Bazooka Joe Recipe

Bazooka Joe Nutrition Facts

Calories:~130

Fat:2g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:11g

Alcohol:~15%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Bazooka Joe shot is named after the iconic bubble gum brand, known for its comic strip wrappers. It's a favorite among those who enjoy sweet, dessert-like shots and is particularly popular at parties and gatherings.

  • Origins: The shot's playful name and sweet taste make it a hit at bars.
  • Popularity: It's often ordered by those looking to reminisce about childhood flavors.
  • Audience: Best suited for a younger crowd or anyone with a sweet tooth.

How Bazooka Joe Tastes?

The Bazooka Joe shot is a delightful blend of sweet and creamy flavors, with a hint of tropical fruitiness from the banana liqueur. The Irish cream adds a smooth texture, while the blue curaçao gives it a playful kick and a vibrant color.

Interesting facts about Bazooka Joe

  • Colorful Presentation: The blue curaçao gives the shot a bright blue hue, making it visually striking.
  • Sweet Connection: The shot's name and flavor profile are a nod to the nostalgic Bazooka bubble gum.
  • Versatile Spirit: The Irish cream liqueur used in the shot can also be enjoyed on its own or in coffee.

Ingredients

  • Irish cream liqueur: 0.5 oz(15ml)
  • Banana liqueur: 0.5 oz(15ml)
  • Blue curaçao liqueur: 0.5 oz(15ml)

Irish Cream Liqueur

The addition of Irish cream liqueur brings a creamy and rich texture with a slight chocolatey note. It's a sweet and comforting flavor that forms the base of many dessert-like shots. Not having it would strip the shot of its signature creamy body and indulgent feel. If you're not a fan of Irish cream, you could try swapping it out for another cream-based liqueur like Amarula for a fruity twist.

Mary Mitkina

Banana Liqueur

Here comes the tropical vibe! Banana liqueur adds a fruity and sweet banana flavor that really makes this shot 'pop'. If you avoid it, you'd miss out on the tropical essence and the balance it provides against the other ingredients. A possible swap could be coconut liqueur, which would steer the shot into a more piña colada-esque direction.

Alex Green

Blue Curaçao Liqueur

The blue curaçao is not just here for show – its orange citrus zing cuts through the sweetness and adds complexity. Leave it out, and not only will your drink lose its cool blue shimmer, but it will also lack the slight bitter contrast that ties the shot together. If you're looking to experiment, try a splash of orange liqueur or triple sec, although you'll have to say goodbye to the blue hue.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Bazooka Joe Drink

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Pour in 0.5 oz of blue curaçao, 0.5 oz of banana liqueur, and 0.5 oz of Irish cream.
  3. Shake well until chilled.
  4. Strain the mixture into a shot glass and serve immediately.

Pro Tips

  • Layering: For a layered shot, carefully pour the Irish cream over the back of a spoon to create a distinct layer on top of the blue curaçao.
  • Chill the Glass: Place the shot glass in the freezer for a few minutes before serving for an extra cold shot.
  • Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh, high-quality liqueurs for the best flavor.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Desserts: Given the sweet profile of the Bazooka Joe shot, it pairs nicely with desserts like vanilla ice cream or a chocolate lava cake. The creamy sweetness of the shot acts almost like a liquid dessert itself.
  • Salty Snacks: You can contrast the sweetness with some salty snacks such as pretzels or salted nuts. This can balance the flavor palette and keep things interesting.
  • Fresh Fruit: Tropical fruits, such as pineapple or mango, can complement the banana liqueur in the shot, creating a delightful tropical balance.

Drink Pairings

  • Coffee: A strong espresso or black coffee can work as a counterbalance to the sweetness of the shot, making it a great after-dinner combo.
  • Spicy Cocktails: If you're enjoying a cocktail night, consider pairing with a spicy bloody mary to offset the Bazooka Joe’s sweetness.
  • Sparkling Water: To cleanse the palate between shots, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon is perfect.

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What you could change in Bazooka Joe

  • Irish Cream Liqueur: Bailey's is a popular choice, but any brand of Irish cream will do.
  • Banana Liqueur: If you can't find banana liqueur, crème de banane is a suitable substitute.
  • Blue Curaçao Liqueur: In a pinch, you can use triple sec dyed with blue food coloring.

Explore all drinks starting with B here

And of course - twists🍹

Cherry Bomb Bazooka

Replace the banana liqueur with cherry liqueur for a fruity, tart twist. The shot becomes a Cherry Bomb Bazooka, with a kick that's as surprising as finding a toy in your favorite childhood bubble gum.

Ingredients: Irish cream, cherry liqueur, blue curaçao.

Tropical Beach Bazooka

Add coconut cream to the existing recipe for a smoother, more tropical experience. It's like sipping sunshine and feeling the sand between your toes.

Ingredients: Irish cream, banana liqueur, blue curaçao, coconut cream.

Electric Green Bazooka

Instead of blue curaçao, use melon liqueur for a shockingly vibrant green color and a honeydew twist. It might not be blue, but it'll certainly give your taste buds a jolt!

Ingredients: Irish cream, banana liqueur, melon liqueur.

In case you forgot basics how to make Bazooka Joe

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

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Frequently Asked Questions on Bazooka Joe

Can the Bazooka Joe cocktail be made as a non-alcoholic version?

Yes, to create a non-alcoholic version, you can use non-alcoholic substitutes for the Irish cream and blue curaçao, and use banana-flavored syrup instead of banana liqueur.

Is the Bazooka Joe cocktail suitable for vegan diets?

Traditional Irish cream liqueur contains dairy, so it's not vegan-friendly. However, there are vegan Irish cream alternatives on the market that can be used to make a vegan version of the shot.

How can I properly store my liqueurs to maintain their optimal flavor?

Liqueurs should be stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, they should be consumed within six to twelve months for best taste.

What is the ideal glassware for serving the Bazooka Joe shot?

The Bazooka Joe is typically served in a standard shot glass, but for a more impressive presentation, you can serve it in a clear liqueur glass.

Are there any themed parties or events where the Bazooka Joe shot is particularly popular?

The Bazooka Joe shot is a hit at 80s or 90s themed parties, nostalgic events, and playful celebrations due to its name and sweet flavor profile.

Can the Bazooka Joe be turned into a full-sized drink?

Absolutely, you can scale up the ingredients proportionally and serve it over ice in a highball glass for a longer, sippable version of the shot.

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