Gorilla Fart: A Shot to Remember (Or Not!)
It was college, late one Friday night, and the air in our cramped dorm room hung thick with the smell of cheap pizza and even cheaper beer. My friend Sarah, notorious for her experimental cocktail concoctions, emerged from the kitchen with a mischievous glint in her eye and a tray of…something. Tiny glasses filled with layered liquids, topped with a flickering blue flame. “Gorilla Farts,” she announced with a flourish. “Brace yourselves.” I took a deep breath, blew out the flame, and threw it back. The next few minutes were… hazy, to say the least. Let’s just say the name is surprisingly accurate—this little shot packs a wallop.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Ingredients: 2
- Yields: 1 shot glass
- Serves: 1
Ingredients
- ½ ounce Bacardi 151 rum
- ½ ounce Wild Turkey bourbon (101 proof whiskey)
Equipment Needed
- Shot glass
- Spoon
- Lighter or matches
Instructions
- Begin by pouring ½ ounce of Wild Turkey bourbon (101 proof whiskey) into the shot glass.
- Next, take a spoon and hold it upside down, with the back of the spoon just above the surface of the bourbon. The goal is to layer the Bacardi 151 on top without it mixing.
- Slowly and carefully pour ½ ounce of Bacardi 151 rum over the back of the spoon, allowing it to gently float on top of the bourbon. Avoid letting the spoon touch the bourbon to ensure a clean layer.
- Using a lighter or matches, carefully ignite the Bacardi 151 rum on top.
- Allow the flame to burn for a few seconds (optional – this is primarily for presentation).
- Immediately blow out the flame and shoot the drink.
- Proceed with caution. As Jenny warned, these can be surprisingly potent.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Layering is Key: The success of this shot lies in the layering. Take your time when pouring the Bacardi 151. If it mixes, it’s not the end of the world, but the presentation won’t be as dramatic, and the flavor profile will be slightly different.
- The Right Spoon: Use a spoon with a rounded back for easy pouring. A bar spoon is ideal, but any spoon with a similar shape will work.
- Safety First: When lighting the rum, be mindful of your surroundings. Keep flammable materials away and have a glass of water nearby just in case.
- Flame Control: Don’t let the flame burn for too long. The goal is a quick visual effect, not to significantly alter the flavor of the rum. A few seconds is plenty.
- Chilling: For an extra kick, chill the Wild Turkey beforehand. This helps to mellow the bourbon’s bite, allowing the rum’s aroma to truly shine. The contrasting temperature adds another dimension to the experience.
- Practice Makes Perfect: If you’re new to layering, practice with water first. This will help you get a feel for the technique without wasting valuable ingredients.
- Alternative Bourbon: While Wild Turkey 101 is recommended for its assertive flavor, feel free to experiment with other high-proof bourbons. Maker’s Mark Cask Strength or Elijah Craig Barrel Proof would also make worthy contenders.
- Infused Rum? Take this shot to the next level by infusing the Bacardi 151 with dried chili peppers for a spicy kick! Just soak a few peppers in the rum for a day or two, then strain before using.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
The Gorilla Fart is best served immediately after preparation. Due to the nature of the ingredients and the burning process, it is not suitable for storage. As this is a shot, no accoutrements are needed. Serve responsibly and be mindful of the drink’s high alcohol content. It’s not a drink to linger over – blow out the flame and shoot it immediately for the full experience.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~160 kcal | ~8% |
| Alcohol | ~16g | N/A |
| Total Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium | <1mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 0g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0g | 0% |
| Protein | 0g | 0% |
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific brands and measurements.
Variations & Substitutions
- The “Monkey Fart” (Milder Version): For a slightly less intense experience, substitute the Bacardi 151 with a regular high-proof rum (around 80 proof) and the Wild Turkey 101 with a milder bourbon. This will still provide a kick but won’t be quite as potent.
- The “Silverback”: Add a few drops of simple syrup to the bourbon for a hint of sweetness. This helps to balance out the strong flavors and makes the shot a bit more palatable.
- The “Jungle Juice”: Create a larger batch by scaling up the recipe and serving it as a punch. Be extremely cautious, as the increased volume can lead to rapid intoxication. Garnish with pineapple and maraschino cherries for a tropical touch.
- Spiced Rum Variation: Substitute the Bacardi 151 with a high-proof spiced rum for a warmer, more complex flavor profile. This will add notes of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg to the shot.
- Smoked Bourbon: Use a smoked bourbon for a BBQ taste, this is a great conversation piece to serve to your guests.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Why is it called a “Gorilla Fart”?
A: The name is likely due to the potent combination of high-proof liquors, which can deliver a powerful kick. It’s a memorable and somewhat humorous name that reflects the drink’s strength.
Q: Is it safe to light the rum on fire?
A: Yes, but with caution. Ensure you have a clear area, use a lighter with a long nozzle, and be prepared to extinguish the flame immediately after lighting. Never leave a burning drink unattended.
Q: Can I use a different type of rum or bourbon?
A: While Bacardi 151 and Wild Turkey 101 are recommended, you can experiment. However, using lower-proof liquors will significantly alter the taste and potency of the shot. Use high-proof only.
Q: What happens if the rum and bourbon mix when pouring?
A: It’s not a disaster. The shot will still be drinkable, but the layered effect will be lost. Focus on pouring slowly and carefully next time.
Q: How many of these can I drink?
A: The original recipe giver warned against drinking more than two. This is extremely potent and should be consumed responsibly. One or two of these will pack a punch!
Final Thoughts
The Gorilla Fart is not for the faint of heart. It’s a bold, fiery shot that’s perfect for adventurous drinkers looking for a memorable experience. Approach with caution, respect its potency, and most importantly, enjoy responsibly. Whether you’re reliving college memories or creating new ones, this little concoction is sure to leave a lasting impression. Just remember Jenny’s warning – proceed with caution, and maybe have a designated spot to crash afterward! Cheers!