nature.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
No Peppermint
- Swap for a different menthol blast.
- If peppermint is not available, a strong spearmint schnapps or even a dash of menthol liqueur could offer a similar cooling sensation, though it will alter the specific mint profile.
Spiced General
- Lean into the fire and spice.
- Increase the cinnamon schnapps slightly and consider adding a dash of a spicy liqueur like Fireball or a few drops of hot sauce for an even more aggressive, fiery kick.
Herbal General
- Double down on the herbal notes.
- Replace the cinnamon schnapps with another herbal liqueur, perhaps something like Absinthe or a strong bitter amaro, to push the profile further into complex, botanical territory.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
No problem. A similar herbal liqueur like Killepitsch or even a potent amaro could work in a pinch, though the distinct Jager flavor will be missed.
This is tough. The high proof is key. A high proof neutral grain spirit or even a potent overproof bourbon could provide the alcohol content, but the rum flavor will be gone.
A very small amount of peppermint extract mixed with a neutral spirit could work, but be careful not to overdo the extract.
A cinnamon whiskey like Fireball or even a dash of cinnamon syrup with a neutral spirit can provide the spice, but adjust for sweetness.
A blanco tequila is best. If not available, another unaged white spirit like vodka or a light rum could substitute, but the agave character will be lost.
Any small glass will do. A pony glass, a small juice glass, or even a small rocks glass can serve the purpose, just adjust the “equal parts” to fill the vessel appropriately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Five Star General Shot?
A Five Star General Shot contains equal parts Jager Herbal Liqueur, 151 Rum, Peppermint Liqueur or Schnapps, Cinnamon Schnapps, and Tequila.
How strong is a Five Star General Shot?
This shot is very strong, with an ABV well over 40-45%. It contains roughly the same amount of alcohol as two standard cocktails or three to four beers.
What does a Five Star General Shot taste like?
It has a bold and complex flavor, starting with herbal and minty notes, followed by a fiery cinnamon spice, and finishing with the earthy kick of tequila and the raw power of 151 Rum.
Is the Five Star General Shot meant to be sipped?
No, this shot is designed for quick consumption. It is meant to be shot down in one go for an immediate and intense flavor and alcohol experience.
Can I make a Five Star General Shot less strong?
To reduce the strength, you could reduce the amount of 151 Rum and replace it with a standard 80 proof rum, or increase the total volume by adding a non-alcoholic mixer, but then it is no longer a true Five Star General Shot.
What kind of tequila should I use for a Five Star General Shot?
A blanco or silver tequila is typically preferred for its clean, unaged agave flavor that cuts through the other strong ingredients without adding oak notes.
What is the best way to serve a Five Star General Shot?
Serve it immediately after mixing in a 3oz shot glass. It is best enjoyed quickly to experience the full impact of its diverse flavors.
Is this a common shot in bars?
While not universally popular, it is known in many bars that cater to a crowd looking for potent, high-impact shots. It is often ordered as a dare or a group challenge.
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