Ingredients
- 3/4 oz Triple Sec
- 1/4 oz Irish Cream
- 2-3 drops Grenadine Syrup
Instructions
Prepare the Shot Glass:
- Fill your shot glass 3/4 full with triple sec.
Layer the Irish Cream:
- Carefully layer the Irish cream on top of the triple sec.
Add Grenadine:
- Add 2-3 drops of grenadine into the center of the shot.
- If done correctly, it will create a visual effect resembling an atomic mushroom cloud as the grenadine drops hit the bottom.
Video
Notes
- To achieve the best visual effect, pour the Irish cream slowly over the back of a spoon.
- For an added twist, you can experiment with different liqueurs to layer.
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
No one's quite sure who put this one together, but it feels like a modern bar creation. It probably came from a bartender looking to mess with people's heads or just create something visually striking for a busy night.
This is a layered shot, pure and simple, playing on a visual gimmick. It doesn't have much family resemblance to anything pre-Prohibition. Think of it as a cousin to other visual shots like the Brain Hemorrhage or the Jellyfish shot, where the look is half the point.
You're not ordering this at a quiet speakeasy. This is a party starter, a dare, or something you whip out when you want to make a statement at a house party. It's a quick hit, not a sipper to ponder over.
What it tastes like
The first hit is sweet orange from the triple sec, which forms the base. Then the Irish cream smooths it out with that familiar creamy, vanilla-coffee thing. The grenadine is mostly for show, but it adds a tiny, subtle berry note right at the end.
Clocking in around 15-16% ABV for a one-ounce shot, this thing is about as potent as a glass of wine or a strong craft beer. It goes down fast, so don't let the sweet taste fool you into thinking it's harmless. Treat it with respect.
The technique
Building this is a lesson in patience. Grab your shot glass, fill it about three-quarters full with triple sec. Then, and this is key, pour the Irish cream slowly over the back of a spoon so it floats on top. Finish with two to three drops of grenadine right in the middle.
The trick is a steady hand with that spoon. Angle it just right, let the cream trickle out gently. The grenadine will do its own thing, sinking through the layers to create that cloud effect. Don't rush it, or you'll just get a pinkish, murky mess.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Triple Sec
- Use
- Cointreau or a decent quality orange liqueur. It's the base, so don't skimp.
- Skip
- The cheapest stuff you can find. It'll taste like bad candy and ruin the whole thing.
- Why
- It's the main flavor driver and its density is crucial for the layering effect. Good triple sec makes a difference.
Irish Cream
- Use
- Baileys is the standard, but any good Irish cream will work just fine.
- Skip
- Non-dairy creamers or anything too thin. They won't layer correctly and will just mix in.
- Why
- It provides the creamy texture and a contrasting density for the visual effect. It's the 'cloud' in the shot.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Brain Hemorrhage
- A different kind of layered horror.
- Swap the triple sec for peach schnapps, then layer Irish cream and drop in grenadine for a similar, if more gruesome, visual.
Jellyfish Shot
- Another visual stunner.
- Use blue curaçao as the base, layer Irish cream, then drop in a few dashes of grenadine. The cream forms the 'bell' and the grenadine the 'tentacles.'
Nuclear Waste
- Green and glowing.
- Use Midori as the base, layer Irish cream, and then drop in a few drops of grenadine for a similar effect with a different color scheme.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Try another orange liqueur like Cointreau or Grand Marnier. Peach schnapps also works for a different flavor profile.
Any coffee-cream liqueur will work, like Kahlua with a splash of cream, though the layering might be trickier.
A few drops of cherry syrup or even a dash of red food coloring could give a similar visual, but without the subtle fruit note.
A small cordial glass or even a tiny espresso cup will do in a pinch, just adjust the proportions to fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Memories of Hiroshima?
It's a layered shot with 3/4 oz Triple Sec, 1/4 oz Irish Cream, and 2-3 drops Grenadine Syrup.
Why is it called Memories of Hiroshima?
The grenadine drops through the layered liquids create a visual effect that resembles a mushroom cloud.
Is it a strong drink?
At about 15-16% ABV, it's similar in strength to a glass of wine or a strong beer, but it's a small, quick shot.
How do you layer a Memories of Hiroshima?
Pour the triple sec first, then carefully float the Irish cream on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon. Finish by dropping grenadine into the center.
Can I make a Memories of Hiroshima as a full-sized cocktail?
Not really. It's designed as a shot for the visual effect and quick consumption. Scaling it up would lose the layering impact.
What does a Memories of Hiroshima taste like?
It's sweet and creamy, with prominent orange notes from the triple sec and a smooth, vanilla-coffee flavor from the Irish cream.
Is it hard to make this shot?
The layering requires a steady hand and a slow pour, but it's not overly difficult once you get the hang of it.
Should I chill the ingredients first?
Yes, chilling the triple sec and Irish cream will make for a colder, more enjoyable shot.
More Like This
More drinks in the same family.
