Z-28 Shooter – Layered Tequila, Banana & Mint Shot
A bold, retro layered shooter built with tequila, banana liqueur, and green crème de menthe. The Z-28 delivers cool mint, tropical sweetness, and a crisp agave finish in one fast, eye-catching shot.
Bright, playful, and unapologetically retro, the Z-28 Shooter is all about contrast. Cool mint leads the sip, banana smooths the middle, and tequila brings a clean, peppery finish. It’s designed for quick pours, sharp layers, and high-energy moments where presentation matters as much as flavor.
Background
The Z-28 Shooter traces back to the flashy bar culture of the 1980s, when layered shots were built to impress before they were ever tasted. Named after the iconic Camaro Z-28, the drink leaned into bold colors and strong flavors, making it a natural fit for late-night bars and party menus.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- Green Crème de Menthe – provides cooling mint flavor and the vivid green base layer
- Banana Liqueur – adds tropical sweetness and bridges mint with agave
- Tequila Blanco – delivers a clean, peppery finish that caps the shot
Substitution note: Peppermint schnapps can replace crème de menthe for a sharper mint profile.
Equipment
- Shot glass
- Bar spoon (for layering)
Why You’ll Love It
A Shot That Shows Off
The Z-28 isn’t subtle — it’s built to be seen. Clean layers, bright color contrast, and a fast build make it perfect for parties, themed nights, and retro-inspired menus.
Substitutions & Variations
- Swap banana liqueur for banana-flavored vodka to reduce sweetness
- Use mezcal instead of tequila for a smoky finish
- Try white crème de menthe for a muted look with the same mint flavor
Helpful Tips
- Chill all ingredients before building to keep layers crisp
- Pour slowly over the back of a spoon for sharp separation
- Serve immediately — this one is about impact, not waiting
Z-28 Recipe
Type of Glass
Shot Glass
Ingredients
- 1/3 oz.
- 1/3 oz. Banana Liqueur
- 1/3 oz.
Directions
- Pour Green Crème de Menthe into a chilled shot glass.
- Using the back of a bar spoon, slowly layer Banana Liqueur over the mint layer.
- Gently float Tequila Blanco on top to finish the layers.
- Serve immediately to preserve clean separation and visual impact.
A colorful throwback with instant party energy, the Z-28 Shooter proves that simple layers can still steal the spotlight.
