Ingredients
- 1 oz Spiced Rum
- 1 oz Coconut Rum
- 1 oz Melon Liqueur
- 1 oz Blue Curacao Liqueur
- 8 oz Boiling Water
- 3 oz Pineapple Jello
Garnish
- Pineapple Slices
Instructions
Prepare Jello:
- Add the pineapple jello to boiling water and stir until fully dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool.
Mix in Liquors:
- Once the jello mix has cooled, add the spiced rum, coconut rum, melon liqueur, and blue curacao. Stir well to combine.
Pour and Set:
- Pour the mixture into plastic shot glasses and place them in the refrigerator. Let them set for at least 3 hours.
Garnish and Serve:
- Once set, garnish each shot with a small pineapple slice. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
This shot is a modern bar creation, likely emerging in the late 20th or early 21st century in American party bar scenes. Its exact origins are murky, as is common with many popular, brightly colored shots that spread through word of mouth and bartender experimentation rather than formal cocktail development.
It belongs to the family of "candy shots" or "party shots." These are typically defined by their vibrant colors, sweet profiles, and often playful or suggestive names. What separates the Liquid Marijuana Shot is its specific combination of melon, coconut, and blue curaçao to achieve its signature green hue and tropical taste.
You'll typically find this shot ordered in high-energy nightclubs, college bars, or at casual house parties. It's a popular choice when the vibe is lighthearted and the goal is a quick, sweet, and colorful drink.
What it tastes like
Expect a sweet, tropical explosion. The Midori brings a distinct honeydew melon flavor, which is smoothed out by the creamy coconut notes from the Malibu. Blue Curaçao adds a subtle citrus undertone and contributes to the vibrant green color, while pineapple juice rounds it all out with a bright, fruity tang. It tastes like a very sweet, fruit-forward candy.
Assuming a recipe including Midori, Malibu, Blue Curaçao, pineapple juice, and a splash of spiced rum, this shot clocks in around 20% ABV. That's roughly equivalent to two standard beers or a strong glass of wine. It's potent for its size, so sip or shoot responsibly.
The technique
To build a Liquid Marijuana Shot, combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well until thoroughly chilled, about 10-15 seconds. Strain the mixture into a standard shot glass. For optimal presentation and chill, make sure your shot glasses are pre-chilled in the freezer. The method is simple: shake it cold, serve it fast.
The ONE technique tip that matters most is getting it truly cold. The sweetness of this shot demands a brisk chill to cut through the sugar and make it refreshing rather than cloying. Don't skimp on the ice or the shake time.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Midori
- Use
- The original Japanese melon liqueur. Its bright green color and distinct honeydew flavor are non-negotiable for this shot.
- Skip
- Cheap green apple schnapps or other generic melon liqueurs. They won't have the same vibrant color or authentic flavor profile.
- Why
- Midori is the defining ingredient. Without it, you don't have the signature color or the primary sweet melon taste. It's the "marijuana" green.
Malibu
- Use
- Malibu Coconut Rum. Its specific sweet, creamy coconut flavor is what you're after.
- Skip
- Unflavored rum with coconut syrup, or other types of flavored rum. They'll throw off the balance and texture.
- Why
- Malibu provides the essential tropical coconut backbone that pairs so well with the melon and pineapple, adding depth and a touch of creamy sweetness.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Liquid Marijuana Cocktail
- A longer, sippable version.
- Serve the same recipe over ice in a highball glass, topped with a splash of soda water or lemon-lime soda for a refreshing cocktail.
Spiced Green Dream
- Adds a kick of warmth.
- Incorporate 0.5 oz of spiced rum, such as Captain Morgan, into the original recipe for an extra layer of flavor and a slight increase in potency.
Purple Haze Shot
- A colorful twist with berry notes.
- Swap the Blue Curaçao for a raspberry or blackberry liqueur (like Chambord or Crème de Mûre) to create a different color and berry-forward flavor profile.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Green apple schnapps can work in a pinch for color, but the flavor will be different. For melon flavor, a non-alcoholic melon syrup with a clear liqueur.
Light rum with a splash of coconut cream or coconut syrup will approximate the flavor, but the texture might differ.
A tiny dash of blue food coloring and a bit of orange liqueur (like Triple Sec) for the citrus notes. Or skip it and lose some color depth.
Orange juice can substitute for a different tropical fruit profile, or white grape juice for a less assertive sweetness.
Any small glass will do. A cordial glass or even a small espresso cup can serve as a suitable alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Liquid Marijuana Shot?
A Liquid Marijuana Shot typically contains Midori melon liqueur, Malibu coconut rum, Blue Curaçao, and pineapple juice. Some recipes also include spiced rum.
Why is it called a Liquid Marijuana Shot?
It's named for its vibrant green color, which resembles the color of cannabis, and its ability to get the party started. There's no actual marijuana in it.
What does a Liquid Marijuana Shot taste like?
It tastes very sweet and tropical, with prominent flavors of melon and coconut, balanced by pineapple and a hint of citrus.
Is the Liquid Marijuana Shot strong?
Yes, it typically has an ABV around 20%, similar to a strong wine or two beers, so it's quite potent for a small shot.
How do you make a Liquid Marijuana Shot green?
The green color comes primarily from the Midori melon liqueur, often enhanced by the addition of Blue Curaçao which, when mixed with yellow pineapple juice, contributes to the green hue.
Can I make a Liquid Marijuana Shot as a cocktail?
Absolutely. Simply combine the ingredients over ice in a taller glass and top with a splash of soda water or lemon-lime soda for a refreshing long drink.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
You can create a virgin version using green melon syrup, coconut syrup, blue raspberry syrup (sparingly), and pineapple juice.
Is this shot always green?
Yes, the defining characteristic of a Liquid Marijuana Shot is its vibrant green color, achieved through the combination of its specific ingredients.
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