Alcoholic beverages can help tie a party theme together just as much as streamers, cake toppers, and glow-in-the-dark bracelets can. In fact, some of the most memorable parties have custom drinks and shots available for partygoers to try. If you're looking to step up your hosting game, take a look at these twenty-five different party shots to help you take your get-together to the next level.
Layered Party Shots
Layered shots always wow a crowd not only because of how cool they look but also because of their interesting flavor combinations. Here are a few different layered shots to add to your mixology tool-belt.
Blushing B-52
If you're looking for something that highlights the creaminess of Irish cream and packs a punch, try out this variation of the classic B-52 shot recipe.
Ingredients
- ½ ounce Kahlúa
- ½ ounce Irish Cream
- ½ ounce cherry liqueur
Instructions
- In a shot glass, pour in the Kahlúa.
- Using the back of a cocktail spoon, slowly pour the Bailey's Irish Cream on top of the Kahlúa.
- Top off by repeating the same process with the cherry liqueur.
Chocolate-Covered Cherry
For chocolate-covered cherries in a glass just layer grenadine, Kahlúa, and Irish Cream; for some extra fun, hold a contest to see who can tie a cherry stem into a knot using only their tongue the fastest immediately after taking the shot.
Ingredients
- ½ ounce grenadine
- ½ ounce Kahlúa
- ½ ounce Irish Cream
Instructions
- In a shot glass, pour the grenadine.
- Slowly pour in the Kahlúa over the back of a spoon.
- Lastly, layer the Bailey's on top.
Flaming Dr. Pepper
While Dr. Pepper boasts that it's comprised of twenty-three different flavors, this simple shot only requires two ingredients and almost exactly mimics the delightful Dr. Pepper burn.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce amaretto
- ½ ounce 151-proof rum
Instructions
- In a shot glass, pour in the Amaretto.
- Using a cocktail spoon, pour in the 151-proof rum, making sure the two ingredients stay separated.
- Using a lighter stick, carefully set the rum on fire.
- Make sure to blow out the flames before ingesting.
PB & J Shooter
This peanut butter & jelly shooter is the perfect adult upgrade to the childhood favorite lunchtime treat and only uses two ingredients: peanut butter whiskey and grape liqueur.
Ingredients
- ½ ounce grape liqueur
- 1 ounce peanut butter whiskey
Instructions
- In a shot glass, pour in the grape liqueur.
- Using a cocktail spoon, pour the peanut butter whiskey on top, making sure to keep the two separated.
Pineapple Upside Down Cake
The best kind of sweet shots mimic your favorite dessert recipes, and this mixture does just that, with the splash of grenadine partnering perfectly with the yellow colored cocktail.
Ingredients
- Splash grenadine
- ¾ ounce pineapple juice
- ¾ ounce vanilla vodka
- 1 cherry for garnish
Instructions
- In shot glass combine the pineapple juice and vanilla vodka.
- Drop in a splash of grenadine and let it settle.
- Garnish with a cherry and serve.
Shamrock Shooter
Whether you're throwing a St. Patrick's day bash or are feeling a little green, you can whip up this two layered Shamrock Shooter, which combines Irish Cream and Midori.
Ingredients
- ¼ ounce Irish Cream
- 1¾ ounces Midori
Instructions
- In a 2-ounce shot glass, pour in the Midori
- Using a cocktail spoon, carefully pour the Bailey's Irish Cream on top, making sure to keep the two separated.
Sweet Party Shot Ideas
Not everyone enjoys the burn of neat shots, but these mixtures have just enough sweetness to counteract the alcohol's heat. Take a look at these different sweet shot recipes that'll certainly satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth.
Brick House
This whiskey shot combines grenadine and maple syrup for a homey, breakfast flavored drink.
Ingredients
- ¼ ounce grenadine
- ¼ ounce maple syrup
- 1 ounce whiskey
- Lemon peel
Instructions
- In a shot glass, combine all the ingredients.
- Mix with a stirring stick and garnish with a lemon peel.
Chocolate Cinnamon Toast Crunch Shot
If you were a childhood fan of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, then this variation on the original Cinnamon Toast Crunch hot is perfect for you to make at your next movie night or birthday party.
Ingredients
- ½ ounce RumChata
- ½ ounce butterscotch schnapps
- ½ chocolate liqueur
- ½ ounce Fireball whiskey
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the RumChata, butterscotch schnapps, chocolate liqueur, and Fireball whiskey.
- Add ice and shake until chilled.
- Strain into a shot glass and serve.
Fruit Loops Shot
Bright blue and snack-worthy, this fruity shot combines half & half cream, blue curaçao, and fruit loop vodka together.
Ingredients
- ½ ounce half & half
- ½ ounce blue curaçao
- ½ ounce lemon berry vodka
- Ice
- Fruit loops skewer for garnish
Instructions
- In cocktail shaker, combine all of the ingredients. Add ice and shake thoroughly.
- Strain into a shot glass and garnish with a toothpick full of fruit loops.
Gingersnaps
Not to be confused with the teen horror film, this Gingersnaps shot is warm and heady and perfect for when the holiday season rolls around.
Ingredients
- ½ ounce RumChata
- 1 ounce vodka
- Ice
- Dash cinnamon for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine all the ingredients. Add ice and shake.
- Strain into a shot glass and garnish with a dash of cinnamon.
Tootsie Roll
This interesting combination of ingredients mixes together in a shot that replicates the hard to chew, but much beloved, Tootsie Roll candy.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce orange juice
- ½ ounce coffee flavored liqueur
Instructions
- In a shot glass, combine the orange juice and coffee liqueur.
- Mix with a stirring stick and serve.
Strong Fun Party Shots
These shots are perfect for those who aren't afraid of adding a little heat to their shots.
Autumn's Up
This autumn-flavored shot mixes vodka, orange juice, and cloves to make the perfect fall-time drink.
Ingredients
- ½ ounce orange juice
- 1 ounce vodka
- 1 tsp clove simple syrup
- Ice
- Dash ground cloves for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine all the ingredients. Add ice and shake until chilled.
- Strain into a shot glass and garnish with a dash of ground cloves.
Cement Block
This solid shot is creamy and refreshing, with the Irish cream and lime juice balancing each other out.
Ingredients
- ½ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- ½ ounce Irish cream
- ½ ounce vodka
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine all the ingredients.
- Add ice and shake to chill.
- Strain into a shot glass.
Crowd Surfer
Fans of both crowd surfing and surfing in general will love this tropical blue shot which combines lemon juice, blue curaçao, and coconut rum.
Ingredients
- ¼ ounce lemon juice
- ¼ ounce blue curaçao
- 1 ounce coconut rum
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine all the ingredients. Shake to chill.
- Strain into a shot glass.
High Altitude
While some people may be afraid of high altitude, this shot is nothing to duck your head in fear over. This refreshing shot mixes lime juice, orange liqueur, and light rum together in a mouth tingling way.
Ingredients
- ¼ ounce freshly squeeze lime juice
- ¼ ounce orange liqueur
- 1 ounce light rum
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine all the ingredients. Add ice and shake until chilled.
- Strain into a shot glass.
Hot Lips
The hot lips shot will certainly give you some hot pink lips due to its bright pink coloring that stems from its use of grenadine and Tequila Rose.
Ingredients
- ¼ ounce lemon-lime soda
- ¼ ounce grenadine
- ½ ounce peach schnapps
- ¾ ounce Tequila Rose
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine all the ingredients. Add ice and shake.
- Strain into a shot glass.
Hulk Smash
Another Midori-based concoction, you can smash your way into a spectacular party with this mouth-puckering shot.
Ingredients
- ¼ ounce sweet and sour mix
- ¼ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 ounce Midori
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients. Shake to chill.
- Strain into a shot glass.
Jäger Bomb Shot
Every college kid's go-to cocktail, this Jäger bomb shot, a traditional bomb drink, condenses the drink into a small enough amount for everyone to have a taste.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce Red Bull
- ½ ounce Jägermeister
Instructions
- In a chilled shot glass, combine all the ingredients.
- Mix with a stirring stick and serve.
Maverick
If you're having to throw a party but don't have enough time to make it to the store, this two-ingredient recipe is perfect for you.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce lemonade
- 1 ounce vodka
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine all the ingredients. Shake to chill.
- Strain into a shot glass.
Peach Tea
A shot made for the southern palate, the peach tea shot combines peach schnapps and whiskey for some fruit-flavored heat.
Ingredients
- ¾ ounce peach schnapps
- ¾ ounce whiskey
Instructions
- In a shot glass, combine the ingredients.
- Mix with a stirring stick and serve.
Pineapple 75
Modeled after the classic cocktail, this shot reduces the pineapple juice, gin, and champagne combination into just 1½ ounces.
Ingredients
- ½ ounce pineapple juice
- ¾ ounce gin
- Ice
- ¼ ounce Champagne
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the pineapple juice and gin. Add ice and shake to chill.
- Strain into a shot glass. Top with the Champagne.
Sandbar
This shot mimics the slow heat of the summer sand on your bare feet by combining Crown Royal Apple Whiskey with spiced rum.
Ingredients
- ½ ounce Crown Royal Apple Whiskey
- 1 ounce spiced rum
Instructions
- In a shot glass, combine all the ingredients.
- Stir.
Sunburst
This shot is sunburst in a glass with its bright orange mixture of orange soda, triple sec, and orange vodka.
Ingredients
- ¼ ounce orange soda
- ¾ ounce triple sec
- ¾ ounce orange vodka
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the ingredients. Add ice and shake until chilled.
- Strain into a shot glass.
The Godfather
In honor of the legendary film, this Godfather shot is a simple drink which marries the sweetness of Amaretto with the pop of bourbon.
Ingredients
- ¼ ounce amaretto
- 1¼ ounce bourbon
Instructions
- In a shot glass, combine all the ingredients.
- Mix with a stirring stick.
Three Wise Men
This shot will leave a fire in your mouth as it mixes the three wisest men around: Johnnie Walker, Jack Daniel, and Jim Beam.
Ingredients
- ½ ounce Johnnie Walker Scotch whisky
- ½ ounce Jack Daniel's Tennessee whiskey
- ½ ounce Jim Beam bourbon whiskey
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine all the ingredients. Add ice and shake until chilled.
- Strain into a shot glass.
Best Party Shots to Raise the Roof
Whether you're hosting a party or you've been tasked with bringing a drink for the crowd, each one of these twenty-five different party shots are perfect in a pinch, many of which can be made using ingredients already found in your pantry or at-home bar.
