There’s something undeniably Irish about taking the ordinary and turning it into legend. The Irish took a humble rock and made it the Blarney Stone, took famine and oppression and turned it into poetry, and now, they’ve taken breakfast and turned it into a shot that’ll wake your soul faster than a slap of cold Atlantic wind.
Enter the Irish Breakfast Shot—a deceptively simple concoction that does exactly what it promises. It’s breakfast, but Irish. It’s a shot, but not just any shot.
It’s a bold, boozy, syrupy-smooth explosion of flavor that tastes like morning, rebellion, and a bit of poor decision-making all rolled into one.
And no, it doesn’t come with a side of tea and toast.
The Irish Breakfast Shot: What’s in It?
Before we dive into the Irish Breakfast Shot recipe, let’s set the scene. You’re in an Irish pub, the kind with a roaring fire and a barman who has more stories than a library. It’s early, maybe too early for whiskey—except, in Ireland, there’s no such thing as “too early” when the whiskey is this smooth.
Then, the barman places two small glasses in front of you. One is filled with Jameson Irish Whiskey and butterscotch schnapps. The other? Fresh orange juice. And beside them, a crispy strip of bacon.
You take the shot. You chase it with the orange juice. You bite the bacon. And suddenly, it’s breakfast.
Irish Breakfast Shot Recipe: How to Make It
Want to recreate this magic at home? Here’s how:
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Jameson Irish Whiskey (or your preferred Irish whiskey)
- 1 oz Butterscotch Schnapps
- 2 oz Orange Juice (fresh-squeezed for the best experience)
- 1 strip Crispy Bacon (because everything is better with bacon)
Instructions:
- Pour the whiskey and butterscotch schnapps into a shot glass.
- Fill a second glass with orange juice.
- Shoot the whiskey mix, then immediately chase it with the orange juice.
- Finish with a bite of crispy bacon.
- Smile—you just had breakfast the Irish way.
This isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of thing that makes you want to call in sick and go on a cross-country road trip through Kerry.
The Cowboy Breakfast Shot: A Western Twist
Maybe you’re feeling like a rebel, but with a little cowboy spirit. The Cowboy Breakfast Shot is a close cousin to the Irish Breakfast Shot, but swaps the Irish whiskey for bourbon. Instead of smooth Jameson, you get the warm, oaky bite of an all-American spirit.
Cowboy Breakfast Shot Recipe:
- 1 oz Bourbon
- 1 oz Maple Syrup Liqueur
- 2 oz Orange Juice
- 1 strip Bacon
Same rules apply—whiskey first, OJ second, bacon last. But this one hits with a different kind of fire, a little wilder, a little rougher around the edges.
Pancake Breakfast Shot: A Sweet Morning Kick
If the Irish Breakfast Shot isn’t indulgent enough for you, then the Pancake Breakfast Shot takes it a step further. This variation uses maple syrup liqueur to give it that unmistakable warm, buttery pancake flavor.
Pancake Breakfast Shot Recipe:
- 1 oz Jameson Irish Whiskey
- 1 oz Maple Syrup Liqueur
- 2 oz Orange Juice
- 1 strip Bacon
Think of this as the shot equivalent of Sunday brunch after a long night—sweet, smooth, and just dangerous enough.
Irish Breakfast vs. English Breakfast: Who Wins?
Now, let’s get into some serious business: The Irish Breakfast vs. The English Breakfast.
Irish Breakfast:
- Rashers (Irish bacon, thicker than American bacon)
- Sausages
- Black & White Pudding (a mix of pork, oats, and spices)
- Eggs
- Grilled Tomatoes
- Baked Beans
- Soda Bread
English Breakfast:
- Sausages
- Back Bacon
- Eggs
- Grilled Tomatoes
- Mushrooms
- Baked Beans
- Toast
While both are iconic, the Irish Breakfast stands out for its use of black and white pudding and soda bread. And, of course, no one does a whiskey-chased breakfast shot like the Irish.
Healthy Breakfast Shots: A Sobering Alternative
Maybe you love the idea of a breakfast shot but aren’t in the mood for whiskey. If that’s the case, let’s pivot to something healthier.
A Healthy Breakfast Shot is packed with nutrients and zero alcohol—but still gives you a morning boost.
Healthy Breakfast Shot Recipe:
- 1 oz Orange Juice
- 1 oz Carrot Juice
- 1 oz Ginger Juice
- ½ tsp Honey
This one won’t make you want to call your ex at 3 AM, but it will wake you up and boost your immune system.
French Toast Shot: A Dessert in a Glass
The French Toast Shot is for those who want a breakfast shot that tastes like a pastry shop in Paris. It’s creamy, sweet, and perfect as a dessert drink.
French Toast Shot Recipe:
- 1 oz Baileys Irish Cream
- 1 oz Cinnamon Schnapps
- 1 oz Maple Syrup Liqueur
Shake well and serve with a sugared rim. It’s dangerously good.
Vodka Breakfast Drink: A Bolder Wake-Up Call
If whiskey isn’t your thing, swap it for vodka in a Vodka Breakfast Drink. One of the simplest variations is the Vodka Sunrise, a spin on the classic Irish Breakfast Shot.
Vodka Breakfast Drink Recipe:
- 1 oz Vodka
- 2 oz Orange Juice
- Splash of Grenadine
This one brings a little sunrise in a glass—ideal for when you want the morning kick without the whiskey warmth.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
What is a breakfast shot made of?
The traditional Irish Breakfast Shot is made of Jameson Irish Whiskey, butterscotch schnapps, orange juice, and crispy bacon.
What is on an Irish Breakfast?
An Irish Breakfast typically includes sausages, bacon (rashers), eggs, black & white pudding, grilled tomatoes, baked beans, and soda bread.
How do you make an Irish whiskey shot?
A simple Irish whiskey shot is just a pour of Jameson or your preferred Irish whiskey, served neat or on the rocks. But to make it interesting, try an Irish Breakfast Shot or a French Toast Shot.
Final Thoughts: The Morning Revolution
The Irish Breakfast Shot isn’t just a drink—it’s a cultural statement. It’s proof that the Irish can take anything, even breakfast, and turn it into something legendary.
So whether you’re raising a whiskey-filled morning toast or sticking to a healthy ginger shot, just remember: In Ireland, breakfast is never just breakfast. It’s a way of life.
For more Irish history, traditions, and hidden gems, visit Secret Ireland. Sláinte! 🍀🥃
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