Ingredients
- .5 oz Coffee Liqueur
- .5 oz Irish Cream
- 1.5 oz Whipped Cream
Instructions
Layer Ingredients:
- Carefully layer the coffee liqueur, followed by the Irish cream, into a shot glass.
Top Off:
- Add the whipped cream on top.
Serve:
- Shoot the shot without using your hands.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
Like many playful shots, the exact origin of the Pattis Blow Job is murky, likely emerging from the American bar scene in the late 20th century. It is a quintessential party starter, often found on dive bar menus or at house parties, rather than in craft cocktail establishments. The name itself suggests a certain irreverence and a focus on novelty and good times.
This drink sits squarely in the layered shot family, a popular category that includes the B-52 and the Slippery Nipple. What separates the Pattis Blow Job is its specific combination of coffee and Irish cream, crowned with a significant amount of whipped cream, and its signature hands free consumption method. It is less about complex flavors and more about a rich, sweet experience.
You would typically find the Pattis Blow Job in high volume bars, college town establishments, or at home parties. It is a celebratory shot, less about quiet contemplation and more about shared laughs and a sweet finish to a meal or a night out. It is not something you would typically order at a high end cocktail lounge.
What it tastes like
The Pattis Blow Job delivers a sweet, creamy, and coffee forward flavor profile from start to finish. On the front, you get the rich, slightly bitter notes of coffee liqueur, quickly softened by the smooth, vanilla and whiskey undertones of the Irish cream. The finish is pure decadent creaminess, leaving a sweet, lingering coating on the palate that is reminiscent of a boozy dessert.
With approximately 0.185 ounces of pure alcohol in a 2.5 ounce shot, the Pattis Blow Job clocks in around 7.4% ABV. This makes it a relatively light pour, comparable to a strong beer rather than a full strength cocktail. It is designed for easy, dessert like consumption, not for knocking you off your feet, making it a manageable party drink.
The technique
Building a Pattis Blow Job is all about precision layering. Start by pouring the coffee liqueur directly into the bottom of a shot glass. For the Irish cream, slowly pour it over the back of a bar spoon, held just above the coffee liqueur layer, allowing it to gently float on top. Finally, add a generous dollop of whipped cream, either from an aerosol can or freshly made, to crown the shot. No stirring or shaking is required.
The single most crucial technique for this shot is careful layering. Pouring each ingredient slowly over the back of a spoon, especially the Irish cream and whipped cream, prevents them from mixing prematurely. This preserves the distinct visual appeal and the separate flavor progression that defines a layered shot. Rushing it just gives you a muddy, single flavored drink that loses its charm.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Coffee Liqueur
- Use
- Kahlua is the standard, but other quality options like Tia Maria or Mr. Black work well. Aim for a liqueur that is around 20% ABV for the right balance.
- Skip
- Coffee syrup or cold brew concentrate. These lack the alcoholic kick and the specific sweetness and body that a liqueur provides, resulting in a thin, non alcoholic tasting drink.
- Why
- This ingredient provides the essential coffee base, body, and initial sweetness. It forms the foundation of the shot’s flavor profile and its darkest visual layer.
Irish Cream
- Use
- Baileys Irish Cream is the go-to, but brands like Carolans or even a good homemade version will deliver. Consistency is key for layering.
- Skip
- Just heavy cream and whiskey. While it might provide similar flavors, it will not have the emulsified, sweetened, and shelf stable properties needed for proper layering and taste in this shot.
- Why
- Irish cream introduces a rich, creamy texture, a second layer of sweetness, and the distinctive whiskey notes that perfectly complement the coffee. It is crucial for the drink’s signature smoothness.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Blow Job
- The original, simpler version
- This is often the base recipe, sometimes without the ‘Patti’ prefix, simply referring to the combination of coffee liqueur, Irish cream, and whipped cream, consumed hands free.
B-52 Shot
- A classic layered shot
- This shot layers coffee liqueur, Irish cream, and Grand Marnier. It offers a citrusy counterpoint to the creamy base, maintaining the visual appeal of a layered drink.
Slippery Nipple
- An anise-flavored creamy shot
- This variation typically combines Sambuca, Irish cream, and sometimes a grenadine float. It provides an entirely different flavor profile with its distinct anise notes, while keeping the creamy texture.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
A combination of coffee syrup and a splash of vodka or dark rum can work in a pinch, though it will lack some of the liqueur’s body and specific sweetness.
Mix heavy cream with a measure of Irish whiskey and a touch of simple syrup. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor profile will be close.
Aerosol whipped cream is a perfectly acceptable substitute for fresh. If no cream is available, the shot can be served without, but it loses some of its signature experience.
A small cordial glass, a pony glass, or even a small espresso cup will work. The goal is to contain the layers for a single, quick consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Pattis Blow Job?
A Pattis Blow Job contains coffee liqueur, Irish cream, and a generous topping of whipped cream, layered in a shot glass.
How do you drink a Pattis Blow Job?
The Pattis Blow Job is traditionally consumed hands free. This means leaning over the bar or table and directly taking the shot with your mouth, without using your hands to hold the glass.
What does a Pattis Blow Job taste like?
It tastes sweet, creamy, and like a boozy coffee dessert. You get notes of rich coffee, vanilla, and a hint of whiskey, all smoothed out by the whipped cream.
What is the origin of the Pattis Blow Job?
Like many party shots, its exact origin is unclear, but it likely emerged from casual bar scenes in the United States, popular for its playful name and sweet, easy drinking nature.
Is the Pattis Blow Job a strong drink?
No, it is a relatively mild shot, typically around 7.4% ABV. It is more akin to a strong beer in alcohol content than a potent cocktail.
Can I make a Pattis Blow Job ahead of time?
No, it is best made fresh. The whipped cream will deflate and the layers may begin to mix if left to sit for too long, spoiling the visual and textural experience.
Can I make a virgin Pattis Blow Job?
Yes, you can substitute coffee liqueur with coffee syrup or cold brew, and Irish cream with a non alcoholic cream liqueur or a mix of heavy cream and flavorings.
What are other similar layered shots?
Other popular layered shots include the B-52, which adds orange liqueur, and the Slippery Nipple, which features Sambuca and Irish cream.
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