Superman Shot

By
Colleen Graham
Photo of Colleen Graham
Colleen Graham
Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 12/10/21
Layered Superman Shot

The Spruce / S&C Design Studios
Prep: 3 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 3 mins
Serving: 1 serving
Yield: 1 shot
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
128 Calories
0g Fat
12g Carbs
0g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 128
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 2mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 12g 4%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 11g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 0mg 0%
Iron 0mg 0%
Potassium 6mg 0%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

True to its name, this layered shot takes on Superman's classic colors. It's fun to make and filled with a delicious combination of fruit flavors. The distinct layers also look amazing, so it's sure to impress everyone at your next party.

There are a number of shooter recipes named after "The Man of Steel," and they're all fun to try. This particular recipe is easy to make because it uses three common spirits you should be able to find at the average liquor store. It uses cherry and banana liqueurs for the red and yellow layers, then tops it off with UV Blue Vodka.

The recommended brands layer up easily, so anyone can make it, and there are possible substitutions. If you haven't layered drinks before, it's a good one to practice the basic bartending skill of floating ingredients.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 ounce cherry liqueur (Dr. McGillicuddy's)

  • 1/2 ounce banana liqueur (Giffard Banane du BrĂ©sil)

  • 1/2 ounce UV Blue Vodka

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for a Superman Shot
    S&C Design Studios

  2. Pour the cherry liqueur into a shot glass.

    Pouring Dr. McGillicuddy's Cherry Liqueur for a Superman Shot
    S&C Design Studios

  3. Pour the banana liqueur slowly over the back of a bar spoon. It will sink below the cherry liqueur, creating a small yellow band at the bottom.

    Pouring Giffard Banana Liqueur for a Superman Shooter
    S&C Design Studios

  4. Float the UV Blue Vodka on top of the cherry liqueur by pouring it slowly over the back of the spoon to create the blue layer on top.

    Pouring UV Blue Vodka in a Superman Shot
    S&C Design Studios

  5. Serve and enjoy.

    Layered Superman Shooter
    S&C Design Studios

Liquor Substitutions

  • Different brands of the same flavor of liquors will have varying specific gravities. Factors like alcohol content (proof) and the amount of sugar determine how well they float on top of one another. If you switch brands, you might need to experiment with the order of pour to see what works with a particular combination.
  • Some banana liqueurs will work the same as (or better than) Giffard's (50 proof); try DeKuyper Crème de Banana (30 proof) or Bols Banana (34 proof). 99 Bananas really is 99 proof—too strong for the bottom layer, it may work on top.
  • Dr. McGillicuddy Cherry (60 proof) is a little stronger than many cherry liqueurs: Cherry Heering is 43.6 proof and Bols Cherry is 48 proof. Either of these (or cherry brandy liqueurs) may layer on top of low-proof banana liqueurs.
  • One red ingredient that will always be on the bottom is grenadine syrup. Even though the flavor is pomegranate, many people mistake it for cherry, so the taste will be similar.
  • A possible UV Blue (60 proof) substitute is blue curaçao. The flavor will switch from raspberry to orange, and it's typically similar in proof (though with more sugar). The blue curaçao will likely be a good top layer, depending on what you pour in the middle.

Tips:

  • Pouring very slowly is key with layered drinks, and the bar spoon helps slow down the flow.
  • It can also help to use a chilled shot glass.
  • You will notice these liquors blend where the colors meet. They produce more of a gradient than the three perfectly even layers seen in shots like Captain America.

Recipe Variations:

Layered Superman shots vary greatly. If you'd like something a little different, try one of these combinations:

  • One popular version doesn't include a red layer: Irish cream is on the bottom, blue curaçao's in the middle, and a banana liqueur is poured on top.
  • Another tasty version starts off with grenadine, then blue curaçao and banana liqueur (these may layer), finishing it up with white or gold rum.
  • A unique option requires a harder to find ingredient. This one begins with pours of UV Blue Vodka and blue curaçao, then finishes it off with red absinthe (look for bottles from Corsair Distillery, Exitus, and Rodnik's).

How Strong Is the Superman Shot?

Three liquors and no dilution from ice means your Superman shot will be strong. When made with the recommended brands, its alcohol content is 28 percent ABV (56 proof). It's not the strongest shot you can mix up, but it's still potent.

Recipe Tags: