Maple Pancake Shot Recipe

Name: Maple Pancake Shot
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 2 strips bacon, cut in half; 1 tablespoon maple syrup; 4 ounces whiskey; 2 ounces butterscotch schnapps; 1 cup orange juice

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

2 strips bacon, cut in half
1 tablespoon maple syrup
4 fluid ounces whiskey
2 fluid ounces butterscotch schnapps
1 cup orange juice

Directions:

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon strips for about 7 minutes, or until they are nearly crisp.
Pour maple syrup over the bacon and continue cooking for an additional 30 seconds, allowing the syrup to reduce slightly.
Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside to cool. As it cools, the syrup will harden and become candy-like.
While the bacon is cooling, pour 1 ounce of whiskey and 1/3 ounce of butterscotch schnapps into each of 4 shot glasses.
Fill each of the 4 shot glasses with 2 ounces of fresh orange juice.
Serve the whiskey shot with a shot of orange juice as a chaser, along with a piece of the syrup-glazed bacon on the side.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories: 162
Fat: 2g (3% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 1g (4% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 6mg (2% Daily Value)
Sodium: 99mg (4% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrates: 14g (5% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 0g (0% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 13g
Protein: 2g (5% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 31mg (34% Daily Value)
Calcium: 13mg (1% Daily Value)
Iron: 0mg (1% Daily Value)
Potassium: 164mg (3% Daily Value)

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Consult a doctor or registered dietitian if you are following a medically restrictive diet.

The Story Behind the Maple Pancake Shot

The Maple Pancake Shot is a modern twist on traditional American breakfast flavors. Its origin is tied to the creative brunch culture of North America, where inventive chefs and mixologists began experimenting with classic breakfast ingredients in cocktail form. Combining whiskey, butterscotch, maple syrup, and bacon, this drink captures the essence of pancakes in a single, boozy shot. While the exact inventor remains unknown, its popularity surged in the 2000s as brunch cocktails became a staple at trendy cafs and bars across the United States.

Regional Characteristics

This shot is deeply rooted in North American culinary traditions, particularly in the northeastern United States and Canada, where maple syrup production is historically significant. The use of maple syrup as both a sweetener and a flavor accent highlights regional preferences for local, high-quality ingredients. In some regions, variations include substituting orange juice with other citrus juices or serving the bacon candied with brown sugar, reflecting local tastes and seasonal ingredients.

How It Differs from Similar Drinks

Unlike other whiskey-based shots, the Maple Pancake Shot uniquely combines breakfast flavors with alcohol. While drinks like the Irish Breakfast Shot also use whiskey and syrup, the addition of butterscotch schnapps, an orange juice chaser, and candied bacon gives the Maple Pancake Shot a layered taste experiencesweet, smoky, and slightly tart. Its a creative fusion of flavors that sets it apart from standard dessert or brunch cocktails.

Where It Is Commonly Served

Maple Pancake Shots are usually found in brunch spots, cocktail bars, and at festive gatherings where creative drinks are celebrated. They are often served during weekend brunches, holiday breakfasts, or special events, providing a playful way to start the day. Some restaurants offer it as part of a tasting flight of shots, allowing patrons to explore unique flavor combinations inspired by traditional breakfast foods.

Interesting Facts

The use of candied bacon as a garnish adds both texture and a visual appeal, making the drink Instagram-worthy.
The combination of whiskey and butterscotch schnapps mirrors the sweet and warming notes of pancakes with syrup.
Although it is a small serving, this shot packs a full brunch flavor experience in under a minute.
The drinks popularity reflects a larger trend of boozy breakfasts, which has gained traction in North America and Europe over the past two decades.
Some bartenders have experimented with vegan or vegetarian versions by replacing bacon with maple-glazed tempeh or mushroom strips.

In essence, the Maple Pancake Shot is more than just a drinkits a playful celebration of classic breakfast flavors transformed into a creative cocktail experience.

FAQ about Maple Pancake Shot Recipe

Leftover Maple Pancake Shots should be stored separately. The bacon can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the syrup hardens on the bacon, it can be gently reheated in a skillet to soften it. The whiskey and schnapps mixture can be stored in a sealed container for up to 1 week. Orange juice should be consumed fresh, as it loses its flavor and nutrients quickly.

Yes, you can prepare the bacon and syrup ahead of time. Cook the bacon and drizzle it with syrup, then let it cool and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also pre-portion the whiskey, schnapps, and orange juice into shot glasses and refrigerate them. Just assemble everything shortly before serving.

Yes, you can substitute the butterscotch schnapps with another liqueur that has a similar sweet, caramel-like flavor, such as Irish cream or amaretto. Keep in mind, this will change the taste of the shot slightly.

To make an alcohol-free version of this shot, you can replace the whiskey and butterscotch schnapps with flavored syrups like maple syrup and butterscotch syrup. The orange juice and bacon would remain the same for a similar flavor experience.

The bacon should be cooked until it is nearly crispy. This usually takes about 7 minutes over medium heat. The syrup will help crisp it further. If you're unsure, try testing the crispiness by letting it cool slightly, as it will harden more once removed from the skillet.

If you'd like a sweeter drink, you can add more maple syrup or increase the amount of butterscotch schnapps. For a less sweet version, reduce the syrup or schnapps, or increase the amount of whiskey.

Yes, you can use regular bacon instead of making the candied bacon. However, the candied bacon adds a unique sweet and savory touch to the drink. If you prefer to skip the candied bacon, you can simply cook the bacon and serve it as a side without the syrup.

For a fun party presentation, you can serve the Maple Pancake Shots with individual shot glasses for each guest. You can arrange the bacon on small plates or skewers, and serve the orange juice separately as a chaser. Make sure to have a few extra servings available, as this shot is a crowd-pleaser!

A smooth, mild whiskey works best in this recipe, as it balances well with the sweet flavors of the maple syrup and butterscotch schnapps. Bourbon, Irish whiskey, or rye whiskey are all good options.

Yes, Maple Pancake Shots can work well as a fun, dessert-style drink at the end of a meal. The sweetness from the maple syrup and the butterscotch schnapps gives it a dessert-like quality. Pair it with something savory, like a cheese platter, for a balanced experience.