Bloody Brain Shot Recipe

WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT

The Bloody Brain is a shot known for its shock value and looks quite literally like a hemorrhaging brain.

Also known as the Bleeding Brain shot, it’s the perfect shot to batch and serve at Halloween, or any time you want to test the bravery of your party guests.

Spoiler alert! Despite its gruesome appearance, the Bloody Brain is actually a sweet and, dare I say, delicious shot!

How To Make a Bloody Brain Shot

What You’ll Need

• Shot Glass
• Cocktail Shaker
• Plastic Squeeze Bottle
• Citrus Elbow
• Hawthorne Strainer
  

How to Mix

1. Use a Jigger to measure and pour Absolut Wild Berri into a Cocktail Shaker.
2. Cut a Lime in half, squeeze the Lime using a Citrus Elbow into the Jigger, and pour the correct measurement of Lime Juice into the Shaker.
3. Shake for several seconds.
4. Use a Hawthorne Strainer to strain the mixture into a Shot Glass.
5. Fill a Plastic Squeeze Bottle with Irish Cream Liqueur.
6. Squeeze Irish Cream Liqueur slowly into the glass, allowing the acidic of the Lime Juice to mix with the Irish Cream Liqueur and curdle, creating a brain-like formation.
7. Add a splash of Grenadine for a bleeding effect.
8. Sip and “enjoy!”

The History of the Bloody Brain Shot

There’s no documented history for the Bloody Brain or Bleeding Brain shot, but it likely emerged during the 2020s.

In the summer of 2025, Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador, together with a daring crew of friends were given the challenge to find the world’s worst cocktail to be filmed for an episode of Absolut Drinks with Rico. The Bloody Brain was one of the shots. 

A reminder to never judge a shot by its appearance, much to their surprise, everyone in the crew enjoyed the shot!

Joining Rico was Mason Hereford and Lauren Agudo from Turkey and the Wolf, Phil Cenac from Hungry Eyes, Nathan Barfield from Hot Stuff, and Colleen Quarls from Molly’s Rise and Shine.

 Tips for Making the “Perfect” Bloody Brain Shot

• Chill Your Vodka
  The Bloody Brain shot is best served chilled. So, make sure your Absolut Wild Berri is nice and cold by popping it in the freezer ahead of time. Anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours should do the trick!

• Order Matters

  If you want that cool “floating brain” look, the order that you add the ingredients is super important. Start with Absolut Wild Berri and Lime Juice, then add the Irish Cream Liqueur. The Irish Cream Liqueur needs to float in the Shot Glass.

• Use a Squeeze Bottle for Irish Cream
  For that perfect brain-like effect, use a Plastic Squeeze Bottle to pour the Irish Cream Liqueur into your Shot Glass. It gives you better control and helps the Irish Cream “build the brain” in the Glass. 

Variations of a Bloody Brain Shot

• Swap Absolut Wild Berri for another Flavored Vodka
  While we use Absolut Wild Berri for our recipe, feel free to experiment with another Berry-Flavored Vodka, such as Absolut Raspberri. 
• Brain Hemorrhage (aka Alien Brain Hemorrhage)
  This shot is every bit as creepy and delicious as the Bloody Brain but calls for 2 parts (20 ml) Peach Schnapps, 1-part (10 ml) Irish Cream Liqueur, 1-part Vodka (10 ml) and ½ part Grenadine (5 ml).
• Zombie Brain
  Similar to the Brain Hemorrhage as above but with the addition of Crème de Menthe to create the spooky green color that’s needed for a zombie’s brain.
  
  To make this shot, mix 4 parts (30 ml) Peach Schnapps,  2 parts (15 ml) Irish Cream Liqueur, 1 part (7.5 ml), Creme de Menthe, and 1 part (7.5 ml) Grenadine.

Serving and Garnish Ideas for a Bloody Brain Shot

The Bloody Brain should be served in a clear Shot Glass to show off the bleeding brain in all its g(l)ory!