Ingredients
- 1 oz Vodka
- 1 oz Cherry Liqueur
- 1.5 oz Whipped Cream
- 1 Cherry
Instructions
Layer Liquors:
- Pour the vodka and cherry liqueur into a shot glass, layering them carefully.
Add Whipped Cream:
- Top the mixture with a generous layer of whipped cream.
Garnish with Cherry:
- Place a cherry on top of the whipped cream.
Serve:
- Serve immediately. When taking the shot, engulf the whole thing, and after you swallow, pull the stem of the cherry out for a fun twist.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
This is not a classic cocktail with a storied past. The Tampon String likely emerged from the modern bar scene, a novelty shot created for its provocative name and simple, crowd pleasing flavor profile. It is the kind of concoction you find on a printed shot menu at a lively college bar or a bachelorette party, rather than a refined establishment.
It fits into the broad category of dessert or novelty shots, similar to a Buttery Nipple or a Slippery Nipple, but with its own distinct visual gag. Unlike more complex layered drinks, its appeal lies in its straightforward sweetness and the playful presentation, making it a conversation starter.
You would not find this on a serious craft cocktail menu. This shot belongs at a themed house party, a boisterous dive bar, or anywhere people are looking for a quick, sweet, and memorable shot that comes with a built in laugh and a bit of shock value.
What it tastes like
Expect a sweet, fruit forward shot. The initial hit is bright cherry, quickly softened by the creamy texture of the whipped cream. The vodka provides a clean, boozy warmth in the finish, cutting through the sweetness without being harsh. It is designed to go down smoothly and quickly, leaving a pleasant, sweet aftertaste.
With roughly 1 oz of 80 proof vodka and 1 oz of a 44 proof cherry liqueur, this shot packs about 0.62 ounces of pure alcohol into a 3.5 ounce drink. That puts its ABV around 17.7 percent, making it significantly stronger than a standard beer but comparable to some dessert cocktails. It is designed for quick consumption, so it hits faster than a typical mixed drink.
The technique
Building a Tampon String is about careful layering. Start by pouring the vodka into a shot glass, then slowly introduce the cherry liqueur over the back of a spoon to create a distinct layer. Top this off with a generous amount of whipped cream, ensuring it forms a thick cap. Finally, perch the cherry on the whipped cream, letting the stem dangle for the full effect.
The key technique is the gentle layering of the two liqueurs. Pouring too quickly will cause them to mix, resulting in a muddled color and taste rather than the intended distinct visual. Use the back of a bar spoon to guide the second liquid in slowly, allowing it to float atop the first, ensuring the layers remain separate.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Vodka
- Use
- Any standard 80 proof vodka works well here. Brands like Smirnoff, Absolut, or Tito’s are reliable choices that provide a clean, neutral base without breaking the bank.
- Skip
- Avoid anything overly cheap or harsh. While the other ingredients cover some flaws, a truly bad vodka will still shine through with an unpleasant burn.
- Why
- Vodka provides the primary alcoholic kick without adding competing flavors. Its neutrality allows the cherry liqueur and whipped cream to dominate the taste profile, making it an easy drinking shot.
Cherry Liqueur
- Use
- A quality cherry liqueur like Cherry Heering, Bols Cherry Brandy, or even a good kirsch if you want something drier. Midori Melon Liqueur is also a popular choice for a different flavor profile.
- Skip
- Do not substitute with grenadine. Grenadine is a pomegranate syrup, not a cherry liqueur, and it is too thin and sweet with the wrong flavor profile to properly layer or taste right.
- Why
- The cherry liqueur gives this shot its signature sweet, fruity flavor and a distinct red color, which is crucial for the visual appeal and the overall experience. It is the dominant taste in the drink.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Panty Dropper
- A peachy take on the playful shot.
- Substitute the cherry liqueur with peach schnapps for a different fruit flavor. The layering and topping remain the same.
Blue Lagoon Shot
- A vibrant blue twist with tropical notes.
- Swap the cherry liqueur for blue curacao. This gives the shot a striking blue layer and a citrusy orange flavor profile.
Chocolate Tampon
- For those who prefer a richer, darker shot.
- Replace the cherry liqueur with a chocolate liqueur or creme de cacao. The result is a dessert like shot with deep, cocoa notes.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
White rum can work in a pinch, though it will add a slightly different flavor profile.
Raspberry liqueur or even a strawberry liqueur can provide a similar sweet, red fruit flavor and color.
A dollop of marshmallow fluff can be used, but it will be much sweeter and denser.
A single raspberry or a small strawberry can serve a similar garnishing purpose, though the stem trick will not work.
A small cordial glass or even a pony glass will work for serving, just ensure it can hold the volume and layers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Tampon String?
A Tampon String contains 1 oz Vodka, 1 oz Cherry Liqueur, 1.5 oz Whipped Cream, and 1 Cherry.
Is the Tampon String a strong drink?
It is a shot with a decent alcohol content, designed for quick consumption. Its ABV is around 17.7 percent, making it more potent than a beer.
How do you drink a Tampon String?
You drink the shot in one go, then after swallowing, you pull the stem of the cherry out for the intended gag.
What kind of cherry should I use?
A maraschino cherry with a stem works best for the visual gag and the pulling action after the shot.
Can I make a batch of Tampon Strings?
It is best made fresh, as the whipped cream can melt quickly and lose its structure, especially if prepped too far in advance.
Is this a popular shot?
Its novelty and playful name make it popular at parties, casual bar settings, and anywhere people are looking for a fun, memorable drink.
What is the best way to layer the liquids?
Pour the second liquid slowly over the back of a bar spoon to ensure distinct, clean layers.
Can I use homemade whipped cream?
Yes, homemade whipped cream can be used, provided it is firm enough to hold its shape on top of the liquids without immediately dissolving.
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