Brainteaser
A complex layered shot that plays with density and texture. Irish cream and Sambuca form the base layers, while a drop of Advocaat suspends in the middle like a floating brain. It features a specific drinking ritual involving a straw to maximize the experience of flavors and vapors.
What it tastes like
The aroma is dominated by sharp anise and sweet dairy. The taste provides a heavy sweetness from the cream and custard, punctuated by the spicy heat of the sambuca. The mouthfeel is thick and viscous, finishing with a persistent licorice aftertaste and a slight alcoholic burn.
Flavour profile
Ingredients
- Erin Cream30 ml
- White Sambuca30 ml
- Advocaat5 ml
Preparation
- 1
Pour the Erin Cream into a shot glass to form the bottom layer.
- 2
Gently layer the White Sambuca on top of the cream using the back of a spoon to prevent mixing.
- 3
Carefully drop the Advocaat into the center of the glass; it should settle and suspend in the middle of the two layers.
- 4
To drink, insert a straw to suck up the Advocaat 'brain' first.
- 5
Quickly shoot the remaining liquid.
- 6
Finally, use the straw to inhale the vapors remaining in the glass.
Substitutions
- Erin CreamBaileys Irish Cream — This provides a similar dairy base with slightly more pronounced cocoa and vanilla notes.
- White SambucaPernod — Pernod offers a similar anise profile but lacks the thick sugar content, resulting in a thinner top layer.
- AdvocaatThick Eggnog — A heavy eggnog mimics the custard-like texture and yellow color required for the visual effect.
- White SambucaBlack Sambuca — This creates a dark, opaque top layer that changes the visual contrast and intensifies the licorice flavor.
Variations
Spiced Brain
Replace the Irish cream with a spiced rum cream liqueur to introduce notes of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Coffee Teaser
Substitute the white sambuca with a clear coffee bean infused spirit to trade the anise flavor for roasted coffee notes.