Looking for a party drink that truly stands out? The Superman Shot is a layered shooter inspired by the legendary superhero’s costume, bursting with color, flavor, and fun. This eye-catching shot is made with three vibrant ingredients—red grenadine, yellow banana liqueur, and blue Curaçao or UV Blue vodka. When layered correctly, they form a bold trio that looks like it flew straight out of a comic book.

Whether you’re throwing a themed party, celebrating a holiday, or just want to try something unique, this drink delivers both visual appeal and a sweet, fruity kick. It’s easy to make in under 5 minutes, and with just a bit of practice using a bar spoon and chilled ingredients, you’ll get clean, Instagram-worthy layers every time.

What Is a Superman Shot?

The Superman Shot is a popular shooter cocktail known for its stunning layers and superhero-themed look. It features:

A red bottom layer made from grenadine or cherry liqueur
A yellow middle layer from banana liqueur
A blue top layer from Blue Curaçao or UV Blue vodka

Each ingredient is poured slowly to ensure clean separation and a vibrant final presentation. The drink not only looks great but also offers a sweet and fruity flavor profile that’s hard to resist.

Why You Should Try the Superman Shot

Making this shot is a fun experience in itself. When I first made it during the holidays, it instantly became a party favorite. The bold colors catch the eye, and the taste brings a playful punch that guests love.

It’s a great choice for:

Holiday parties
Superhero-themed events
Colorful celebration shots
Fun bartending practice

Ingredients:

Red layer: 1/2 ounce Grenadine or Cherry liqueur
Yellow layer: 1/2 ounce Banana liqueur
Blue layer: 1/2 ounce Blue Curacao or UV Blue Vodka

Essential Kitchen Equipment

Shot glass
Bar spoon or regular spoon
Measuring jigger

How to Make the Superman Shot in Easy Steps

Step 1: Prepare Your Glass and First Layer

Start by making sure your shot glass is clean and dry. Using a jigger, pour ½ oz of grenadine into the bottom of the glass. It’s heavy, so it will naturally stay at the base.

Step 2: Add the Banana Liqueur Layer

Next, carefully pour ½ oz of banana liqueur over the back of a spoon. Let it gently flow down onto the grenadine without mixing. This forms the yellow middle layer.

Pro Tip: Use chilled liqueurs to make layering easier and more stable.

Step 3: Finish with the Blue Layer

Rinse your spoon, then slowly pour ½ oz of Blue Curaçao or UV Blue vodka over it, letting it settle on top as the final blue layer.

Step 4: Serve and Impress

You can chill the completed shot briefly before serving. Present it right away to show off the beautiful layers—and enjoy responsibly!

Liquor Substitutions and Variations

If you can’t find the exact ingredients, here are some great alternatives:

Red Layer Alternatives

Grenadine syrup
Dr. McGillicuddy’s Cherry (60 proof)
Cherry Heering (43.6 proof)
Bols Cherry or Cherry Brandy

Yellow Layer Alternatives

DeKuyper Crème de Banana (30 proof)
Giffard Banane du Brésil
Bols Banana
99 Bananas (stronger: 99 proof)

Blue Layer Alternatives

UV Blue Vodka
Blueberry Schnapps
Blue raspberry syrup (non-alcoholic)

Always layer based on specific gravity. Denser liquids go first (e.g., grenadine), followed by lighter ones.

Tips for the Best Superman Shot

Knowing the key is understanding density so layers remain distinct and don’t mix.
Start with a chilled glass, use freezer or refrigerator to keep liquids cold and help layers stay evenly separated.
Use a bar spoon to gently pour ingredients slowly above the previous layer, letting liquid spread down the side of the glass.
Blue Curacao, White Crème de Cacao, and grenadine create colors that meet but don’t mix, producing a smooth gradient of three layers.
The flow must be controlled and even for making the layered shot perfectly.
Experiment with mixing minutes to see how liquors blend or remain separate.
This technique helps your drink look classic like Captain America, which people will notice.
Holding the glass just right and using proper tools makes making these shots effective and fun.

How Strong Is the Superman Shot?

The Superman shot is a strong, potent mix of liquors with about 28 percent ABV (or 56 proof), making it one of the strongest shots out there. It’s usually served with little dilution and sometimes over ice to soften the kick. From experience, it’s recommended to drink it slowly because the high alcohol content can hit hard, no matter which brands you choose.

How to Store Leftovers (If Any)

Store any extra Superman Shot in bottles, making sure to close them tightly. Keep the bottles in a dark spot to help keep it fresh for the next time you use it. This simple step really saves the flavor.

What to Eat with the Superman Shot

Pairing the Superman Shot with the right snacks or desserts can elevate the overall experience. For savory lovers, mini sliders, spicy chicken wings, nachos, or Caprese skewers with olives make excellent choices. These bites offer a satisfying contrast to the shot’s sweet and fruity profile, creating a balanced flavor journey with every sip and bite.

If you’re leaning toward something sweet, consider raspberry cupcakes, vanilla ice cream, pistachio trifle, or white chocolate mousse. These desserts pair beautifully with the layered shot, enhancing its candy-like notes without overwhelming the palate. For those who enjoy bold and unexpected flavor combinations, even hearty dishes like Zippy’s Chili can provide an exciting pairing. The warmth and spice of the chili add a surprising twist that cuts through the sweetness of the Superman Shot, making for a truly memorable contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does it taste like?

It’s sweet and fruity with hints of cherry, banana, and citrus—a fun mix that’s smooth and easy to sip.

Can I make it non-alcoholic?

Absolutely. Try this:

Red: Strawberry syrup
Yellow: Pineapple juice
Blue: Blue raspberry syrup or a sports drink

How to Keep the Layers Separate in a Superman Shot?

Pour slowly over the back of a spoon and chill your liquors in advance. Layer from heaviest to lightest.

What’s the alcohol content?

It’s around 28% ABV (56 proof)—stronger than most shots, so sip carefully.

What is a Superman shot made of?

The Superman Shot is a special layered shot inspired by Superman’s costume colors, with red Grenadine syrup, blue Blue Curacao, yellow sweet syrup, and a white creamy layer.

What’s in a Black Superman?

It’s a cocktail with gin, vodka, rum, triple sec, Blue Curaçao, Chambord, and sweet & sour mix, served over ice with garnishes like lemon and maraschino cherry.

Conclusion

The Superman Shot isn’t just a drink—it’s a party highlight. With its bold colors, layered beauty, and sweet, fruity taste, it’s made to impress and bring energy to any celebration. Whether you’re hosting a themed night or just want to try something unique, this shot delivers a fun experience from the first pour to the last sip. So, grab your ingredients, chill your glass, and show off your bartending flair—this superhero-inspired shot is sure to steal the spotlight. And if you loved making it, don’t forget to share your creations, drop a comment, and subscribe to the blog for more crowd-pleasing cocktail ideas that turn ordinary nights into unforgettable ones.

Superman Shot

Recipe by Emily HarperCourse: DrinksCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

Shot

Prep time

minutes

Cooking timeminutes

Calories

120

kcal

Total time