Elsie Larson, Author at A Beautiful Mess https://abeautifulmess.com/author/elsie-larson/ Crafts, Home Décor, Recipes Wed, 05 Nov 2025 14:37:49 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://abeautifulmess.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/cropped-ABM-Favicon-60x60.jpg Elsie Larson, Author at A Beautiful Mess https://abeautifulmess.com/author/elsie-larson/ 32 32 Gingerbread Shot https://abeautifulmess.com/gingerbread-shot/ https://abeautifulmess.com/gingerbread-shot/#comments Wed, 05 Nov 2025 14:05:00 +0000 https://abeautifulmess.com/?p=136120 This shot recipe tastes just like a gingerbread cookie. It’s the perfect blend of butterscotch schnapps, fireball and heavy cream. Mix all that with some gingerbread syrup for a sweet, spiced shot recipe.

Related: Green Tea Shot, Cherry Bomb Shot, Gummy Bear Shot, Pink Starburst Shot.

Ingredients

Optional Garnish: I garnished the shot glasses with a bit of buttercream icing and crumbled gingerbread cookies. You can also use festive sprinkles as your rim garnish.

Equipment Needed: I used my go-to set of tall shot glasses for this recipe. You will also need a cocktail shaker of some kind. If you don’t own a cocktail shaker, you can use a sealed jar or even a water bottle as a shaker.

How to Make

Gather your ingredients. For this recipe, you’ll need Fireball whiskey, butterscotch schnapps, heavy cream and gingerbread syrup.

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake for 15 seconds until icy cold.

Pour your shot into a shot glass and serve immediately.

Next up, I will go over the garnish instructions.

If you’re planning to garnish your shot glass with a gingerbread crumb rim, go ahead and crumble one cookie. My favorite way to do this is to throw it into a plastic bag and use a rolling pin to crush it.

To rim your shot glass, use some buttercream icing to rim the top and then dip it into the gingerbread crumbles.

Tips for Making

  • More garnish ideas – I think these would be so cute with a garnish of colorful sprinkles. You could save your leftover sprinkles from a cookie making session to use here.
  • If you make a batch of gingerbread syrup, be sure to also try our gingerbread latte. I think it would also be delicious in tea or a gingerbread steamer for kids (milk and a little gingerbread syrup, steamed).
  • If you want to make these shots ahead, you can save a pre-made mixture in a bottle in your fridge, but don’t add ice until you are ready to shake and serve them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s in a Gingerbread Shot?

This recipe is made with butterscotch schnapps, Fireball whiskey, heavy cream and gingerbread syrup.

What flavor is Gingerbread?

Gingerbread is flavored with spices such as ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, allspice and nutmeg.

More Festive Recipes

Print

Gingerbread Shot

Learn to make a gingerbread shot using Fireball whiskey, butterscotch schnapps, heavy cream and gingerbread syrup. So festive! 
Course cocktail
Cuisine American
Keyword Christmas Shot, Gingerbread Shot
Prep Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 shot
Calories 103kcal

Equipment

  • 1 cocktail shaker
  • 1 shot glass

Ingredients

  • ¾ ounce Fireball whiskey
  • ¾ ounce butterscotch schnapps
  • ½ ounce heavy cream
  • ½ ounce gingerbread syrup

Instructions

  • Gather your ingredients. For this recipe, you'll need Fireball whiskey, butterscotch schnapps, heavy cream and gingerbread syrup.
  • Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake for 15 seconds until icy cold.
  • Pour your shot into a shot glass and serve immediately.

Notes

    • More garnish ideas – I think these would be so cute with a garnish of colorful sprinkles. You could save your leftover sprinkles from a cookie making session to use here.
    • If you make a batch of gingerbread syrup, be sure to also try our gingerbread latte. I think it would also be delicious in tea or a gingerbread steamer for kids (milk and a little gingerbread syrup, steamed).
    • If you want to make these shots ahead, you can save a pre-made mixture in a bottle in your fridge, but don’t add ice until you are ready to shake and serve them.

Nutrition

Calories: 103kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 13mg | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 208IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 0.01mg
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Homemade Old Fashioned Mix https://abeautifulmess.com/homemade-old-fashioned-mix/ https://abeautifulmess.com/homemade-old-fashioned-mix/#comments Sat, 18 Oct 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://abeautifulmess.com/?p=105810 The Old Fashioned is my favorite classic cocktail. I love ordering it when dining out, and I often make them at home. I have tried several options for Old Fashioned Mix (also called Old Fashioned Simple Syrup) and after some research, I strongly believe the most delicious mix you can use is homemade.

This recipe is simple and you can whip it up and enjoy it for weeks (or even months) in your fridge. Having this mix on hand makes mixing a cocktail faster and less messy. All you have to do is mix it with your spirit, shake, and pour over ice.

Related: If you’re already making some homemade syrups, why not try our Homemade Margarita Mix, Homemade Sour Mix, Classic Old Fashioned and Simple Syrup, and Mint Simple Syrup recipes while you are at it?!

Old Fashioned Mix Ingredients

How to Make Old Fashioned Simple Syrup

In a sauce pan, combine 3 cups sugar, 2 cups water, and 1 cup freshly squeezed clementine juice. I used 5 clementines and a citrus juice hand press to juice them.

Next, add 5 maraschino cherries cut into halves and stems removed. Add one cinnamon stick. Let the mixture simmer on medium heat until the sugar has completely dissolved into the water.

Next, remove the mixture from the heat and let it sit to cool and for the flavors to steep for one hour.

After the ingredients have steeped for one hour, add aromatic and orange bitters. I used about 50 drops of each bottle, or you can measure out 1/2 tablespoon of each bitter type.

Use a fine mesh strainer and a funnel to decant your syrup into a glass bottle. I used this bottle set for mine.

As a finishing touch, you can use rubber stamps to create a label like I did. This is especially useful if you are getting ready for a party where guests will serve themselves, or if you are making more than one type of syrup.

Tips for Mixing an Old Fashioned

  • To mix an Old Fashioned using this recipe, combine 2 ounces high quality bourbon and 1 ounce of mix. Stir and pour over a large ice cube to serve in a whiskey glass.
  • Garnish your drink with an orange wedge and a maraschino cherry.
  • If you are in the market for glassware that works great for an old fashioned, these glasses are great for whiskey cocktails.

An Old Fashioned Pairs Well With

Other recipes you may like:

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an Old Fashioned taste like?

An Old Fashioned is a sweet cocktail made with bourbon or rye. They are spirit forward (boozy) with a flavor of oranges and cherries.

How long does homemade simple syrup last?

Homemade simple syrups, like this recipe, will stay good in the refrigerator for at least a month. I often use them for a few months. If you notice them becoming cloudy, crystalizing, or the taste has changed it’s time to replace.

Print

Homemade Old Fashioned Mix

Homemade mix recipe for making an Old Fashioned cocktail.
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Keyword old fashioned mix, old fashioned syrup
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Steep Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 212kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 cups granulated white sugar
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed clementine juice 5 clementine oranges
  • 5 maraschino cherries
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • ½ tablespoon aromatic bitters
  • ½ tablespoon orange bitters

Instructions

  • In a sauce pan, combine 3 cups sugar, 2 cups water and 1 cup freshly squeezed clementine juice (I used 5 clementines and a citrus juice hand press to juice them.
    Next, add 5 maraschino cherries cut into halves and stems removed. Add one cinnamon stick. Let the mixture simmer on medium heat until the sugar has completely dissolved into the water. 
  • Next, remove the mixture from the heat and let it sit to cool and for the flavors to steep for one hour.
  • After the ingredients have steeped for one hour, add aromatic and orange bitters. I used about 50 drops of each bottle or you can measure out 1/2 tablespoon of each bitter type.
  • Use a fine mesh strainer and a funnel to decant your syrup into a glass bottle. I used this bottle set for mine. As a finishing touch, you can use rubber stamps to create a label like I did.
    This is especially useful if you are getting ready for a party where guests will serve themselves or if you are making more than one type of syrup.

Notes

  • If you don’t have clementines, you can uses oranges as a substitution. 
  • If you prefer to add the cocktail bitters to each drink individually, omit them from this mix recipe. 

Nutrition

Calories: 212kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 44mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 53g | Vitamin A: 43IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 0.1mg
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Candy Salad https://abeautifulmess.com/candy-salad/ https://abeautifulmess.com/candy-salad/#comments Mon, 13 Oct 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://abeautifulmess.com/?p=129018 If you’re on TikTok, you’ve likely seen the viral Candy Salad. Today, we’re going to share the recipe for Candy Salad as well as tips for customizing it. My children loved helping make our Candy Salad and we’ve been using it alongside homemade popcorn for family movie nights.

Related: Butterbeer Recipe, Oreo Dip, Cookie Dough Dip, Wendy’s Frosty, Orange Julius Recipe.

What is Candy Salad?

Candy Salad is a fun way to served a mixed assortment of different types of candies. Our recipe is for gummy candy salad, combining all our favorite gummy candies into a large serving (salad) bowl. We store our candy salad with a scoop for easy serving. The airtight container keeps the candy fresh and we serve scoops in small bowls for family movie nights.

This recipe became viral on TikTok. Candy Salad videos have been sweeping the internet, creating a fun and very sweet candy salad trend. When I saw it, I knew it was an immediate yes for my family because we love gummy candy and I knew my children would enjoy the activity of creating this candy mix together. Try making this for your summer get-togethers.

Candy Salad Ingredients

  • Gummy Bears – Choose your favorite flavors.
  • Gummy Worms – Choose sour or sweet.
  • Sour Punch Bites
  • Watermelon Gummies
  • Starmix – Or any variety pack gummies.
  • Nerds Gummy Clusters
  • Peach Rings – Or peach gummies.
  • Gummy Sharks
  • Happy Cola Gummies
  • SweetTarts Chewy Fusions
  • Sour Brite Crawlers
  • Mini Starbursts

Important note: Substitute any favorite gummy candies of your own. Eyeballing the ingredients is sufficient and anything goes.

We mixed some bags of store-bought gummies such as Haribo with a big bag of mixed candy we purchased from a bulk candy store. We used a salad bowl with a wood lid as well as a metal scoop for serving the candy mix.

Instructions

In a large salad bowl, decant a variety of gummy candies. Mix together with a large wooden spoon.

If you have any long candies such as sour straws or nerds rope, cut them into smaller pieces before adding to the mixture.

Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Use a scoop to serve portions.

Tips for Making

  • When stored in an airtight container, this candy salad will stay fresh for several months.
  • This is a great recipe to bring for a road trip or a family vacation.
  • Feel free to substitute your favorite candies. This is the key to making the perfect candy salad.
  • Choose flavors that blend well together.

Variations

  • Chocolate Candy Salad – Combine miniature candy bars, M&Ms and chocolate candies.
  • Reeses Candy Salad – Mix various types of Reese’s candies along with peanuts and chocolate candies to create a peanut butter cup-themed candy salad.
  • Sour Candy Salad – Use sour candies such as Sour Patch Kids and Warheads to create a mouth puckering sour candy mixture.
  • Fruit Candy Salad – Use fruit flavored candies and Skittles, Starburst and Twizzlers or any fruity candy.
  • Halloween Candy Salad – Choose candies in a yellow, lavender, black and white color scheme. Find themed candies such as gummy eyeballs or gummy fingers for a creepy vibe.
  • Christmas Candy Salad – Choose candies in a color scheme of red, green and white. Incorporate stars, candy cane stripes and gumdrops into your mix.
  • 4th of July Candy Salad – Choose candy in a color scheme of red, white and blue.
  • Easter Candy Salad – Mix jelly beans, candy eggs and pastel gummy candies for a fun Easter-themed mix.

More Movie Night Recipes

Print

Candy Salad

Learn to make Candy Salad with assorted gummy candies.
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword Candy Salad
Prep Time 5 minutes
Servings 20 servings
Calories 224kcal

Equipment

  • 1 salad bowl with airtight lid
  • 1 scoop

Ingredients

  • 1 cup gummy bears
  • 1 cup gummy worms
  • 1 cup nerds gummy clusters
  • 1 cup peach rings
  • 1 cup gummy sharks
  • 1 cup mini starbursts

Instructions

  • In a large salad bowl, decant a variety of gummy candies.
  • Mix together with a large wooden spoon.
  • If you have any long candies such as sour straws or nerds rope, cut them into smaller pieces before adding to the mixture.
  • Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Use a scoop to serve portions.

Notes

  • When stored in an airtight container, this candy salad will stay fresh for several months.
  • This is a great recipe to bring for a road trip or a family vacation.
  • Feel free to substitute your favorite candies. This is the key to making the perfect candy salad.
  • Choose flavors that blend well together.

Nutrition

Calories: 224kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 6g | Sodium: 28mg | Sugar: 30g
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35+ Halloween Cocktails https://abeautifulmess.com/halloween-cocktails/ https://abeautifulmess.com/halloween-cocktails/#comments Mon, 06 Oct 2025 13:07:00 +0000 https://abeautifulmess.com/?p=115822 Here’s a list of our best Halloween cocktails to make for your next Halloween party. Whether you are looking for a Halloween punch bowl, martinis, jello shots or a cozy warm beverage, we’ve got the perfect recipe for you.

Related: Non-alcoholic Halloween Drinks, Halloween Food Ideas.

El Diablo Cocktail

Learn to make the El Diablo cocktail using reposado tequila, crème de cassis, lime juice, grenadine and ginger beer.

Corpse Reviver

Learn to make a Corpse Reviver No. 1 cocktail using absinthe, gin, Lillet Blanc, orange liqueur and fresh lemon juice. 

Halloween Jello Shots

Four easy ideas to make fun Halloween jello shots for your Halloween party!

Spider Bite Cocktail

Learn to use a stencil to add a creepy spider web to your cocktail.

Spooky Eyeball Jello Shots!

The perfect jello shots for grownups trick-or-treating.

Candy Corn Jello Shots

Learn to make layered jello shots in the colors of candy corn.

Monster Cocktail Stirrers

Make these easy candy stirrers to add to any cocktail for Halloween fun.

Evil Eye Halloween Cocktail

These evil eye ice cubes make your drink so festive and creepy.

Mexican Candy Shot

Try this easy tequila shot for your next occasion.

Blood Orange Margarita

Learn to make a Blood Orange Margarita using blood orange juice, tequila, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice and agave. 

Halloween Eyeball Martini

Learn to make a Halloween lychee martini.

Gummy Bear Shot

Learn to make a gummy bear shot at home!

Old Fashioned Cocktail

When autumn rolls around, I love a bourbon cocktail. The classic old fashioned is the ultimate fall drink.

Halloween Punch Bowl

Use latex gloves to create these scary ice cubes for your punch bowl.

Easy Orange Cranberry Margarita

Our favorite margarita recipe for fall!

My Favorite Fall Cocktail!

An easy-to-make, crisp apple cider cocktail recipe.

Chocolate Martini Recipe

Learn to make a classic chocolate martini.

Boozy Apple Cider A La Mode

The aroma of apple and spice is so delightful and mulling cider is one of my favorite scents this time of year. Try this delicious recipe.

Incredible Hulk Cocktail

Learn to make the Incredible Hulk cocktail recipe with just three ingredients: Hpnotiq, cognac and orange bitters. 

Sazerac

Learn to make a classic New Orleans Sazerac cocktail at home.

Espresso Martini

There is nothing better than an espresso martini.

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Shot

If you have never tried this recipe, it tastes exactly like Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, but is in shot form. It’s perfect for fall!

Pumpkin Spice White Russian

There is nothing we won’t add pumpkin spice to and this delicious cocktail is the best!

Snickerdoodle Martini

Learn to make a martini that tastes just like a snickerdoodle cookie.

Cranberry Jello Shots

These festive jello shots are perfect for an autumn gathering.

Prickly Pear Margarita

Learn to make a Prickly Pear Margarita using tequila, prickly pear syrup, lime juice and orange liqueur. I love to serve mine with a salted rim and a lime slice as garnish.

How to Make Mulled Wine

How to make the best mulled wine. It’s easier than you think.

Red Wine Soaked Gummy Bears

What could be more perfect for Halloween than adding booze to your candy?

Classic Hot Toddy

A simple hot cocktail with only four ingredients. This is a fall staple.

Dark and Stormy Cocktail

Learn to make the classic Dark and Stormy Cocktail.

Classic Bloody Mary

Create a classic Bloody Mary cocktail at home. It’s all about the garnishes!

Scooby Snack Shot

This fun novelty shot is perfect for a Halloween party!

Green Tea Shot

One of the most delicious shot recipes I have tried. I highly recommend this one.

Bloody Caesar Drink

Learn to make a Bloody Caesar using vodka, Clamato juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce and horseradish. Garnish with celery and more! 

Pink Starburst Shot

Learn to make a Pink Starburst Shot using vanilla vodka, watermelon pucker and sweet and sour mix. A fun, pink party shot! 

More Halloween Ideas

We’re got more Halloween ideas for you! Halloween Crafts for Adults, 15 Halloween DIYs, Halloween Drinks (without alcohol) and Halloween Food Ideas like Candy Apples and Caramel Apples. Plus, on Childhood Magic, we have Halloween Activities for Kids.

Thanks so much for reading!

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Washington Apple Shot https://abeautifulmess.com/washington-apple-shot/ https://abeautifulmess.com/washington-apple-shot/#comments Fri, 26 Sep 2025 13:08:00 +0000 https://abeautifulmess.com/?p=119781 Let’s learn to make a Washington Apple Shot. This recipe tastes just like a fresh, crisp apple. It’s one of the tastiest shot recipes I have ever tried. It’s a scaled down version of a Washington Apple cocktail. We’ll teach you to make a full-sized cocktail in addition to the shot.

More shot recipes: Green Tea Shot, Lemon Drop Shot, Chocolate Cake Shot, White Tea Shot, Mexican Candy Shot, Scooby Snack Shot, Jolly Rancher Shot.

Ingredients in a Washington Apple Shot

  • Canadian Whiskey – I used Crown Royal.
  • Sour Apple Schnapps – (Also called sour apple pucker or sour apple liqueur) gives your drink a lot of apple flavor.
  • Cranberry Juice – Makes the drink red. Chilled juice is best.
  • Club Soda – Just a splash at the end for a bit of sparkle.

I used my favorite decorative shot glasses to serve this drink.

Directions

In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine the Canadian whiskey, apple schnapps and cranberry juice.

Shake for 10-15 seconds.

Pour into a shot glass and top with a splash of club soda. Cheers!

How to make a Washington Apple Cocktail

To turn this shot recipe into a sippable cocktail, simply double the recipe and serve it into a martini glass instead of a shot glass. This recipe is so tasty—I think it’s great as a full-sized cocktail.

Tips for Making

  • A chilled shot glass makes any shot more magical, as does a sugared rim.
  • If you don’t have Canadian whisky on hand, you can substitute for a different type of whiskey.
  • If you don’t enjoy the sour aspect of sour apple schnapps, you can replace it with a sweeter apple liqueur or apple flavored brandy.
  • I like the tartness and color the cranberry juice adds, but if you use apple juice instead you can create a green apple shot.
  • Garnish with an apple slice if you like.

History of a Washington Apple Shot

Washington state is home to some of the most beautiful apple orchards in the U.S. In the late 1980s, a bug destroyed most of Washington state’s apple orchards. A man named Christof Guycoogan had the idea to distill the ruined apples into an apple liqueur. He mixed the resulting liqueur with his favorite drink, Canadian whiskey and cranberry juice, and the Washington Apple Cocktail (and shot) were born!

More Apple Recipes to Try

If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave us a 5 star review. Don’t forget to use our printable recipe card.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Washington Apple Drink and Shot?

There is no difference between the two recipes. Simply double this Washington Apple Shot recipe and serve it in a martini glass to make a Washington Apple drink.

Why is it called a Washington Apple shot?

In the 1980s, a bug destroyed most of Washington state’s apple orchards. A man named Christof Guycoogan had the idea to distill the ruined apples into an apple liqueur. He mixed the resulting liqueur with his favorite drink, Canadian whiskey and cranberry juice, and the Washington Apple Cocktail (and shot) were born!

Can you batch this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix the recipe in advance and store in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve. Just be sure to add the splash of club soda when serving.

Print

Washington Apple Shot

Learn to make a Washington Apple Shot at home.
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Keyword Washington Apple Shot
Prep Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 shot
Calories 141kcal

Equipment

  • 1 cocktail shaker
  • 1 shot glass

Ingredients

  • ¾ ounce Canadian whiskey
  • ¾ ounce Sour Apple Schnapps
  • ¾ ounce Cranberry Juice
  • 1 splash Club Soda

Instructions

  • In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine the Canadian whiskey, apple schnapps and cranberry juice.
  • Shake for 10-15 seconds.
  • Pour into a shot glass and top with a splash of club soda. Cheers!

Notes

  • If you don’t have Canadian whiskey on hand, you can substitute for another whiskey.
  • If you don’t enjoy the sour aspect of sour apple schnapps, you can replace it with a sweeter apple liqueur or apple flavored brandy.
  • I like the tartness and color the cranberry juice adds, but if you use apple juice instead you can create a green apple shot.

Nutrition

Calories: 141kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.03g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 17mg | Fiber: 0.02g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 10IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 0.1mg
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20+ Halloween Drinks https://abeautifulmess.com/halloween-drinks/ https://abeautifulmess.com/halloween-drinks/#comments Mon, 22 Sep 2025 13:04:00 +0000 https://abeautifulmess.com/?p=118979 These are our best Halloween and fall drink recipes that do not contain alcohol. Make a festive N/A drink to enjoy this October.

Related: 25+ Halloween Cocktails, Halloween Food Ideas, Halloween Jello Shots.

Goosebumps Monster Milkshake

Learn to make a green slime-inspired milkshake for kids.

Halloween Punch Bowl

An easy and spooky punch cocktail for a party.

Pumpkin Juice

Learn to make Pumpkin Juice from Harry Potter at home.

Vampire Milkshake

Embrace your inner Twihard with this creepy vampire milkshake recipe. My kids loved it!

Pumpkin Smoothie

A healthy pumpkin smoothie for the PSL season. My kids love this recipe!

Monster Cocktail Stirrers

Add this Halloween candy garnish to any drink to make it more festive!

Cherry Limeade Recipe

This cherry limeade recipe tastes exactly like Sonic and is so easy to make!

Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

Learn to make your favorite Starbucks fall drink without leaving your home.

Butterbeer Recipe

Learn to make Harry Potter Butterbeer.

Chai Latte

Learn to make a proper chai latte—the perfect fall drink.

Candy Vanilla Milkshakes

Candy vanilla milkshakes are perfect for using your extra Halloween candy.

Taro Milk Tea

A vibrant purple drink made with tea, taro root powder, milk and usually boba pearls.

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Learn to make a classic Pumpkin Spice Latte at home.

Pumpkin Spice Syrup Recipe

The best at-home PSL syrup recipe.

Strawberry Lemonade

This delicious strawberry lemonade is sweet and refreshing and easy to make at home!

Italian Soda

Make an Italian Soda in any flavor, with or without cream.

Classic Shirley Temple Drink

Make the classic Shirley Temple drink with just a few ingredients!

Mexican Coffee

Learn to make a tasty, cozy Mexican coffee at home.

Honeydew Boba

A fruity bubble tea drink made with honeydew, matcha, milk and boba pearls.

Spiced Apple Cider Recipe

A spiced apple cider recipe that can be made with or without alcohol.

Blueberry Smoothie

Recipe for a healthy and delicious blueberry smoothie.

Turmeric Latte

A bold and spicy, warm beverage.

Leftover Pumpkin Pie Frappe

Make a pumpkin pie frappe for a festive fall treat.

Starbucks Medicine Ball

An herbal tea mixture that can soothe a sore throat.

More Halloween Ideas

We’re got more Halloween ideas for you! Halloween Crafts for Adults, 15 Halloween DIYs, 25+ Halloween Cocktails and Halloween Food Ideas. Plus, on Childhood Magic, we have Halloween activities for kids.

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Apple Pie Shot https://abeautifulmess.com/apple-pie-shot/ https://abeautifulmess.com/apple-pie-shot/#comments Fri, 19 Sep 2025 13:09:00 +0000 https://abeautifulmess.com/?p=126395 Celebrate the start of the best season of the year with our Apple Pie Shot recipe. This tasty dessert shot is made using apple cider, vanilla vodka, cinnamon whiskey and whipped cream. It’s the perfect fall drink. This shot tastes just like a slice of apple pie—get ready for some magical fall flavors!

More Fall Shot Recipes: Cinnamon Toast Crunch Shot, Chocolate Cake Shot, Oatmeal Cookie Shot, Appletini.

Ingredients in an Apple Pie Shot

  • Apple Cider – Fresh or bottled are both great for this recipe. You may also use apple juice mixed with some pumpkin pie spice if you don’t have apple cider on hand.
  • Vanilla Vodka – Adds a bit of vanilla flavor to our shot.
  • Cinnamon Whiskey – Such as Fireball whiskey gives a nice cinnamon flavor.
  • Whipped Cream – An optional garnish.
  • Cinnamon Stick – Another optional (and very cute!) garnish idea.

Bar Tools Needed

You will need a cocktail shaker and a shot glass for this recipe. I actually used brandy/whiskey glasses, which are larger than an average shot glass. They work well for a dessert shot like this with whipped cream and garnish.

Instructions

In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine the apple cider, vanilla vodka and cinnamon whiskey. Shake for 10-15 seconds until well chilled.

Strain and pour into a shot glass.

Garnish with whipped cream. Optionally, add a stick of cinnamon and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or pumpkin spice if you like.

Tips for Making

  • When to Serve – This is a great shot idea for a fall party such as a bonfire or a dinner party. This is also a great recipe to serve at Thanksgiving and holiday parties. It’s festive and cozy.
  • Mason Jar – If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, you can use a mason jar.
  • Hot Apple Pie Shots – You can heat these shots and serve them warm (I would use an espresso mug instead of a shot glass to serve). You only need a little heat—do not bring it to a full boil.
  • Apple Pie Cocktail – To turn this shot into an apple pie drink, simply double the recipe and serve it in a mug (warm) or a cocktail glass (chilled). I love it as a shot, but it makes a great larger cocktail as well.
  • Garnish Ideas – Use an apple slice, a sprinkle of cinnamon or other warm spices like a star anise as your garnish.

More Autumn Recipes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is in an Apple Pie Shot?

It’s made using apple cider, vanilla vodka, cinnamon whiskey and whipped cream.

What are the best shot recipe with apple flavor?

Try the Apple Pie Shot and and our Washington Apple Shot recipe.

More Recipes to Try

Print

Apple Pie Shot

Learn to make an Apple Pie Shot using apple cider, vanilla vodka, cinnamon whiskey and whipped cream. Tastes like a slice of apple pie! 
Course cocktail
Cuisine American
Keyword Apple Pie Shot
Prep Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 shot
Calories 94kcal

Equipment

  • 1 cocktail shaker
  • 1 shot glass or brandy glass

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces Apple Cider
  • ½ ounce vanilla vodka
  • ½ ounce cinnamon whiskey
  • whipped cream to garnish

Instructions

  • In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine the apple cider, vanilla vodka and cinnamon whiskey. Shake for 10-15 seconds until well chilled.
  • Strain and pour into a shot glass.
  • Garnish with whipped cream. Optionally, add a stick of cinnamon and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or pumpkin spice if you like.

Notes

  • When to Serve – This is a great shot idea for a fall party such as a bonfire or a dinner party. This is also a great recipe to serve at Thanksgiving and holiday parties. It’s festive and cozy.
  • Mason Jar – If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, you can use a mason jar.
  • Hot Apple Pie Shots – You can heat these shots and serve them warm (I would use an espresso mug instead of a shot glass to serve). You only need a little heat—do not bring it to a full boil.
  • Apple Pie Cocktail – To turn this shot into an apple pie drink, simply double the recipe and serve it in a mug (warm) or a cocktail glass (chilled). I love it as a shot, but it makes a great larger cocktail as well.
  • Garnish Ideas – Use an apple slice, a sprinkle of cinnamon or other warm spices like a star anise as your garnish.

Nutrition

Calories: 94kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 58mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 0.1mg
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Peanut Butter and Jelly Shot https://abeautifulmess.com/peanut-butter-and-jelly-shot/ https://abeautifulmess.com/peanut-butter-and-jelly-shot/#comments Wed, 17 Sep 2025 13:05:00 +0000 https://abeautifulmess.com/?p=123301 This pb&j shot is a tasty recipe that tastes just like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. The combination of peanut butter whiskey and raspberry liqueur creates a convincing replica of the famous childhood treat. Garnish with a teeny, tiny peanut butter and grape jelly sandwich for Martha Stewart-level bonus points.

More shots and cocktails: Gummy Bear Shot, Green Tea Shot, Jello Shots, Blow Job Shot, More Shot Recipes.

Ingredients in peanut butter whiskey shots

  • Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey – Or another peanut butter whiskey.
  • Chambord Liqueur – Or any raspberry or berry flavored liqueur.

You will also need a cocktail shaker and a shot glass to complete this recipe.

How to Make

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine equal parts Skrewball whiskey and fruit liqueur.

Shake 10-15 seconds until icy cold.

Strain the shot mixture into a shot glass. Enjoy immediately.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cocktail

This shot makes an excellent cocktail to sip as well. Simply double the recipe and strain it into a cocktail glass rather than a shot glass and enjoy!

Tips for Making

  • Choose a grape liqueur for a grape jelly flavor or raspberry to simulate raspberry jam flavor. Strawberry liqueur would be a great choice as well.
  • If you want to make a jello shot version, try mixing Skrewball whiskey with grape and strawberry jello.  
  • If you need to substitute the screwball peanut butter whiskey, try Frangelico (which is hazelnut liqueur) instead. Some recipes also use Frangelico combined with Irish cream liqueur (such as Bailey’s).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients are in a peanut butter and jelly shot?

A PB&J shot is made with Screwball whiskey (peanut butter whiskey) and Chambord or any other fruit liqueur.

More Recipes

Print

Peanut Butter and Jelly Shot

Learn to make a Peanut Butter & Jelly shot at home using Skrewball peanut butter whiskey and a fruit liqueur (such as Chambord).
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Keyword pb&j shot, Peanut Butter & Jelly Shot, peanut butter whiskey shot
Prep Time 2 minutes
Servings 1 shot
Calories 55kcal

Equipment

  • 1 shot glass
  • 1 cocktail shaker

Ingredients

  • ¾ ounce Skrewball Whiskey
  • ¾ Chambord Liqueur

Instructions

  • In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine equal parts Skrewball whiskey and fruit liqueur.
  • Shake 10-15 seconds until icy cold.
  • Strain the shot mixture into a shot glass. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • Choose a grape liqueur for a grape jelly flavor or raspberry to simulate raspberry jam flavor.
  • If you want to make a jello shot version, try mixing Skrewball whiskey with grape jello.  
  • If you need to substitute the screwball peanut butter whiskey, try Frangelico (which is hazelnut liqueur) instead. Some recipes also use Frangelico combined with Irish cream liqueur (such as Bailey’s).

Nutrition

Calories: 55kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.3g | Sodium: 0.1mg | Potassium: 0.4mg | Sugar: 0.3g | Calcium: 0.01mg
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Gummy Bear Shot https://abeautifulmess.com/gummy-bear-shot/ https://abeautifulmess.com/gummy-bear-shot/#comments Thu, 04 Sep 2025 13:09:00 +0000 https://abeautifulmess.com/?p=119774 The Gummy Bear shot is an adorable novelty shot recipe that tastes just a gummy bear. This recipe is inspired by a favorite childhood candy with an adult twist. This is the perfect playful shot recipe to make for your next celebration.

Create this iconic candy-inspired shot using a mix of fruity liquors. Your friends will love this cute shot.

More shot and drink recipes: Lemon Drop Shot, Green Tea Shot, Basic Jello Shots, Chocolate Cake Shots, Mexican Candy Shots, Pineapple Upside Down Cake Shots, Jolly Rancher Shot.

Ingredients in a Gummy Bear Shot

  • Cherry Vodka – The base of your drink.
  • Peach Schapps – Adds a nice peach flavor to your shot.
  • Pineapple Juice – Adds more tropical flavor to this recipe.
  • Lemon-Lime Soda – Such as Sprite. Just a splash to add some bubbles.
  • Gummy Bears – Are an optional garnish (and so cute!)

I served my shots in these simple shot glasses along with my favorite brand of gummy bears.

Vodka Gummy Bears

To take this recipe to the next level, make vodka soaked gummy bears to use as a garnish. Soak gummy bears in vodka at room temperature for 8 hours, or overnight. Remove excess vodka and use the new (plumper) vodka gummy bears as garnish for this shot.

Instructions

In a cocktail shaker, combine one ounce cherry vodka and one ounce peach schnapps. Next, add pineapple juice and ice.

Shake for 10-15 seconds.

Pour into a shot glass and add a splash of lemon-lime soda.

Add a gummy bear for garnish. I added one to the edge of each glass (cut a slit in the bottom using a knife). You can also add gummy bears to the inside of your shot if you wish—it’s totally optional.

Tips & Tricks for Making

  • For a white gummy bear shot, use pineapple vodka and be sure to use pineapple juice. The rest of the recipe is the same. Fun fact: The white gummy bear is pineapple flavored.
  • If you want a more neutral color shot, choose an uncolored cherry vodka. My shots are red because of the color from the cherry vodka.
  • If you don’t have cherry vodka on hand feel free to use unflavored vodka or another fruity flavor. You could add a splash of grenadine if you want some red color.
  • You can batch this recipe in advance, just save the lemon-lime soda to add when you are serving.
  • For an ever sweeter shot, add a sugared rim.
  • Substitutions: You can sub cherry vodka for raspberry vodka. Pineapple juice can be subbed for cranberry juice or peach juice. If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, you can use a mixing glass with ice.

Variations

  • White Gummy Bear Shot Recipe If you want to tweak this recipe into a white gummy bear shot simple swap out the cherry vodka for pineapple vodka and garnish with a white gummy bear.
  • Gummy Bear Cocktail If you prefer a cocktail to sip over a shooter, simply double this recipe and serve it in a martini glass or a rocks glass with an ice cube. And a gummy bear garnish!

More cute party recipes you may like

If you enjoy our recipe, please remember to leave us a 5-star rating.  If you’re building your home bartender skills, try making your own sour mix and simple syrup.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What are gummy bear shots made of?

Cherry vodka, peach schnapps, pineapple juice and lemon-lime soda. They taste just like a red gummy bear!

Can you make a gummy bear cocktail?

To change the gummy bear shot recipe into a full-size cocktail, simply double the recipe and serve it in a martini glass instead of a shot glass. Always drink responsibly.

What alcohol is best for gummy bears?

Vodka is a good basic choice as well as fruity liqueurs.

Print

Gummy Bear Shot

Learn to make a gummy bear shot at home!
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Keyword gummy bear shot, white gummy bear shot
Prep Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 shot
Calories 149kcal

Equipment

  • 1 cocktail shaker
  • 1 shot glass

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce cherry vodka
  • 1 ounce peach schnapps
  • ½ ounce pineapple juice
  • ¼ ounce lemon-lime soda
  • 1 gummy bear to garnish

Instructions

  • In a cocktail shaker, combine the cherry vodka, peach schnapps and pineapple juice with ice.
  • Shake for 10-15 seconds.
  • Pour into a shot glass and add a splash of lemon-lime soda.
  • Add a gummy bear for garnish. I added one to the edge of each glass (cut a slit in the bottom using a knife). You can also add gummy bears to the inside of your shot if you wish—it’s totally optional.

Notes

  • If you want a more neutral color shot, choose an uncolored cherry vodka. My shots are red because of the color from the cherry vodka.
  • If you don’t have cherry vodka on hand, feel free to use unflavored vodka. You could add a splash of grenadine if you want some red color.
  • You can batch this recipe in advance, just save the lemon-lime soda to add when you are serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 149kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 19mg | Fiber: 0.03g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 0.04mg
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Lychee Martini https://abeautifulmess.com/lychee-martini/ https://abeautifulmess.com/lychee-martini/#comments Thu, 28 Aug 2025 13:07:00 +0000 https://abeautifulmess.com/?p=117112 Have you tried a Lychee Martini? It’s sometimes called “lichitini” or “lycheetini.” Today’s cocktail recipe is sweet, strong and complex. You will love the mix of delicate floral flavors in this delicious cocktail. This recipe is perfect for your next celebration.

More recipes: Espresso Martini, Chocolate Martini, Lemon Drop Martini, Dry Martini, Snickerdoodle Martini, Vodka Martini Recipe, Cosmopolitan, Appletini, Paper Plane, French Martini, Vesper Martini.

Ingredients in a Lychee Martini

  • Vodka – The main spirit in this martini is vodka.
  • Orange Liqueur – I used Grand Marnier.
  • Lychee Puree – I found mine here. You may also use lychee juice.
  • Lychee Fruit – I used a can of lychees.

The best glass to serve a lychee martini in is a classic martini glass. I also used these gold cocktail picks to hold the fruit as a garnish.

Directions

In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, orange liqueur and lychee puree with ice.

Shake for 15 seconds until icy cold.

Strain and pour into a martini glass and serve with lychee fruit as a garnish.

What is a lychee fruit?

A lychee is a tropical fruit native to south China. Lychees are very juicy with notes of floral. Imagine a grape with a slight rose flavor—that is the best way I can describe the flavor of lychee. They are delicious.

Lychee are an asian fruit and can be rare to find fresh lychee at many United States grocery stores. They do also grow in Hawaii and Florida. When you can’t find fresh lychee, we recommend canned lychee for this recipe.

Tips for Making

  • This drink is balanced, but not sweet. If you prefer more sweetness, add half an ounce to one ounce of simple syrup to this recipe before shaking. If you find the drink too sweet, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice before shaking. This will add a bit of tartness.
  • If you dislike vodka, I recommend replacing it with gin for a different take on this recipe.
  • If you want to add more color to your cocktail, you can garnish with an additional wedge of lime and an edible flower.You can also add garnish such as strawberry, fresh mint or watermelon balls.
  • Add a shot of elderflower liqueur to maximize the floral flavors.
  • You can store leftover lychee martinis in an airtight container for up to 48 hours. Shake with fresh ice before serving again.

More recipes you may like:

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a lychee taste like?

Imagine a juicy grape with a subtle flavor of rose.

What is a lychee martini made of?

Vodka, orange liqueur, lychee puree and lychee fruit.

Print

Lychee Martini

Course Drinks
Cuisine American, Chinese
Keyword caramel apple martini, lychee martini
Prep Time 3 minutes
Servings 1 cocktail
Calories 352kcal

Ingredients

  • ounces vodka
  • 2 ounces orange liqueur
  • 2 ounces lychee puree
  • 2 lychees

Instructions

  • In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, orange liqueur and lychee puree with ice.
  • Shake for 15 seconds until icy cold.
  • Pour into a martini glass and serve with lychee fruit as a garnish.

Notes

  • This drink is balanced, but not sweet. If you prefer a sweeter martini, add half an ounce to one ounce of simple syrup to this recipe before shaking.
  • If you dislike vodka, I recommend replacing it with gin for a different take on this recipe.
  • If you want to add more color to your cocktail, you can garnish with an additional wedge of lime.

Nutrition

Calories: 352kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 52mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 0.1mg
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