KGB cocktail – Mix That Drink

The KGB cocktail is not named for the former Russian intelligence agency, and does not contain vodka. I just wanted to clear that up right off the bat, because that was my initial assumption the first time I heard about it.

It gets its name from the fact that it’s made of Kahlua, Galliano and brandy. In delicious and beautiful layers.

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The KGB cocktail is great for when you’re studying classified intelligence documents or… whoops. Forget I said that. We never had this conversation.

What’s Great About It

The KGB cocktail is a layered shot that looks impressive but it’s not that hard to make. Once you’ve practiced layering a bit, if you haven’t already, you can make it in under a minute.

That makes it great for small gatherings or a night at home when you want something different.

And even though the ingredients are all bold on their own, they play nicely together. The sweetness keeps the alcohol heat in check, and the layers give you a choice.

You can sip it slowly and taste each part, or knock it back and let the flavors blend. It works either way, which isn’t always true for layered drinks.

Flavor Profile

The coffee liqueur brings roasted bitterness and a bit of chocolate. Galliano adds vanilla, anise, and light herbal notes in the middle, which is where most of the sweetness lives. The cognac or brandy on top finishes with oak, dried fruit, and a gentle burn.

Taken together, it tastes dessert-like but not syrupy. If you enjoy after-dinner drinks or coffee-forward cocktails, this one will feel familiar and comforting.

Equipment & Glassware

A standard shot glass works best, ideally one with straight sides so the layers show clearly. Avoid very narrow or flared glasses, since they layering harder to do.

For layering, the back of a regular spoon works just fine. You can also use a bar spoon. A jigger can help get measurements accurate.

And a pourer for each of your liquor bottles can make the liquor flow more smoothly from the bottles.

Pro Tips

Layering is the key skill here. Pour slowly and patiently. Rushing will cause the liquids to mix, which changes both the look and taste.

Chill your ingredients beforehand if possible. Cold liquids layer more cleanly and taste smoother.

Galliano is thicker and sweeter than the other ingredients, which helps it sit in the middle. When pouring the cognac or brandy, aim for the spoon and let it gently roll off. If the layers blur a bit, don’t stress. It will still taste good.

When to Serve

This cocktail works best as a late-evening drink. It’s ideal after dinner, especially following a rich or savory meal. The coffee notes make it a nice alternative to dessert, or a companion to it.

It also fits well at small parties where people appreciate novelty. Think game nights, cocktail tastings, or holiday gatherings with a relaxed vibe. It’s less suited to big, loud events where subtle flavors get lost, but perfect when people are actually paying attention to what’s in their glass.

Choosing Your Liquors

For coffee liqueur, classic options like Kahlúa or Tia Maria work well. If you prefer less sweetness, look for a coffee liqueur with a stronger roasted profile.

For the top layer, a decent but not ultra-premium cognac or brandy is ideal. You want smoothness, but the subtleties of a very expensive bottle may get lost. Brands like Courvoisier VS, Hennessy VS, or a good-quality American brandy all do the job.

Variations and Customizations

This cocktail is easy to tweak without losing its character. Small changes can shift it from bold and boozy to softer and more dessert‑like.

The original recipe calls for 1 part of each liqueur, but I prefer the amounts I gave here. However, your mileage may vary.

For a drier version, reduce the Galliano slightly and increase the brandy by a quarter ounce. This pulls back the vanilla sweetness and lets the oak and fruit notes stand out more.

If you want it sweeter, use more coffee liqueur and less brandy.

Similar Cocktails

If you like the KGB cocktail, there are a few others worth trying.