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When you hear the name “Alaskan Duck Fart,” you might imagine a drink best left to pranksters and daredevils. After all, it sounds like something you’d concoct after a night of bad decisions. But before you dismiss this quirky shooter, let’s dive into its layered history and discover why this drink, despite its comical name, has earned its spot in the limelight.
From Pub to Pop Culture
The Alaskan Duck Fart isn’t just any shot; it’s a concoction with a backstory as layered as the drink itself. It all began in December 1987 at Peanut Farm, the largest sports bar in Alaska, nestled in Anchorage. The story goes that an elderly patron, after enjoying a variety of drinks from creamy Grasshoppers to straight tequila, decided to mix things up with a B-52—a classic shot made of Baileys Irish Cream, Kahlúa coffee liqueur, and Grand Marnier.
Enter Dave Schmidt, the bartender who couldn’t resist experimenting with his own version of this layered classic. His creation substituted Crown Royal for Grand Marnier, adding a twist to the B-52’s familiar formula. And thus, the Alaskan Duck Fart was born—Kahlúa on the bottom, Baileys in the middle, and Crown Royal on top.
Why the Weird Name?
Now, let’s address the duck in the room: the name. You might be wondering how a drink so sophisticated in its construction could end up with such a cheeky moniker. The truth is, the origin of the name is as foggy as a wintry Alaskan night. One theory suggests that Schmidt, with a nod to his Oregon roots, chose the name because of Oregon's duck connection—a nod to the state's beloved college football team. Another, perhaps more colorful, theory involves the customer making a sound reminiscent of, well, a duck fart after taking the shot. And then there’s the story about a duck bill hat sparking the name.
Despite the murky origins of its name, the Alaskan Duck Fart has made quite a splash beyond Anchorage. Its fame has spread to other Alaskan watering holes like Sitka’s Ernie’s Old Time Saloon and even as far south as Oregon, where bars like Rennie's Landing serve their own take with Pendelton whisky.
A Shot Worth Savoring
Despite its potentially embarrassing name, the Alaskan Duck Fart is a drink that commands respect. It’s a fun, multi-layered shooter that combines the rich, robust flavors of coffee liqueur and whiskey with the creamy sweetness of Baileys. And while you might be tempted to shy away from ordering one, remember: sometimes the most memorable experiences come from embracing a little bit of playful embarrassment.
So next time you find yourself in a bar with a sense of humor, give the Alaskan Duck Fart a try. It’s a quirky drink with a surprisingly rich backstory that proves even the most unusual names can lead to unexpectedly delightful experiences. Cheers to that!
The Alaskan Duck Fart Shot
Recipe from ChowHound
Prep Time: 1 Minute
Cook Time: 0 Minutes
Servings: 1 Shot
Ingredients
½ ounce Kahlúa
½ ounce Baileys Irish Cream
½ ounce whiskey
Directions
Pour Kahlúa into a shot glass.
Align a bar spoon diagonally into the glass, resting just over the Kahlúa. Pour the Irish cream over the spoon and into the drink.
Keep the bar spoon in the same position and pour the whiskey onto the spoon and into the glass, layering over the cream.
Serve immediately.
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