Nozem Oil
The shot from the Achterhoek that became popular at Zwarte Cross, with citrus and chili pepper in the glass. Everything about the percentage, the taste and the right glass for it.
A festival shot with chili pepper in it
Nozem Oil was launched in 2012 and comes from Feestfabriek Alles Komt Goed in Hengelo in the Achterhoek, the organization behind Zwarte Cross. That is no coincidence: the shot became popular at that festival and has the image that comes with it. The name and label openly play on that.
What sets it apart from other shots is the taste. While most Dutch shots rely on sweetness, this one combines fresh, tart citrus with the warmth of chili pepper, plus caffeine. The result tingles twice: once sour and once spicy. At 10%, Nozem Oil is also one of the lightest shots on the shelf, lighter than Apenshot and half the strength of Dropshot.
In brief
Nozem Oil and similar shots
Nozem Oil comes in two sizes. These other shots are usually next to it in the fridge, but taste very different.
Nozem Oil 1 liter
The one-liter bottle for the fridge. Citrus, chili pepper and caffeine; the lowest percentage in this selection.
Nozem Oil 10 x 2 cl
Ten individual 2 cl bottles. Convenient to take along and share without glasses.
Apenshot
The sweet counterpart, with banana and caramel. Rounder and less sharp than Nozem Oil.
Dropshot
The classic Dutch licorice shot, twice as strong. Salty and sweet instead of sour and spicy.
Flügel
Vodka with an energy drink in a bottle, at the same percentage as Nozem Oil but much sweeter.
Nozem Oil if you're looking for something sour and sharp; Apenshot or Dropshot if you prefer something sweet.
Fresh, sour citrus followed by chili pepper
Citrus & herbs
Sharp citrus, like grated lime zest, with a spicy note underneath. You can barely smell the alcohol at 10%.
Sour and sweet at the same time
Fresh, sour, and sweet all at once, with the warmth of chili pepper coming through halfway. Not your average shot.
Sharp and warm
The chili lingers in the throat, much longer than the citrus. Serving it ice-cold keeps that effect within limits.
Nozem Oil flavor profile. Apenshot and Flügel score higher on sweetness and much lower on spiciness; Dropshot scores higher on strength.
How to pour Nozem Oil
Shots should be ice-cold. Put the bottle in the refrigerator or, if necessary, in the freezer for half an hour before pouring.
Ice-cold from the refrigerator
3 cl in a small shot glass, straight from the refrigerator. The cold dulls both the sourness and the chili's sharpness, which is exactly what this shot needs.
Glass: shot glass →Topped up with sparkling water
4 cl in a highball glass full of ice, topped up with sparkling water and a lime wedge. At 10%, it doesn't take much to make a long, refreshing drink.
Glass: highball glass →A note of caution
It contains caffeine. That masks how much you've had without making you less drunk, so it's wise to stick to a few and drink water in between.
More questions →Cocktails with Nozem Oil
This is primarily a shot, not a cocktail base. The citrus and chili are useful, though, if you're looking for something spicy.
Making shots
The complete collection of shot recipes, from layered to ice-cold straight from the freezer.
Kamikaze
Vodka, triple sec, and lime. The same sour direction, but without the chili.
Spicy Margarita
Tequila, lime, and chili pepper. A splash of Nozem Oil brings the heat without fresh pepper.
Apple Pie Shot
The best-known Dutch shot, and the exact opposite of this bottle.The right glass for a shot
A small, sturdy shot glass that can go in the freezer, and a long drink glass if you top it up. These are the glasses we recommend ourselves.
Everything you still wanted to know about Nozem Oil
Can't find your question here? View our cocktail recipes or get in touch.
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