Have you ever thought, “I really want to drink something that’ll wake me up, and I also want it to be a challenge”? If so, then the Y Bomb is the perfect drink for you.
Also known as the “Snorkel,” “Missile,” and even the “Duikboot” (“submarine” in Dutch) in parts of Europe, the Y Bomb is a Florida State University classic. It is the epitome of a college town drink.
Writing about the Y Bomb might seem odd… we understand. But really, it stems from the fact that your friendly creators of Bartending License Help are FSU grads. Call it a “passion project”.
The origins of the Y Bomb are disputed. An UrbanDictionary post from 2013 claims the Y Bomb is of Tallahassee origins, and some even credit Yianni’s, a local Tallahassee bar operating since the early 90s. However others have credited Chasers Bar and Grille in Madison, Wisconsin as the originator of the drink.
Regardless of where the drink originated, the Y Bomb is a simple cocktail that every bartender should have a full understanding of. It isn’t a typical cocktail; however, as drinking one combines shotgunning a beer with drinking a vodka Red Bull.
To make a Y Bomb, the bartender takes one 8.4oz can of RedBull, and one shot (1.5oz) of vodka (some people enjoy using flavored vodkas). Punch a hole in the can of Red Bull, pour out about half, pour in the vodka, and the patron shotguns away.
Now, while you probably won’t find anyone ordering Y Bombs at sophisticated bars, there is always a chance that a customer will order something similar. It is, therefore, too important to understand the consequences of such a drink.
What makes the drink “deadly” is the combination of alcohol and caffeine along with the rapid consumption of the cocktail. According to a Purdue University study, mixing alcohol and caffeine could mimic the effects of cocaine in adolescents.
As a new bartender – perhaps in the process of obtaining a bartending license – it is crucial to understand the laws and regulations surrounding alcohol service to ensure the safety and well-being of your patrons.
Drinks like Y Bombs, which combine high levels of caffeine from energy drinks with the depressant effects of alcohol, can create a potent and potentially dangerous mix. These drinks can mask the symptoms of intoxication, leading individuals to consume more alcohol than their bodies can handle, increasing the risk of alcohol poisoning and other serious health issues.
Being aware of the legal responsibilities, such as checking IDs, recognizing signs of intoxication, and refusing service when necessary, is essential.
Not only does this protect your patrons, but it also safeguards you and your establishment from legal repercussions. Understanding and adhering to these laws is a critical part of your role in fostering a safe drinking environment.
I prefer just a shot of vodka and to chase it with a shot of red bull. I call it “The Bionic Bovine”