The shaft cocktail is a Western Canadian drink named after John Shaft, the main character of the 1971 cult movie, Shaft. According to hearsay, the drink got its name because it is tall, dark, and cool, as John Shaft. Most people agreed that Calgary, Alberta, is the cocktail’s origin city. By 2000 the shaft cocktail was served in most bars of Western Canada. In Victoria, British Columbia, the shaft cocktail has become a traditional drink in venues across the city. With a few variations according to the creativity of bartenders, the drink is served in a Collin glass down to a shot glass, the basic recipe is as follow:
- Collins glass filled with ice.
- 1.5 oz Galys coffee liquor.
- 0.5 oz milk.
- 3 oz fresh espresso or chilled espresso.
- Stir
Another popular shaft recipe:
- Collins glass filled with ice.
- 1 oz vodka.
- 1 oz Galys coffee liquor.
- 1 oz Irish cream.
- 2 oz chilled espresso.
- Shake all the ingredients with ice, and then strain into Collin glass.
Some mixologists add a bit of chocolate and even coconut liquor to their shafts. The shaft cocktail is a favorite to start the night or as a pick-me-up in the middle of it. Enjoy responsibly.
