Midwest Stop Light Recipe

The Midwest Stop Light is a shot sequence that's as playful as it is potent. It's a favorite among those who enjoy a visual gimmick with their drinking games.

• Origin: The shot's name and arrangement come from the colors of a traffic stoplight, with red, yellow, and green representing the different lights.
• Popularity: It's particularly popular in the Midwest of the United States, often served at college bars or at parties.
• Audience: This shot sequence is a hit with a crowd that loves a good challenge and enjoys the burn of cinnamon, the sweetness of apricot, and the kick of tequila.

The Midwest Stop Light offers a journey through flavors. The first shot is spicy and warm from the cinnamon schnapps, followed by a smooth and sweet hit from the apricot schnapps, and finished with the bold and earthy notes of tequila.

• Colorful Presentation: The shot's visual appeal is a conversation starter.
• Versatility: Each of the shots can be enjoyed on its own or as part of the sequence.
• Party Favorite: It's a popular choice for toasting and celebrating among friends.

1. Prepare the Shots:
   • Pour 1 oz of cinnamon schnapps into the first shot glass.
   • Pour 1 oz of apricot schnapps into the second shot glass.
   • Pour 1 oz of tequila into the third shot glass.
2. Line Them Up: Arrange the shot glasses in order of red, yellow, and green.
3. Enjoy: Drink each shot in quick succession, starting with the cinnamon schnapps, followed by the apricot schnapps, and finishing with the tequila.

• Chill the Shots: For a smoother taste, refrigerate the schnapps and tequila before serving.
• Quality Matters: Use premium spirits to ensure the best flavor experience.
• Serve Quickly: The shots are best enjoyed when consumed in quick succession while the flavors are distinct.

Pairings for Midwest Stop Light Shot

Barbecue: The smoky and savory flavors of barbecued meat balance the sweetness of the apple and cinnamon schnapps.

Spicy Appetizers: Spicy foods like jalapeno poppers or buffalo wings can complement the kick from the cinnamon and the boldness of tequila.

Chocolate Desserts: Dark or milk chocolate can pair nicely with the cinnamon notes while serving as a contrast to the fruit schnapps.

• Cinnamon Schnapps: If Dekuyper Hot Damn is unavailable, any quality cinnamon schnapps will suffice.
• Apricot Schnapps: In the absence of Dekuyper Sour Apple Pucker, try an apricot schnapps or even an apple-flavored one for a similar taste profile.
• Tequila: Jose Cuervo Especial Gold can be substituted with any preferred gold tequila.

Green Apple Tequila Twist

Replace apple schnapps with green apple liqueur for a sharper, tangy taste that creates a cheeky challenge for your taste buds. The tequila remains the same, while the cinnamon adds the familiar warmth, but the overall vibe is more playful and puckish.

Spicy Cherry Stop Light

Swap cinnamon schnapps for cherry liqueur and add a pinch of chili powder to the tequila shot. This version packs a fruity punch with a spicy undertow, leading to a complex flavor profile that's both indulgent and invigorating.

Tropical Signal

Use tropical fruit schnapps like pineapple or mango instead of apple, and consider a coconut-flavored tequila if available. This variant takes our stop light on a vacation, igniting the senses with a burst of tropical paradise that can almost make you feel the ocean breeze with each shot.