Featuring chocolate, coffee, mint and cream, this sweet and sophisticated After Eight shot might best be served “after eight,” when the kids are in bed dreaming of sugar plums and you’re ready for a dessert-like treat named for the popular candy!

This is the fifth post in my 12 Shots of Christmas series. On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: one After Eight shot, one Snowball shot, one Black Forest Cake shot, one Chocolate Raspberry Kiss shot and a shot named Peppermint Patty!
When I was a child, I remember eating After Eight chocolates around the holidays. That made me so happy because they reminded me of my favorite candy (Junior Mints). I would irritate the rest of my family by savoring them one tiny nibble at a time instead of taking big bites the way everyone else did. My sister Nancy used to get particularly perturbed.
That might have been a win for me if I’d done it on purpose just to annoy her. But I didn’t! I just loved those chocolates so much I wanted them to last.
Why is this shot a stand out?
Now, it’s a known fact that I’m not fond of creme de menthe because I find both the green and white versions too sweet. But, when you combine the Kahlúa and Baileys with the creme de menthe, something magical happens!
If I don’t have green creme de menthe, can I use white?
No. Just kidding. Yes! You can. There isn’t any noticeable taste difference between the two. I just think the green is prettier, it’s more festive for the holidays and it reminds me of the After Eight Mints box!
Helpful tips
- Use either a cocktail spoon or regular iced coffee teaspoon. For the thin, tall shot glass, I have to use the iced coffee teaspoon because the cocktail spoon is too wide to fit in the glass
- Always place the spoon bowl-side up in the glass, against the side
- Using a pourer controls the pour, which is critical to layering any shot. But if you do use a pourer, just know that you will have to eyeball your quantities because in that case, they’re coming straight out of the bottle, unmeasured
- As with all layered shots, you need to place the heaviest liquor on the bottom and work your way up to the lightest
- This recipe is written for one one and a half ounce shot. If your shot glasses are larger, just eyeball equal thirds of the ingredients
How to make this layered shot
Pre-step
Tools you will need: cocktail spoon, pourer and a small dish to hold the spoon between pours.
Step one
Gather the ingredients – Kahlúa, Baileys Irish cream and green creme de menthe.
Step two
Pour Kahlúa ⅓ of the way in the glass.
Step three
Place the spoon bowl side up in and against the side of the glass. Slowly pour the creme de menthe over the bowl another ⅓ of the way.
Step four
Place the spoon back in the glass and slowly pour the Baileys Irish cream over the bowl another ⅓ of the way.
The front glass shows the after eight shot right after I poured it, the other two sat for a minute. See how nice and clean the line of Baileys is? Do NOT fret when the different liqueurs bleed. They will. I actually like how the back shots look.
Let’s look at one of the bleeders in front! 😉
Isn’t that pretty?
Now, let’s look at the tall glass in front.
Very fun!
I hope you enjoyed this After Eight shot recipe!
Other popular cocktails
And as always, may all your dishes/drinks be delish!
If you’ve tried this or any other recipe on the blog, I’d love the hear what you thought about it in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!
After Eight Shot
Ingredients
- .50 ounce Kahlúa (or other coffee flavored liqueur)
- .50 ounce creme de menthe (green or white)
- .50 ounce Baileys Irish cream (or other Irish cream)
Instructions
- Pour Kahlúa ⅓ of the way in shot glass
- Take cocktail spoon and place it in and against the glass, above the liquid, bowl side up and slowly pour the creme de menthe over the bowl another ⅓ of the way up
- Place the spoon again in the glass above the liquid and slowly pour the Baileys Irish cream over the bowl another ⅓ of the way up
- Shoot the shot
- Smile
- Enjoy
Equipment
Notes
- Use either a cocktail spoon or regular iced coffee teaspoon. For the thin, tall shot glass, I have to use the iced coffee teaspoon because the cocktail spoon is too wide to fit in the glass
- Always place the spoon bowl-side up in the glass, against the side
- Using a pourer controls the pour, which is critical to layering any shot. But if you do use a pourer, just know that you will have to eyeball your quantities because in that case, they’re coming straight out of the bottle, unmeasured
- As with all layered shots, you need to place the heaviest liquor on the bottom and work your way up to the lightest
Andrea Metlika
Oh my goodness, this sounds awesome! I’m making these this weekend.
Elaine
Yay!! Thanks Andrea. It is scrumptious!
Amy
Oh that is a fun one! These could really get me into trouble…you’ve got all the good stuff that I like in this shot.
Elaine
Thanks Amy! 🙂
Taylor W.
Anything with kahlua is a favorite of mine!
Elaine
Hehe. Mine too! Thank you Taylor!
Ilona
I didn’t now you can create such a clever shot with these alcohols. Sweet!
Elaine
Thank you Ilona! 🙂 Although I can’t take credit as they are shots I found online!
Annissa
This is an awesome shot! Love the colors and the perfectly layered look!
Elaine
Thank you Annissa! I appreciate it!
Chris
I love those mints too! Fun recipe. And it does taste like the candy.
Elaine
Me too! I used to get a whole box myself at Christmas when I was growing up!
Keith Hall
Tried it my wife loved so it’s on my fav list
Elaine
I’m so pleased to hear that Keith! 🙂 Thanks for letting me know.