Monkey Brain Shots are gross in the best kind of way! If you love spooky, gruesome or anything Halloween these shots are for you! Best of all, they can be made in advance and chilled until ready to serve! Halloween cocktail party anyone?
If you love sweet shooters, you have to try my Pink Starburst Shooter or my green Scooby Snacks Shot!
If you're having a Halloween party or get-together, these monkey brain shooters are perfectly gruesome! If you love Halloween shooters, check out this list!
They are creepy and weird but in a tasty way!
The shot has been around for a long time and served in many bars so why not bring it home?!
Everyone will love the creativity and effort you put into them.
These shooters would go perfectly with my Halloween Brain Dip or my Pumpin Cheese Ball appetizer!
🛒Ingredients
The ingredients in a monkey brain shot are simple and all serve a purpose.
- Vodka: The classic shot has regular vodka in it but I think it tastes better with vanilla vodka. You could also use other flavors like cherry, raspberry or citrus.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is preferred. You can substitute lime juice too.
- Baileys Irish Cream Liquor: This is important because it is what forms the "brain" of our monkey.
- Grenadine: This is a red syrup that will make the brain look bloody. A few drops are all that's needed.
How To Make A Monkey Brain Shot
This shot is simple to make but to make sure it really looks like a BRAIN, we need to follow a few steps.
Step 1: Add your vodka and lemon juice to a shot glass.
Step 2: Next, add your Baileys to another shot glass and using a syringe, suck up half an ounce or about 14 ml. (This is the trickiest part!)
Step 3: Then, shoot the Baileys into the vodka, lemon juice using the syringe.
Step 4: Finally, slowly drip 3-5 drops of grenadine syrup into the shot glass. Enjoy chilled!
The Science Behind The Brains
I'm naturally curious to how things work so if you are too, read on!
This shot involves two scientific approaches.
First, let's talk DENSITY. Liquids, or in this case alcohol, each has its own density meaning some alcohols are HEAVIER than others. Because the Irish cream is heavier and the vodka and lemon juice is lighter, the Baileys or the brains, automatically sinks to the bottom of the shot glass as does the grenadine!
As for the brain effect, we are working with an acid, the lemon juice, and the Irish cream, which is high in fat. The acid causes the cream to CURDLE which is how we get the creepy worm-like brain effect!
Who said science wasn't cool?!
Bartender Tips
- Make these shots in bulk by adding vodka and lemon juice to a shaker. Fill your syringes with Baileys and keep them separately. Then layer when ready to serve.
- Allow your guests to shoot their own monkey brain using the syringes.
- Make these shots in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Squeeze your lemon juice the day before or purchase bottled lemon juice.
Substitutions
Play around with the flavors of your monkey brain! As long as you stick to the alcohol density mentioned above, it will work!
- Vodka: Try vanilla, cake flavored, citrus, cherry flavored vodkas.
- Baileys: You can use any heavier liqueur like Kahlua, Crème de Almond, or Crème de Banana.
- Lemon Juice: You need an acid for this to work so lime juice would be the only substitution here.
- Grenadine: Pomegranate molasses, raspberry syrup, or even strawberry daquiri syrup.
Equipment
Syringes- These are what will make your brains perfectly creepy.
Tall shot glasses- These allow you to really see the brains.
Shaker- This one is simple and inexpensive.
Jigger- This one is my favorite and has two sides to it.
FAQ's
Sometimes it takes practice to get it right. Using a syringe is important. Move it around under the vodka as you shoot it.
Yes! Play around with different flavors.
Any cherry liquor or cherry juice will work.
Use Chambord instead of the grenadine for a different look and taste!
👻Looking for fun cocktails or mocktails suited for Halloween? These are perfect!!
Other spooky recipes you might like:
Halloween Party Appetizer Ideas For Adults
Spooky Chocolate Pretzel Spiders (No Bake)
Chocolate Marshmallow Cauldrons
Monkey Brain Shot
Ingredients
- 1 oz. vanilla or unflavored vodka
- ½ oz. lemon juice
- ½ oz. Baileys Irish Cream Liquor
- 3-5 drops grenadine syrup
Instructions
- Add your lemon juice and vodka to a shaker with ice. Shake for 10 seconds then pour into a shot glass.
- Using a syringe, add your Baileys to the shot glass moving it around in circles until a brain forms.
- Add a few drops of grenadine on top until blood affect is achieved.
- Serve chilled.
Video
Recipe Notes
- Make these shots in bulk by adding vodka and lemon juice to a shaker. Fill your syringes with Baileys and keep them separately. Then layer when ready to serve.
- Allow your guests to shoot their own monkey brain using the syringes.
- Make these shots in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Squeeze your lemon juice the day before or purchase bottled lemon juice.
Tried the recipe? I'd love to hear your thoughts below!