Flatliner, A Layered Cocktail

Flatliners definitely aren't for beginners!

This layered cocktail can be lethal and is definitely an acquired taste with its characteristic after-burn. But as advocates will say, without the burn there is no Flatliner.

To make it you need:

• 1 part Tequila
• 1 part Sambuca
• Tabasco sauce

First pour the tequila into a shooter glass, to just below half-way. Carefully add a few drops - 4 or more depending on how fierce you want it - of Tabasco sauce. Pour it over the back of a spoon onto the surface of the tequila. Then, using the same technique, slowly pour the sambuca into the glass. And there you have your three-layered Flatliner.

Tips

• Some bartenders suggest adding the Tabasco at the end. It will make its own way to middle.
• Have slices of lime on hand to suck to neutralise the burning sensation.
• Sambuca is available in white or dark varieties. The white is the more traditional and its flavour is mellower, more aniseed than the stonger liquorice taste of the darker variety.