Let me tell you about a shot that’s earned a weirdly legendary status in certain bars – not because it’s refined, but because it delivers an experience you probably won’t forget. The Gorilla Fart is not what you’d call a “good” drink in the classic sense. But if you’re after a punchy, slightly reckless night, well, this is your guy.
I first ran into the Gorilla Fart back in college. I was out with some friends – one of whom tended bar at a dingy place locals called “The Jungle” (appropriately enough) – when he slid a grim-looking shot glass across the counter and dared me to drink it. I probably should have asked what was in it first. One swig, and I knew immediately this wasn’t your typical bartender’s handshake. It tasted like a wood fire mixed with jet fuel, and it burned all the way down. We laughed, coughed, and yes, I might have made a weird face.
Strength & Profile
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You won’t find this recipe in any classic cocktail books. It doesn’t have a glamorous history. From what I’ve gathered (and heard recounted at more than one hazy late-night hangout), the Gorilla Fart appeared in dive bars sometime in the 1980s or 90s – probably invented by someone looking to haze their friends or just ramp up the night. The name is a clue that nobody’s taking themselves too seriously here.
To this day, I’ve seen the Gorilla Fart used as a kind of boozy dare. People order it for bachelor parties, lost bets, or anytime someone in the group needs to prove their mettle – sometimes voluntarily, sometimes with a little encouragement.
Ingredients & Glassware
- 1 oz bourbon whiskey
- 1 oz overproof (151) rum
If you’re wondering about glassware, don’t. Grab a shot glass. It could be mismatched, a little sticky, whatever – no one’s sipping this for the aesthetic.
How to Make a Gorilla Fart
- Pour the bourbon into the shot glass.
- Carefully layer the 151-proof rum on top. (Honestly, no one will judge you if you just pour them together.)
- Hand it to your brave friend (or brace yourself).
This shot is not for the faint of heart. The combined alcohol content is… let’s just say it’s substantial. If someone asks for one, make sure you know your limits – and maybe keep some water (or a chaser) close by.
There are a couple ways to tone it down. You can swap the 151 rum for regular rum; you’ll still get the gist, minus the napalm effect. Or, add a splash of cola and pour it over ice, if you want to drag out the pain.
There are also a bunch of Gorilla Fart spinoffs – because why not? I’ve heard of the “Silverback” (tequila instead of bourbon), or the “Banana Gorilla” (with banana liqueur for something, uh, less terrifying), but they all stick to the “strong and silly” theme.
This isn’t a cocktail for showing off your mixology skills. You won’t impress a date with it, unless your date is particularly fond of daredevil drinking challenges. But in the right setting – a raucous party, a reunion, an ill-conceived bar crawl – the Gorilla Fart has a role to play.
If you’re serving them at home (and I won’t judge), maybe set out some wings or something spicy to go with it. Heavy bar food is a good idea. And definitely eat before you start handing these out.
So why has this monstrosity hung around for so long? Honestly, it’s unforgettable, in the same way a bad blind date or a regrettable tattoo is unforgettable. It brings people together, mostly in mutual disbelief. Sometimes, that’s all you really want from a shot – something you’ll laugh about later, just as soon as your taste buds recover.
