Bacardi 151 rum and Wild Turkey bourbon meet in the ACID, a two-spirit shot built for potency rather than nuance. With no mixer to dilute it, the drink reaches roughly 45 percent alcohol by volume, among the strongest shots in common circulation. The overproof rum and high-proof bourbon together create an intense, undiluted hit that is meant to be downed quickly and followed by a chaser, typically cola or Dr Pepper, to soften the burn. Its character is defined almost entirely by raw spirit strength.

ACID cocktail in a shot glass — made with 151 proof rum and Wild Turkey

ACID

Glass Shot glass
Difficulty Easy
Calories ~203 kcal
ABV 45.24%

Ingredients

Instructions

Poor in the 151 first followed by the 101 served with a Coke or Dr Pepper chaser.

Sour Citrus

The ACID is an intensely strong two-ingredient shot combining Bacardi 151 proof rum and Wild Turkey bourbon, creating a high-octane drink for those who prefer their spirits undiluted and direct. At 45.24% ABV, this is one of the strongest shots in any repertoire, designed to be chased rather than sipped. It is typically served alongside a Coke or Dr Pepper chaser to temper the burn.

History & Origins

The ACID shot is a bar-culture creation with disputed origins, typical of the extreme-proof shooter trend that gained traction in American bars during the 1980s and 1990s. The combination of two high-proof spirits — Bacardi 151 and Wild Turkey bourbon — was designed for maximum alcoholic impact rather than cocktail sophistication. No single credited inventor exists for this straightforward party shot.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Intense alcohol heat, with vanilla and caramel from the bourbon and a molasses note from the high-proof rum. Palate: A fiery, aggressive burn of raw spirit; the bourbon contributes oak and vanilla undertones beneath the overwhelming heat of the 151 rum. Finish: Long, searing, with lingering warmth and a faint sweetness.

fiery strong oaky molasses intense

Pro Tip

Have your Coke or Dr Pepper chaser poured and ready before you take the shot to immediately temper the high-proof burn.

Nutrition Facts →

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