How to Make a Rat King Shot
December 27, 2023
The Rat King is the villain of the Nutcracker. In the ballet, he’s presented as a vile, multi-headed beast capable of taking down even the mightiest: much like this powerful shot, the Rat King. Containing five gnarly spirits in equal parts (Fernet, Campari, Cynar, Jägermeister, and Malört), the Rat King is not for the faint of heart. It’s an aggressively flavorful mouthful, but with enough gumption, you too can defeat the Rat King.
However, as scary as this LIIT of mouth-walloping digestifs might look, I’ll say it’s less horrifying than the sum of its parts— I’ve even had people ask for seconds. If you’re a fan of flavorful amari, herbal liqueurs, or a simply a masochist (read: bartender) I dare you to give it a try.
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The Rat King Shot Recipe
While this shot isn’t the easiest to drink, it’s not tricky to build. There’s no need to shake, stir, strain, or chill: just pour equal parts from these bottles into a shot (or cordial) glass and serve.
If you’re having trouble finding one of these ingredients, alternatives I recommend are absinthe, Underberg, Braulio, Carciofo Aperitivo, Meletti, Amaro Alta Verde, or Angostura bitters.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 ounce Fernet-Branca
- 1/4 ounce Jägermeister
- 1/4 ounce Jeppson’s Malört
- 1/4 ounce Campari
- 1/4 ounce Cynar
Instructions:
Pour equal parts Fernet, Jägermeister, Malört, Campari, and Cynar in a shot glass. Brace yourself, drink, and wait for the Mälort face to set in.
Were you a fan of the Rat King? If so, I recommend trying a Ferlört (equal parts Fernet and Malört) or a Ferrari (equal parts Fernet and Campari). Enjoy!
Next up: In A Ginger Snap: A Holiday Mocktail Recipe.
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