What ingredients are in a Zipperhead?

1 shot Chambord Raspberry Liqueur, 1 shot Vodka, Fill with Soda Water

What glass do you use for a Zipperhead?

A Zipperhead is traditionally served in a Whiskey sour glass.

How strong is a Zipperhead?

A Zipperhead has an estimated ABV of 20,88%.

How many calories are in a Zipperhead?

A Zipperhead contains approximately 225 calories per serving.

Zipperhead

Glas Whiskey sour glass

Schwierigkeitsgrad Easy

Kalorien ~225 kcal

ABV 20,88%

Zutaten

Chambord Raspberry Liqueur 1 shot
Vodka 1 shot
Soda Water Fill with

Anweisungen

Fill glass with rocks, add straw before putting in liquor. Then add the ingredients in order, trying to keep layered as much as possible (i.e. Chambord on bottom, then Vodka, Then soda on top).

Shot Sweet

The Zipperhead is a layered cocktail-style shot made with Chambord raspberry liqueur, vodka, and soda water, built in a whiskey sour glass over ice with a straw inserted before pouring to maintain layering. The combination of Chambord's berry richness and vodka's neutral strength, lengthened with soda water, creates a sweet, berry-forward drink that is more approachable than a straight shot. The layered presentation is part of its appeal.

History & Origins

The Zipperhead is a modern American cocktail-shot hybrid of disputed origin, likely emerging from college bar culture in the 1990s when layered shots and Chambord-based drinks were fashionable. Its specific preparation method — inserting a straw before adding ingredients to maintain layers — reflects the era's enthusiasm for visual cocktail theater. The name is informal and colloquial, adding to its reputation as a fun, party-oriented drink.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Chambord's rich raspberry, blackcurrant, and honey notes with clean vodka and soda water carbonation. Palate: Sweet and berry-forward, with Chambord dominating through its concentrated raspberry character; vodka adds alcoholic strength and soda water lightens and extends the drink. Finish: Sweet, fruity, and slightly effervescent with lingering raspberry.

raspberry sweet berry light effervescent

Pro Tip

Insert the straw to the bottom of the glass before adding the ingredients in order to maintain the layered presentation for as long as possible.

Data verified Januar 2017

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