The B–52 shot, like many cocktails, has a disputed origin story. I like the one that attributes it to the city of Malibu in the late 1960’s during the Vietnam era. The B–52 Stratofortress was a massive strategic bomber that was used extensively in that war. The plane’s flames were supposedly represented by the orange color of the Grand Marnier liqueur. Regardless if this story is simply apocryphal or not, it is pretty cool. Continuing that tradition, I wanted to do a whiskey version that honored one of the great aircrafts of World War II: the B–17 Flying Fortress.
Flavor Profile: PB&J, with notes of raspberry and vanilla
My Take
During one of my Zoom calls during the pandemic, fellow writer and metal head, Mark Pruett, mentioned that I should do a PB & J cocktail using a peanut butter whiskey and Chambord. PB & J shots are not new, but I figured it would make a great starting point for the B–17 shooter. My twist is the use of Bourbon Cream liqueur that gives the shot more body than most PB & J versions (and works better here than the ubiquitous Bailey’s). The Chambord and raspberry liqueur combination work well together and adds complexity. Take care to “build” the shooter properly so you have separate layers of alcoholic goodness sitting on top of one another. As a rule of thumb, add the liquids with the least alcohol on top of each other. The floater of high proof bourbon will allow the light show that is the hallmark of this shooter; torching the drink with a nice flame will certainly provide a better visual feast than simple Grand Marnier!
Music Pairing
Iron Maiden “Aces High” Powerslave (EMI–Capitol)
Yes, this is a British metal tune about the Battle of Britain, but it can serve equally well as an ode to the Mighty Eighth Air Force later in the war. Like all great epic Maiden songs, this one will certainly get the blood going.
Cheers!
