Ingredients
- .5 oz OP Rum
- .5 oz Bourbon Whiskey
Instructions
Combine the ingredients:
- Pour 15 ml of OP rum and 15 ml of bourbon whiskey into a shot glass.
Serve:
- Shoot it back and enjoy the intense flavours!
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
Novelty shots like the Gorilla Fart Shot don't typically have a storied past or a named inventor. They emerge from the wild west of bar experimentation, often concocted on a slow night or during a particularly rowdy shift. This particular combination likely gained traction in casual bars and college towns across North America in the late 20th century, a time when layered shots were all the rage.
The Gorilla Fart Shot belongs to the broader family of dessert shots, similar to classics like the B52 or the Slippery Nipple. Its defining characteristic is the combination of coffee liqueur, Irish cream, and banana, creating a distinct trifecta of sweet, creamy, and fruity. It stands apart from more spirit-forward shots by leaning heavily into its liqueur base, prioritizing flavor and novelty over a high proof kick.
You're not going to find the Gorilla Fart Shot on a craft cocktail menu. This is a shot for celebrations, birthday rounds, or when you're out with a group looking for something fun and easy to drink. It's a staple in high-volume bars, pubs, and anywhere people are ready to let loose and enjoy a sweet, silly concoction without pretension.
What it tastes like
The Gorilla Fart Shot delivers a sweet, creamy, and distinctly banana-forward flavor. The Kahlua provides a base of rich coffee and chocolate notes, which are then softened and rounded out by the smooth, vanilla and cream character of the Baileys. The banana liqueur cuts through with a bright, artificial banana candy taste, making it instantly recognizable and quite palatable, especially for those with a sweet tooth.
Given its composition of Kahlua (20% ABV), Baileys (17% ABV), and a typical banana liqueur (around 15-20% ABV), the Gorilla Fart Shot usually lands in the range of 16-19% ABV. This puts it roughly on par with a strong wine or a double IPA, but it's often consumed quickly. It's not as potent as a straight shot of whiskey, but it's certainly stronger than your average light beer.
The technique
Building a Gorilla Fart Shot is all about the layers. You'll need a standard shot glass, preferably a tall one to show off the colors. First, pour the Kahlua, which is the densest. Next, carefully float the Baileys over the back of a bar spoon to create a distinct middle layer. Finally, use the same bar spoon technique to float the banana liqueur on top. Serve immediately, as the layers will eventually start to blend.
The single most important technique tip here is patience with the spoon. Pouring too quickly or from too high will mix the layers, turning your Gorilla Fart Shot into a muddy brown mess. Keep the spoon almost touching the previous layer and pour slowly, letting the liquid gently spread across the surface. Angle the spoon just right to control the flow.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Kahlua
- Use
- Any reputable coffee liqueur works. Kahlua is the standard for a reason, but Mr. Black or Tia Maria are solid options if you're feeling fancy.
- Skip
- Avoid cheap, overly sweet coffee syrups or non-alcoholic coffee flavorings. You need the body and the subtle booziness of a proper liqueur.
- Why
- Kahlua provides the dark, dense base and the essential coffee and chocolate notes. It's crucial for both flavor and creating the first layer of the Gorilla Fart Shot.
Baileys Irish Cream
- Use
- Baileys is the original and the best for a reason. Other Irish cream liqueurs like Saint Brendan's or Five Farms can work, but Baileys has that classic profile.
- Skip
- Don't substitute with regular cream or milk, even with a dash of vanilla. You'll lose the creamy texture, the vanilla depth, and the alcoholic kick that Baileys brings.
- Why
- Baileys provides the creamy, sweet, and slightly boozy middle layer. It's what gives the Gorilla Fart Shot its characteristic smoothness and helps contrast the coffee and banana flavors.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Chocolate Fart
- Add a chocolate kick
- Swap out the banana liqueur for a creme de cacao or a chocolate liqueur to lean into the dessert aspect even more. It becomes a creamy coffee chocolate shot.
Tropical Fart
- Pineapple twist
- Instead of banana, try floating a pineapple liqueur or even a small amount of pineapple juice on top for a more acidic and tropical edge. It brightens up the whole drink.
Spiced Fart
- A touch of warmth
- For a warming variation, add a small dash of cinnamon liqueur or even a spiced rum to the Kahlua layer. It adds an unexpected depth to the sweet profile.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Try another coffee liqueur like Tia Maria or Mr. Black. In a pinch, a dark rum with a splash of cold brew coffee could work, but it won't layer the same.
Any Irish cream liqueur will do. If you're truly stuck, a rich cream mixed with a little vanilla extract and a shot of whiskey could approximate the flavor, but not the texture.
A peach schnapps or even a very small amount of melon liqueur could provide a similar fruity, sweet top note. The banana flavor will be missed, though.
A small cordial glass or even a carefully poured espresso cup can work. Just remember the layering might be harder to see.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Gorilla Fart Shot?
A Gorilla Fart Shot typically contains Kahlua coffee liqueur, Baileys Irish Cream, and banana liqueur, layered in a shot glass.
How do you make a Gorilla Fart Shot?
You layer Kahlua on the bottom, then carefully float Baileys Irish Cream on top using the back of a bar spoon, and finally float banana liqueur on the very top using the same method.
Is the Gorilla Fart Shot strong?
The Gorilla Fart Shot is moderately strong, usually around 16-19% ABV. It's stronger than most beers but less potent than a straight shot of hard liquor.
What does a Gorilla Fart Shot taste like?
It tastes sweet, creamy, and distinctly of banana, with underlying notes of coffee and chocolate from the Kahlua and the smooth vanilla of the Baileys.
Why is it called a Gorilla Fart Shot?
The name is a playful, crude reference to the banana flavor, often associated with gorillas, combined with the 'fart' for its novelty and the sometimes intense, sweet experience of a layered shot.
Can I make a Gorilla Fart Shot without alcohol?
It's difficult to replicate the exact texture and layering without the liqueurs. You could try coffee syrup, cream, and banana syrup, but it won't be the same drink.
What kind of banana liqueur should I use?
Any standard creme de banane or banana liqueur will work. Brands like Bols, DeKuyper, or Giffard are common and suitable choices for the Gorilla Fart Shot.
Are there similar shots to the Gorilla Fart Shot?
Yes, many layered dessert shots are similar, such as the B52, which uses Kahlua, Baileys, and Grand Marnier, or the Slippery Nipple, with sambuca and Baileys.
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