Epic 4 Horsemen Shot is a great cocktail shot containing Johnnie Walker Scotch, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Jim Beam Bourbon, and Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey.

4 Horsemen Shot

Contents show

The 4 Horsemen Shot is similar to the 3 Wise Men Shot but with the addition of Jameson Irish Whiskey. I have also seen this changed to using Jose Cuervo and being called the 3 Wise Men Go to Mexico.

The Four Horsemen drink gets its name from the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, and each of the liquors used features a man whose first name begins with the letter J—Jim Beam, John Jameson, Johnnie Walker, Jack Daniels.

The original recipe includes only whiskeys. I have included a few variations below that use tequila, rum, and even sour mix.

What's in a 4 Horsemen Shot?

Here is a quick overview of the simple ingredients needed to make an epic 4 Horsemen Shot! This potent whiskey shot only takes 4 ingredients.

The printable recipe card at the bottom of the post includes specific measurements and step-by-step instructions.

Johnnie Walker Scotch
Jameson Irish Whiskey
Jim Beam Bourbon Whiskey
Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey

Equipment Needed

If you do not have a large shot glass you can use a lowball glass or small rocks glass.

How to make a Four Horseman Shot

I've included complete instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, but here's a quick version.

Step 1 - Add all four liquors to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until chilled.

Step 2 - Pour contents into a Shot Glass and enjoy

Preparation and Storage

Make Ahead + Storage: 100 percent of this shot is whiskey, which remains drinkable for up to two years when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place away from sunlight or temperature changes.

Freezing/How to Freeze: While it is safe to chill whiskey in the freezer before serving if you prefer a cold spirit, keeping it in the freezer as a storage method can negatively affect its flavor and aroma.

Recipe Variations

It is pretty amazing how many variations of this drink you can make.

Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: This drink adds Jägermeister herbal liqueur, pineapple juice, and sweet and sour mix.

Four Horsemen in a Boat: This variation removes the Jameson and adds Grand Marnier and Jose Cuervo in equal proportions.

Four Horsemen Go to Sea: This variation removes the Jameson and adds Jose Cuervo Gold and Captain Morgan Rum.

Four Horsemen Go Hunting: This variation adds an equal portion of Wild Turkey.

Four Horsemen and Hell Follows: Add in Everclear in equal proportions.

There is also a variation by the same name that is entirely different and does not fit the whiskey theme. This variation uses Jägermeister, Rumple Minze, Bacardi 151, and Jose Cuervo.

A Flaming Four Horsemen Shot involves lighting the Bacardi 151 or Everclear on fire with the four main ingredients in separate shot glasses. PLEASE use caution if you attempt this recipe.

Vegetarian + Vegan Option:

Johnnie Walker does not directly confirm its vegetarian or vegan status on its website. These user e-mails on Barnivore to the manufacturer suggest it is not vegan-friendly.

Jameson Irish Whiskey and Jim Beam Bourbon are vegetarian and vegan.

Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey does not directly confirm its vegetarian or vegan status on its website. However, these user e-mails on Barnivore to the manufacturer confirm that it is vegetarian but not vegan due to the use of wool pads in filtering the product.

Gluten-Free:

Beyond Celiac confirms that pure, distilled whiskey is naturally gluten-free because distillation removes any traces of gluten-containing materials, even for whiskeys produced with the common allergens wheat, barley, and rye.

However, the possibility of cross-contamination remains, so gluten-free drinkers should use their best judgment regarding their gluten sensitivity.

Alcohol-Free Option: Replace the four whiskies with NA alternatives to make this cocktail shot alcohol-free.

Smaller Serving Size: You can reduce this shot to fit a 1-ounce shot glass by lowering each measurement in half.

Make It Spicy: Swap the Jim Beam Bourbon and Jack Daniel’s with cinnamon-infused Kentucky Fire and Tennessee Fire for a spiced version of this whiskey shot.

Larger Group/More Servings: If you don’t want to drink it as a shot, pour it into a rocks cocktail glass and drink it neat.

Sugar-Free: Due to the distillation process removing any traces of grains used in manufacturing, whiskey contains no sugar, making this 4 Horsemen Shot sugar-free.

Tips for the Best 4 Horsemen Shot

If you don't want the ice to water down the whiskey, you can chill the bottles and pour straight into the shot glass or serve this cocktail shot at room temperature.

What to Serve with a 4 Horsemen Shot

This four-whiskey shot is an excellent belly warmer for the colder fall and winter months and a fantastic option for those who can never decide which whiskey to try from the bar! Here are other menu planning suggestions to keep you warm and cozy at your next cocktail party of the season.

Sides: Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Smokies, Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls, Cheesy Green Beans, Cranberry Sauce, Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams, Creamed Corn Casserole, Campbell's Green Bean Casserole, CrockPot Scalloped Potatoes & Ham