Mind Eraser Shot

The Mind Eraser Shot is a popular, easy-to-make party shooter made with vodka, coffee liqueur, and soda water.

Typically served in a shot glass, each ingredient is layered without shaking to create a stunning visual effect. The only bartending tools you need are a measuring tool, such as a jigger, and a bar spoon.

Often described as an effervescent or fizzy Black Russian cocktail in the form of a shot, the Mind Eraser Shot is delicious – bold, sweet and both spirit-and-coffee-forward.

You’ll taste coffee as well as notes of dark chocolate from the coffee liqueur, while the effervescence from the soda water adds a welcome sharpness to the shot’s sweet decadence.

The exact history of the Mind Eraser Shot us undocumented. While its creator remains unknown, the shot first emerged in the 1980s in the United States and quickly became a staple at bars and clubs.

It evolved from the Black Russian cocktail, which dates back to the late 1940s and is made with vodka and coffee liqueur.

• Layer your shot
  In addition to being an incredibly delicious shot, the Mind Eraser is stunning to look at with its layered appearance. We recommend using a bar spoon to gently pour each ingredient so that each layer sits “on top” of the other.

  The order is crucial – start with Kahlúa, followed by vodka, and finally, soda water.

• Chill all your ingredients
  The Mind Eraser shot is best enjoyed chilled, therefore, we highly recommend chilling all three ingredients.

  Put your bottle of Absolut Vodka in the freezer for a couple of hours, while the Kahlúa and soda water can be stored in the fridge.

• Chill your glassware
  A chilled shot glass enhances the drinking experience. Chilled ingredients poured into a chilled shot glass make for the perfect drink!

• Shaken version
  While we love the layered or built method for a Mind Eraser, which is the most popular and most common, where each ingredient is stacked for a visual effect, you can also opt for a shaken version using a cocktail shaker.

  Simply combine Kahlúa and Absolut Vodka in a shaker with ice, then strain into a shot glass and top with soda water. Although you miss out on the layered taste, you get a delicious, ice-cold shot.

• Served in a rocks glass
  Another popular variation involves shaking the Mind Eraser and serving it in a rocks glass with ice cubes. This approach transforms the drink into more of a sipping cocktail than a shot.

• We recommend serving the Mind Eraser as a shot rather than in a rocks glass with ice cubes. The layered, built method not only showcases each layer but also allows you to experience each flavor individually.

• Since it’s a shot, we don’t suggest adding a garnish. However, a single coffee bean can be a suitable garnish if you want to add another visual element alongside the layered effect.