The Shaft Drink is a delicious pick-me-up coffee cocktail! It is a classic Canadian drink that is sweet and creamy, and oh-so-easy to make.
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So what exactly is a Shaft Drink?
A Shaft Drink is a Canadian coffee-based cocktail that is creamy and easy to make. It was created by Mark Smith in 2000 while he was working at The Living Room bar in Calgary, Canada.
There are several renditions of this cocktail, but at its core, The Shaft cocktail consists of four main ingredients: vodka, coffee liqueur, Irish cream liqueur, and coffee (as espresso or cold brew).
Some variations add milk or cream to their drink, like a classic White Russian cocktail. And some even add bourbon. So it is easy to adapt this cocktail to suit any occasion and your exact preferences!
There are also different ways to serve and drink this cocktail. Traditionally, it’s meant to be drunk quickly - either like a shot or served with ice and drunk as quickly as possible with a straw. But many people also enjoy slowly sipping their drink instead. The choice is yours, and either way you are guaranteed to love it!
Watching your caffeine intake? Check out our recipe for delicious Decaf Cold Brew Coffee!
What is in a Shaft Drink
A Shaft cocktail is made from four simple ingredients that come together to make a deliciously creamy coffee cocktail. The ingredients are listed below and you can also find a detailed recipe card at the end of this post!
- Coffee. This cocktail requires cold coffee and you can choose whether you want to add cold brew or chilled espresso - it just depends on your preference!
- Vodka. You can use any plain, unflavored vodka to make this drink. If you feel like adding a tasty twist, you could also use vanilla vodka or chocolate vodka. Or even coffee vodka for some extra coffee flavor!
- Irish Cream liqueur. I like to use Bailey's Irish Cream, but you can use any type you prefer best.
- Coffee liqueur. There are many different types of this liqueur available, so use your favorite!
- Ice cubes. Ice is used to both make and serve this drink. It keeps it deliciously cold and refreshing! But you can also serve this drink without any ice if preferred.
Optional garnish suggestions
- Coffee beans
- A dusting of espresso powder
- A sprinkle of ground cinnamon
If you love creamy cocktails, then you have to check out our CRANBERRY GIN COCKTAIL recipe! It is incredibly delicious and easy to make!
How to Make a Shaft Drink
The Shaft Drink is an easy cocktail to make. You will only need a few minutes to create it and you won't need any fancy bar equipment. You can follow the step-by-step instructions below, or you can find a detailed recipe card at the end of this post.
Step-by-Step Instructions
STEP ONE
Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
STEP TWO
Add the cocktail ingredients and shake well for 30 seconds.
STEP THREE
Pour into an Old Fashioned Glass that is filled with ice. Add a garnish if desired and serve immediately.
Where does the name come from?
The Shaft Drink is named after the lead character of the 1971 cult film, The Shaft. In this film, Detective John Shaft is hired to rescue a gangster's daughter from Italian mobsters who have kidnapped her. And the film's theme song, "Theme from Shaft", was an Academy Award-winning hit!
So this drink has strong ties to popular culture and to Canada. And although the invention of this drink is accredited to Calgary, it has become more popular and associated with Victoria, the capital of British Colombia. There are even Shaft Competitions held there!
Recipe Tips and Notes
- Use a jigger or a measuring cup to measure your ingredients accurately. A precise measurement can make a big difference in the balance and flavor of your cocktail.
- If you like a boozier drink try adding some bourbon whiskey. The flavors are complementary and it will make for a great addition!
- You can serve this drink with crushed ice or whole ice. Just keep in mind that as the ice melts it will start to slightly dilute the drink.
- If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, you can add a dash of simple syrup, maple syrup, or honey.
- To make a tasty variation, try using vanilla vodka or chocolate vodka instead of plain, unflavored vodka.
Shaft Drink
Equipment
- 1 cocktail shaker
- 1 old-fashioned serving glass
Ingredients
- 1 ounce vodka unflavored
- 1 ounce coffee liqueur
- 1 ounce Irish cream liqueur
- 2 ounce cold brew or chilled espresso
- ice cubes
Instructions
- Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Add the cocktail ingredients and shake well for 30 seconds.
- Pour into an Old Fashioned Glass that is filled with ice. Add a garnish if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a jigger or a measuring cup to measure your ingredients accurately. A precise measurement can make a big difference in the balance and flavor of your cocktail.
- If you like a boozier drink try adding some bourbon whiskey. The flavors are complementary and it will make for a great addition!
- You can serve this drink with crushed ice or whole ice. Just keep in mind that as the ice melts it will start to slightly dilute the drink.
- If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, you can add a dash of simple syrup, maple syrup, or honey.
- To make a tasty variation, try using vanilla vodka or chocolate vodka instead of plain, unflavored vodka.
Nutrition
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