Texas Rattlesnake
A deceptively sweet shooter that strikes with a potent finish. This recipe combines the honeyed spice of Yukon Jack and Southern Comfort with fruity cherry brandy, creating a drink that is smooth at the start but delivers a signature 'bite' at the end.
What it tastes like
The aroma is dominated by peach and honeyed herbs. It has a thick, syrupy mouthfeel with heavy notes of stone fruit and medicinal cherry. The finish is short and sugary with a sharp acidic bite from the sour mix.
Flavour profile
Ingredients
- Yukon Jack0.5 oz
- Southern Comfort0.5 oz
- Cherry Brandy0.25 oz
- Sweet and Sour Mix1 splash
Preparation
- 1
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- 2
Add the Yukon Jack, Southern Comfort, Cherry Brandy, and a splash of Sweet and Sour mix.
- 3
Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- 4
Strain into a chilled shot glass.
- 5
Serve immediately.
Substitutions
- Yukon JackDrambuie — This adds a more pronounced herbal and scotch-based profile compared to the neutral honey liqueur.
- Southern ComfortPeach Schnapps — This removes the whiskey undertones while maintaining a similar stone fruit sweetness.
- Cherry BrandyMaraschino Liqueur — The drink becomes drier and replaces the dark berry flavor with a nutty, floral cherry note.
- Sweet and Sour MixFresh Lemon Juice — Fresh citrus provides a more vibrant and less cloying acidity to balance the thick liqueurs.
Variations
Diamondback Shot
Swap the cherry brandy for peppermint schnapps to add a cooling menthol effect to the herbal base.
Spicy Rattlesnake
Add two drops of habanero bitters to provide a heat that cuts through the high sugar content.