Wake the Dead Tequila Shooter

By
Colleen Graham
Photo of Colleen Graham
Colleen Graham
Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks.
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Updated on 08/24/21
Wake the Dead Tequila Shooter

The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck
Prep: 3 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 3 mins
Servings: 2 servings
Yield: 2 shots
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
86 Calories
0g Fat
6g Carbs
0g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2
Amount per serving
Calories 86
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 3mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 6g 2%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 0mg 0%
Iron 0mg 0%
Potassium 14mg 0%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This shooter packs a punch that will almost certainly bring you back from the dead. Patron Tequila's wake the dead recipe combines the tequila shot and the espresso shot into one tiny glass. It is actually quite good and the perfect drink for those times when you really don't want the party to end!

Patron XO Cafe is used here to bridge the gap between the two styles of shots. The tequila-based coffee liqueur offers a hint of sweetness that rounds the shot's taste off perfectly. And, you really don't have to shoot it! This drink makes a fantastic happy hour sipper, too.

Ingredients

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Wake the Dead Tequila Shooter ingredients

    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

  2. Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

    Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice

    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

  3. Shake well.

    shake the cocktail shaker

    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

  4. Strain into two shot glasses.

    Wake the Dead Tequila Shooters

    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

Tips

  • This recipe results in a 3-ounce drink, which is a very tall shot and too large for the average shot glass. That's why it's recommended as a two-shot drink to share. Alternatively, you can strain it into an old-fashioned glass and enjoy it yourself.
  • Make sure the espresso is chilled before adding it to the shaker. Hot coffee will melt too much ice and result in an overly diluted drink.
  • If you don't have an espresso machine, freshly brewed coffee will do in a pinch. Better yet, get an intense flavor of coffee that's already chilled by trying a cold brew coffee. It's incredibly easy, you just need to plan ahead because it takes about 12 hours to brew.
  • Silver tequilas are preferred because the deep flavors of the coffee will mask any flavor nuance imparted by aging a reposado tequila. If you're going to use a tequila other than Patron, be sure it's the silver (blanco) style.
  • This shot will taste good with any coffee liqueur (including Kahlua), though Patron XO Café is one of the better choices because of its tequila base.

Recipe Variations

  • This is an excellent drink to serve on the rocks in an old-fashioned glass.
  • It would be a lot of fun to serve this shot as a two-part drink similar to the pickleback with an espresso chaser! Simply shake the tequila and coffee liqueur and strain it into a shot glass. Have a second shot glass or demitasse cup (espresso cup) filled with either chilled or hot espresso. Drink the tequila shot, then chase it with espresso.

How Strong Is a Wake the Dead Shot?

Not only is this a high-octane shot, but it's also among the strongest shooters you can mix up. When made according to the recipe, it should have an alcohol content around 25 percent ABV (50 proof).

Do be cautious: As seen countless times with drinks like the vodka Red Bull, the effects of caffeine (or energy drink alternatives) can mask the effects of the alcohol. It is really easy to become drunker faster with drinks like this because you're so hyped up.