Skittle Bomb
A potent and vividly flavored bomb shot that captures early 21st-century nightlife energy—the chemical reaction between Cointreau and Red Bull miraculously evokes the flavor of Skittles candy.
11%
ABV
easy
Difficulty
pint
Glass
Flavor Profile
History & Heritage
“The Skittle Bomb emerged from the energetic UK nightlife scene of the early 2000s as a logical and flavorful successor to the wildly popular Jägerbomb. The discovery that combining Cointreau and Red Bull produced a taste remarkably similar to Skittles candy was likely a happy accident, repeated and refined in bars until it became a nightclub staple. The drink represents the 'bomb shot' phenomenon and the mainstreaming of energy drinks as cocktail mixers.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Pour half of a chilled 8.4 oz Red Bull into a straight-sided pint glass
Measure exactly 1.5 oz of Cointreau into a heavy-bottomed shot glass
Drop the shot glass of Cointreau into the Red Bull
Drink immediately while the fizzing reaction is at its peak
Glassware
16 oz straight-sided pint glass with shot glass dropped in
Garnish
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Both Cointreau and Red Bull must be thoroughly chilled (3-5°C/37-41°F)
Use exactly the 1:2.8 ratio for authentic Skittles flavor
Drop from low height to avoid splashing and breaking glassware
Consume within seconds of the 'bomb' being deployed
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Skittle Bomb.
Dirty Skittle Bomb
Pours the Cointreau directly into the Red Bull instead of dropping the shot glass.
Changes
Blackcurrant Skittle Bomb
Adds a dash of blackcurrant cordial to enhance the fruity, candy-like flavor.
Changes
C-Bomb
Singapore variation of the Skittle Bomb, same ingredients but different name.
Changes
Retreau
French variation of the Skittle Bomb, named as a play on Cointreau.
Changes
Lemonade Skittle Bomb
Uses lemonade instead of Red Bull for a non-caffeinated version with more authentic Skittles flavor.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Kamikaze
Vodka, Cointreau, and lime—shaken icy cold for a clean, citrusy classic served up or as a shooter.
Picador
The definitive blueprint for the Margarita, this 1937 London creation combines tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice in perfect harmony—the Margarita in its purest, unadorned form.
Sidecar
Cognac shaken with Cointreau and lemon, served in a sugar-rimmed coupe for a crisp, elegant sour.