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Layering, or floating, drinks became popular around the turn of the twentieth century, when Europeans started layering liquors, syrups and liqueurs in a way that added visual interest to traditional cocktails. The technique of layering makes use of the varying densities of alcoholic liquids: higher density liquids sink to the bottom, while lower density liquids float on top (hence the term "floating"). This results in a cocktail with separate layers, as opposed to the more traditional mixed drink. In addition to the distinguishing visual aesthetic, layered drinks offer a multidimensional taste experience, as each layer's flavor is experienced separately and in order of its placement. Most layered drinks are served in shot glasses, and are referred to as shooter drinks. The B52 is an example of a commonly prepared shooter. You do not have to be a bartender to learn how to layer, but it does take practice and attention to detail. Follow these steps for how to layer drinks.



  1. Layer Drinks Step 1.jpg
    Choose a recipe. You may find a variety of layered drink recipes online or in bartending books.
  2. Layer Drinks Step 2.jpg
    Refer to a gravity chart to determine the order in which to pour the liquids. The heaviest, or highest density, liquid should be poured first, followed by the next heaviest and so forth.
  3. Layer Drinks Step 3.jpg
    Pour the first liquid. A layered drink in a shooter should be poured to within 0.08 inch (2 mm) of the top of the glass. To determine your pour amount, divide the part of the glass you will be pouring into by the number of liquids that comprise the drink. For example, if your layered drink is made of 3 liquids, then visually divide the glass into 3 parts and pour each liquid accordingly.
  4. 4
    Float the next liquid on top of the higher-density liquid. There are 2 methods you may use to float the remaining layers. Whichever method you use, the most important thing you must do is to pour very slowly and carefully, so as to avoid mixing the liquids.
    • Spoon method. Place the back of a bar spoon or a tablespoon against the inside of the glass so that its tip is directly above the surface of the existing liquid. Slowly pour the lower-density layer over the back of the spoon so that it sits atop the higher density layer.
      Layer Drinks Step 4Bullet1.jpg
    • Syringe method. Fill a syringe that is meant for dispensing liquid oral medications with the desired liquid. Hold the tip of the syringe against the inside of the glass, right above the lower layer, and slowly dispense the new layer so that it floats on top.
      Layer Drinks Step 4Bullet2.jpg
  5. Layer Drinks Step 5.jpg
    Clean the spoon or syringe thoroughly. You want to avoid mixing the liquids when you layer drinks, so it is important that you rinse and dry your tool of choice before you float the next liquid.
  6. Layer Drinks Step 6.jpg
    Repeat the floating step until your layered drink is completely poured.
  7. Layer Drinks Intro.jpg

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  • Layering works best when you use chilled glasses.
  • Gravity, or density, is determined by the sugar content in an alcoholic liquid. The higher the sugar content, the higher the density. Therefore, if you are having a difficult time determining a particular liquid's density, judge it by its sweetness when deciding which order to pour it in.

Article Info

Categories: Bartending

Recent edits by: Meshantanurai, garrisms@hotmail.com, Chris


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