A royal flush shot is one of the most memorable and iconic cocktail shots. It’s made with 5 liquors that correspond to the cards in a royal flush in poker – the ace, king, queen, jack, and 10 of the same suit. This combination of cards is the highest possible hand in poker, making the royal flush shot a smooth, strong, and unbeatable mix of liquors. But what exactly goes into this popular shot? Read on to learn about the key ingredients that make up the quintessential royal flush.
The Ace – Tequila
The ace card is represented in the royal flush shot by a liquor with a powerful kick: tequila. As the highest card in poker, the ace sets the tone. Clear, potent tequila brings that ace-like impact to the royal flush. Tequila has an unmistakable flavor – earthy yet bright, with citrusy and peppery notes. Made from the blue agave plant in Mexico, the best tequilas have a smooth taste that highlights the agave. Blanco tequila is usually preferred for shots because it isn’t aged in barrels like reposado or anejo tequilas. The clean, sharp flavor of a silver tequila makes it perfect for the ace in a royal flush. Just like the ace card, tequila packs a serious punch!
Key Facts About Tequila
- Made from the blue agave plant in specific regions of Mexico
- Blanco tequila is not aged, reposado is aged 2-12 months, anejo 1-3 years
- Blanco has a crisp, herbal flavor while aged tequilas take on notes from the barrels
- Tequila must contain at least 51% blue agave sugar
- Tequila is a type of mezcal but mezcal can be made from other varieties of agave
The King – Whiskey
The king card requires a royal liquor: whiskey. In the royal flush shot, a quality whiskey represents the king. Whiskey has depth, complexity, and authority – fitting characteristics for the king. Bourbon, rye, or Irish whiskey are classic choices. They bring quintessential whiskey flavors like oak, vanilla, caramel, and spice. The flavor profile depends on factors like the grains used and barrel aging. Whiskey packs a punch but is usually smoother than tequila. That blend of flavor and potency makes it the king of the royal flush shot.
Key Facts About Whiskey
- Made by fermenting and distilling grains like corn, rye, wheat, malted barley
- Aged in charred oak barrels for years to develop color and flavor
- Bourbon whiskey must contain at least 51% corn and be aged in charred new oak barrels
- Popular whiskey styles: Scotch, Irish, bourbon, rye, Tennessee
- Flavors include vanilla, caramel, oak, spice, fruit, and smoke
The Queen – Rum
What liquor could possibly live up to the stature and elegance of the queen card? Only a smooth, flavorful rum will do. Rum brings sweetness and complexity to balance the other strong spirits in the royal flush shot. It has notes of vanilla, caramel, banana, coconut, and molasses. Dark rums are fuller-bodied and make the best complement in a shot. Aged rums exhibit sophistication worthy of the queen card. They are flavorful and refined but still pack a distinct rum punch.
Key Facts About Rum
- Distilled from sugarcane products like molasses or cane juice
- Aged in oak barrels to develop color and flavor
- Light rums are crisp and subtle, dark rums are rich and bold
- Popular styles include Cuban, Puerto Rican, Jamaican, spiced, and flavored
- Flavors range from vanilla, banana, and molasses to spices, coconut, and coffee
The Jack – Gin
The cunning, clever jack card is embodied by crisp, botanical gin. Gin delivers an herbal complexity to the royal flush shot. Made by infusing neutral grain alcohol with juniper berries and other botanicals, it has pine, citrus, and floral flavors. The key is a quality gin that’s bold and flavorful but smooth enough to drink straight. London dry gin is a classic choice with the ideal balance of juniper and botanicals. The jack may seem like an unlikely part of this poker hand, but gin’s sly complexity fits the bill.
Key Facts About Gin
- Base spirit is distilled from grain and flavored with juniper and other botanicals
- Must contain juniper berry which gives gin its main flavor
- Other botanicals can include citrus, cinnamon, cardamom, angelica root, licorice
- Popular styles are London dry, Plymouth, Old Tom, genever
- Can have floral, herbal, pine, citrus, spice flavors
The 10 – Vodka
Last but not least in the royal flush shot is vodka, representing the final 10 card. Vodka is neutral in flavor, allowing the other four liquors to shine. But it still packs an alcoholic punch that completes the full house combination. A smooth, premium vodka works best. Avoid flavored vodkas, which would clash with the other ingredients. Vodka may seem like an afterthought at the end of this poker hand, but it’s needed to make a proper royal flush shot.
Key Facts About Vodka
- Distilled from fermented grains or potatoes
- Filtration and distillation process removes flavors, making it neutral
- Smooth, premium vodkas have a clean taste and texture
- Flavored vodkas infuse additional flavors like citrus, vanilla, cinnamon
- Works cleanly in cocktails or as a straight shot
Perfecting the Ratio
Now that you know the key players in a royal flush shot, how much of each liquor should you use? There’s no single perfect ratio – feel free to tweak and customize to your taste. However, a standard proportion is:
- 1 part tequila
- 1 part whiskey
- 1 part rum
- 1 part gin
- 1 part vodka
Using equal parts maintains the balance between the different flavors. The sweetness of rum balances the herbal gin. The spicy whiskey contrasts with the crisp vodka. And the tequila ties it all together. Adjusting the proportions slightly – say, decreasing the vodka or increasing the rum – can customize the flavor profile. But keep it balanced. The key is letting each liquor play a starring role!
Assembling the Royal Flush
When constructing a royal flush shot, the order that you layer the ingredients matters. Heavier, darker ingredients like rum should go first. Then come mid-weight components like whiskey and tequila. Gin and vodka are last since they are crystal clear. The proper build is:
- Rum
- Tequila
- Whiskey
- Gin
- Vodka
Pour each ingredient slowly and gently to maintain the layered effect. Assemble the shots in cordial or shot glasses. Make sure you pour a full shot – about 1.5 oz total. Underfilling will throw off the ideal ratios. The transparency of the vodka and gin allow the colors to show through. Stacked properly, you’ll see brilliant bands of amber, gold, and clear.
The Perfect Glassware
To showcase the royal flush shot, choose glassware that lets the color layers shine:
- Shot glass – Sturdy and ubiquitous, a classic 2 oz shot glass efficiently delivers the shot
- Cordial glass – Stylish and elegant, a 1-2 oz cordial highlights the colors
- Test tube shot glass – Unique option for a scientific look, but may be trickier to layer
Avoid overly wide glasses – you want to see the liquors stack. Glass rather than plastic maintains clarity. Shooters and cordials are better than pint glasses. Match your glassware to the vibe you want – classic and casual or upscale flair.
Serving Suggestions
Once assembled, how should one properly serve and take the royal flush shot? Here are some tips:
- Serve shots chilled – store the liquor and glasses in the freezer first
- Provide a glass of water as a chaser to stay hydrated
- Only make as many as can be consumed responsibly – shots add up fast!
- Take the shot fast for maximum impact – don’t sip!
- Savor the smooth layered blend of flavors
- Slap the glass down triumphantly when finished!
The royal flush shot is meant to be taken fast and enjoyed in good company. Knock it back in one go and you’ll feel like you scored a winning poker hand!
When to Enjoy a Royal Flush
Part of the appeal of the royal flush is its aura of sophistication – so when is it appropriate to indulge? Here are some perfect occasions:
- Poker night – Live out that winning hand among friends
- Bachelor/ette party – Class it up Vegas-style
- Holiday parties – At the stroke of midnight instead of champagne
- Milestone birthdays – For the 21st or 30th, celebrate in style
- Guys/girls night out – When the squad’s ready to live it up
Any celebratory event can be the ideal setting for passing around trays of these polished shots. The royal flush may seem indulgent, but sometimes you just have to go for it!
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re new to making and taking royal flush shots, you probably still have some questions:
Can I make a non-alcoholic royal flush?
Yes, use juices or sodas in place of the liquors. For example, orange juice (ace), cola (king), ginger ale (queen), tonic water (jack), lemon-lime soda (10). Layer them for a fun mocktail.
What’s the alcohol content of a royal flush shot?
It depends on the exact liquors used, but generally a full 1.5 oz shot will be around 30% alcohol by volume. Limit yourself to 1 or 2!
What’s the best way to drink this shot?
Shoot it fast! Sip slowly and the flavors become muddled. Knock it back in one go for the proper experience. Have a chaser like water or beer ready.
Can I mix up the order or substitute liquors?
Feel free to customize with your favorite spirits, but maintain the order from darkest to lightest. The classic lineup has stood the test of time.
Is skill needed to layer the shots properly?
Patience and a slow, steady hand will ensure properly layered shots. Use a spoon if needed to prevent liquids from mixing prematurely.
The Allure of the Royal Flush Shot
So what exactly is the appeal of the royal flush shot? A few factors give it an aura of sophistication:
- The poker name evokes winning, risk, and reward
- It brings together 5 different fine liquors
- The presentation is elegant and colorful
- Taking the shot makes you feel like royalty
- It’s strong but smooth when made with quality liquors
Carefully crafted and served in the right setting, the royal flush shot is a quick yet indulgent pleasure. Learning how to make it properly lets you master mixology and psychology in one glass!
| Liquor | Flavor | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Tequila blanco | Strong, earthy, citrusy | The ace card – powerful start |
| Bourbon whiskey | Oaky, vanilla, caramel | The king card – bold but smooth |
| Dark rum | Rich, sweet, warm | The queen card – flavorful and refined |
| London dry gin | Juniper, pine, botanicals | The jack card – herbal complexity |
| Vodka | Clean, neutral | The 10 card – final spirit base |
Conclusion
While 5 liquors may seem like overkill, the royal flush shot is carefully orchestrated for smoothness. The diverse flavors mingle in harmony, creating a symphony of spirits. Sipped separately, the ingredients would clash or overpower. But layered into this poker hand, they unite into an unforgettable total sensory experience. The ceremony of the pour gives a sense of anticipation. Knocking it back makes you feel like a winner. Next time you want to liven up a celebration, break out the shot glasses and go all in on a royal flush!