Ingredients
- 1 oz Cinnamon Schnapps
- 1 oz Orange Liqueur
- 1 oz OP Rum
Instructions
Shake Ingredients:
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine 1 oz cinnamon schnapps and 1 oz orange liqueur. Shake well to blend the flavors.
Strain into Glass:
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail or martini glass.
Top with Overproof Rum:
- Carefully pour 1 oz of overproof rum over the top of the drink.
Optional Ignite:
- For a dramatic effect, carefully ignite the rum using a long match or lighter. (Use extreme caution and ensure safety measures are in place.)
Serve Immediately:
- Serve the Flatliner 2 cocktail right away, whether flaming or not, and enjoy its bold, spicy flavors.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The Flatliner is a product of modern bar culture, likely emerging in the late 20th century as bartenders experimented with layered shots. It doesn't have a single inventor or a storied past from a Prohibition-era speakeasy. Instead, it's a testament to the ingenuity of bartenders looking to create intense, memorable serves.
This shot belongs to the 'shooter' family, cousins to the B52 or the Slippery Nipple, but distinguished by the prominent anise flavor of Sambuca and often a spicy component. It's a more aggressive, wake-you-up kind of shot, hence the name.
You'll find the Flatliner most often in high-volume bars, nightclubs, or at house parties where the goal is a rapid shift in mood. It's less about savoring and more about an immediate impact, a quick jolt for the adventurous.
What it tastes like
The Flatliner delivers a complex, yet direct, flavor experience. You get the rich, sweet coffee notes from the Kahlua, followed by the smooth, creamy vanilla and whiskey undertones of the Baileys. The Sambuca then cuts through with its distinct, potent anise or black licorice profile, often culminating in a sharp, surprising heat from a dash of Tabasco.
Given its three potent liqueurs, a 1.5 ounce Flatliner shot packs a punch. With Kahlua around 20% ABV, Baileys at 17% ABV, and Sambuca typically 40% ABV, this shot averages out to roughly 25-30% ABV, making it significantly stronger than a standard 5% ABV beer.
The technique
Building a Flatliner is all about the layers. Start with chilled Kahlua in a shot glass. Carefully float the Baileys over the back of a spoon, creating a distinct middle layer. Finish by layering the Sambuca on top, again using the spoon. If adding Tabasco, a single dash on top is usually enough.
The most critical technique here is the layering. Use the back of a bar spoon, held just above the liquid, to gently pour the next ingredient. This slows the pour, allowing the liquids to stack based on their density and preventing them from mixing prematurely.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Sambuca
- Use
- Luxardo Sambuca, Romana Sambuca, Molinari Sambuca
- Skip
- Anisette, Ouzo (unless you want a very different, less sweet flavor profile)
- Why
- The strong, sweet anise is the defining characteristic that separates this from other layered shots. It provides the 'kick' and the unique flavor.
Baileys Irish Cream
- Use
- Original Baileys Irish Cream
- Skip
- Thin coffee creamers, generic cream liqueurs that lack body or distinct whiskey notes
- Why
- It provides the essential creamy texture and a sweet, whiskey-laced counterpoint to the coffee and anise. It's the smooth buffer in the middle.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Softliner
- No Spice
- Skip the Tabasco for a purely sweet and anise experience, letting the liqueurs shine without the added heat.
Coffee Kick
- Espresso Boost
- Add a small splash of cold espresso before the Kahlua layer for an extra bitter coffee punch and caffeine boost.
Blackout
- Absinthe Swap
- Replace Sambuca with a small measure of absinthe for an even more intense anise flavor and a higher proof kick, but use sparingly.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Any decent coffee liqueur like Tia Maria or Mr Black will work. The sweetness and coffee notes are what you need.
Try Carolans Irish Cream, or even a blend of heavy cream and a touch of Irish whiskey for a similar effect.
Anise-flavored liqueurs like Pernod or Ouzo can be substituted, though the flavor profile will shift slightly and may be less sweet.
A small cordial glass or even a mini-mason jar will do. The key is a narrow vessel for layering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Flatliner?
A standard Flatliner contains Kahlua, Baileys Irish Cream, and Sambuca, often with a dash of Tabasco hot sauce.
Is a Flatliner strong?
Yes, it's a potent shot. With three liqueurs, it typically has an ABV around 25-30%, making it much stronger than most beers.
How do you drink a Flatliner?
It's meant to be consumed as a shot, all at once, to get the full layered flavor and immediate impact.
What does a Flatliner taste like?
It's a mix of sweet coffee, creamy vanilla, potent licorice or anise, often with a surprising spicy kick from hot sauce.
Is the Flatliner a shooter?
Absolutely. It's designed for quick consumption, making it a classic shooter or party shot.
Why is it called a Flatliner?
The name suggests its potent, 'wake you up' effect, particularly with the addition of hot sauce, implying a jolt to the system.
Can I make a Flatliner without Tabasco?
Yes, many versions omit the hot sauce. It will still be a strong, flavorful layered shot without the spicy element.
Is a Flatliner related to a B52 shot?
They are similar in concept as layered shots, but the Flatliner's use of Sambuca and optional hot sauce gives it a distinct flavor profile compared to the B52's Grand Marnier.
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