The snakebite makes everyone aware of its potency right up front, even despite its honey and lime flavors. So it's surprising how little is known about the snakebite cocktail and shot, when it is so simple to make. Just be aware that, as the name states, the drink does have some serious bite.
The Traditional Snakebite Shot
This classic version of the drink, but as a shot, has only two ingredients. It's quick to build but has a burn that'll last.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Yukon Jack or Canadian honey whisky
- ½ ounce lime cordial
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, whiskey, and lime cordial.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into shot glass.
Snakebite Variations
When someone orders a snakebite, they may actually be interested in one of the following variations, many of which share little in common other than a related name.
Snakebite No. 2
With similar ingredients to the snakebite shooter, this cocktail isn't for the faint of heart.
Ingredients
- 2½ ounces Yukon Jack or Canadian honey whisky
- ½ ounce lime cordial
- ½ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Ice
- Ginger ale to top off
- Lemon wheel for garnish
Instructions
- In a rocks glass, add ice, whiskey, lime cordial, and lemon juice.
- Top off with ginger ale.
- Garnish with lemon wheel.
The Viper
This drink tastes more like a fruity cocktail than like a hard-hitting shot, although it is actually both.
Ingredients
- ¼ ounce almond liqueur
- ¼ ounce Yukon Jack or Canadian honey whisky
- ¼ ounce coconut rum
- ¼ ounce peach liqueur
- ¼ ounce cherry liqueur
- ¼ ounce orange liqueur
- ¼ ounce vodka
- 1 ounce pineapple juice
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, almond liqueur, whiskey, coconut rum, peach liqueur, cherry liqueur, orange liqueur, vodka, and pineapple juice.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into shot glass.
The British Snakebite
Anyone can make this drink, even with little to no cocktail experience. It requires no shaker or ice, just a simple pint glass. Keep in mind, the thicker the beer you use, the better the layers will be.
Ingredients
- 6-8 ounces dry hard cider
- 6-8 ounces dark beer, lager or stout
Instructions
- In a pint glass, add cider until halfway full.
- Top off with dark beer, pouring onto the back of the spoon to help it float and create a layering effect.
The Blackcurrant Snakebite
This drink uses the same ingredients as the British snakebite, but adds blackcurrant cordial to the mix. Feel free to skip the layers if you want to mix in your liqueur.
Ingredients
- 6-8 ounces dry hard cider
- 6-8 ounces dark beer, lager, or stout
- ½ ounce blackcurrant cordial or liqueur
Instructions
- In a pint glass, add cider until halfway full.
- Slowly add dark beer.
- Add blackcurrant cordial.
- Stir gently to mix.
Sleeping Rattlesnake
A variation of the rattlesnake, this skips the egg white and martini preparation in favor of a sweeter flavor, but still packs that snapping bite.
Ingredients
- 1¾ ounces Yukon Jack or Canadian honey whisky
- ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ ounce orange liqueur
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- Ice
- Orange peel for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing glass, add ice, Canadian honey whisky, lemon juice, orange liqueur, simple syrup, and orange bitters.
- Stir to mix.
- Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with orange peel.
Garter Snake
If you want to dip your toes into the world of snakebite shots, but you're a little worried, this spritzer gently eases you in. As you acclimate, decrease the amount of bubbles.
Ingredients
- 1½ ounces Yukon Jack or Canadian honey whisky
- ¾ ounce simple syrup
- ½ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- Ice
- Plain or lime club soda to top off
- Lime wheel for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, Canadian honey whisky, simple syrup, lemon juice, and lime juice.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into rocks glass or wine glass over fresh ice.
- Top off with club soda.
- Garnish with lime wheel.
A Drink With Bite
Some establishments are hesitant to serve any of the snakebite cocktails because they are too hard-hitting. Keep this in mind before having your heart set on one during an evening out, but keep in mind you're well-armed with the knowledge and recipes to make these at home.
