Ingredients
- 3/4 oz Orange Liqueur
- 1/4 oz Orange Rum
Instructions
Prepare your shot:
- You can shake it with ice for a chilled, smooth experience or serve it straight up for a bold hit.
Combine and shake (optional):
- If shaking, pour the orange liqueur and rum into a shaker filled with ice. Shake until cold.
Serve:
- Pour into a shot glass and get ready for a flavorful, warming sip.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
You won't find the French Tickler 2 in any dusty cocktail tomes. This is a modern creation, likely born in a busy bar where someone needed a quick, flavorful shot that could be thrown together without much fuss. No one's quite sure who put it together, and that's probably by design.
This shot falls into the simple, two-ingredient category, much like a quick B-52 or a Kamikaze without the lime. It's all about direct flavor and a straightforward hit, rather than complex layering. The '2' in the name suggests a predecessor, perhaps a simpler version with only one orange component, but details are scarce.
Order this one when you're out with a crowd and the night is still young, or when it's definitely not. It's a pre-game ritual for some, a late-night pick-me-up for others. You'll find it more often in a high-energy bar than a quiet speakeasy.
What it tastes like
The French Tickler 2 delivers exactly what it promises: a double dose of orange. The orange liqueur brings a bright, sweet, and sometimes slightly bitter citrus note, while the orange rum adds a deeper, boozier orange base. It's unapologetically sweet, with a strong, clean citrus punch that masks the alcohol just enough.
Don't let the sweetness fool you, this is a potent little number. With an average orange liqueur (like Cointreau at 40% ABV) and an orange rum (around 35% ABV), you're looking at a shot that hits roughly 38-40% ABV. That puts it right up there with a shot of most whiskeys, making it significantly stronger than your average beer or wine.
The technique
Building a French Tickler 2 is as simple as it sounds. You've got options: either shake it cold or pour it straight. If shaking, combine the orange liqueur and orange rum in a shaker with ice. Give it a good, hard shake until the shaker is frosty. Strain it into a shot glass. If you're going for straight, just pour both ingredients directly into the shot glass.
The most important technique here is deciding whether you want it chilled or room temperature. Shaking it with ice smooths out some of the heat and makes it a colder, slightly softer shot. Serving it straight up delivers a bolder, more immediate alcoholic kick. Pick your poison.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Orange Liqueur
- Use
- Cointreau for a drier, more refined orange note, or a good quality Triple Sec for a sweeter, more accessible flavor. Grand Marnier works if you want a deeper, cognac-tinged orange.
- Skip
- Anything labeled 'orange flavored schnapps' unless you're aiming for overly syrupy. Avoid cheap, thin liqueurs that taste like artificial candy.
- Why
- This is where the primary sweetness and bright citrus lift comes from. It balances the rum and provides the 'tickler' part of the name with its vibrant flavor.
Orange Rum
- Use
- A decent quality orange-flavored rum. Brands like Captain Morgan Orange Vanilla or Bacardi Orange are solid choices. A spiced rum with strong orange notes can also work.
- Skip
- Plain white rum or a dark, heavily aged rum unless you're adding fresh orange juice or bitters. You need that distinct orange flavor baked into the rum itself.
- Why
- The orange rum provides the alcoholic backbone and a secondary layer of orange flavor, giving the shot its depth and ensuring the orange profile isn't just one-note.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
French Kiss
- A sugared rim for extra sweetness.
- Moisten the rim of your shot glass with a little orange liqueur, then dip it in a shallow plate of granulated sugar before pouring the drink.
Dark Tickler
- Deeper rum, darker notes.
- Substitute the orange rum with a good quality dark rum, then add a dash of orange bitters to maintain the citrus profile with a more complex base.
Tropical Tickler
- A hint of island flair.
- Add a small splash, about 1/4 oz, of pineapple juice or passion fruit liqueur to the shaker for a more exotic fruit kick.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Use Triple Sec or Cointreau. If you have neither, a splash of fresh orange juice with a touch of simple syrup and a dash of plain vodka can mimic the effect in a pinch.
Combine a good quality white rum with a few dashes of orange bitters and a tiny squeeze of fresh orange juice. It won't be quite the same, but it'll get you close.
A small cordial glass or even a small espresso cup will do the job. Just make sure it's sturdy enough for the pour.
Pour the ingredients into a small glass with ice and stir vigorously with a spoon for about 30 seconds until well chilled. Strain and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a French Tickler 2?
The French Tickler 2 contains 3/4 oz Orange Liqueur and 1/4 oz Orange Rum.
Is the French Tickler 2 a sweet drink?
Yes, it's definitely on the sweeter side, with both ingredients contributing a significant amount of sugar and fruit flavor.
How strong is a French Tickler 2?
It's a potent shot, typically around 38-40% ABV, comparable to a shot of whiskey.
Should I shake or serve the French Tickler 2 straight?
That's up to you. Shaking it with ice will make it colder and slightly smoother. Serving it straight up will give you a bolder, more immediate flavor and kick.
What kind of orange liqueur should I use?
Cointreau or a good quality Triple Sec are solid choices. Grand Marnier can work if you want a richer, deeper orange flavor.
Can I use plain rum instead of orange rum?
You can, but the drink won't have the same layered orange flavor. If you do, consider adding a dash of orange bitters or a tiny bit of fresh orange juice.
What's the best occasion for a French Tickler 2?
It's a party starter or a late-night round kind of shot. Think pre-gaming, celebrations, or when you need a quick, flavorful boost.
Does it need a garnish?
Not typically for a shot. The flavor is direct enough that a garnish isn't necessary, but a small orange twist could add a bit of flair if you're feeling fancy.
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