This vanilla syrup recipe only requires 3 ingredients and about 15 minutes or less to make!

Related: Next up make Cinnamon Dolce Syrup or Pumpkin Spice Syrup.

Ingredients

• Granulated white sugar
• Water
• Vanilla bean paste, vanilla bean pods or vanilla extract

You’ll also need a glass jar with spout for storage and easy use.

How to make Vanilla Syrup

In a small to medium pot add the sugar and water. Over medium/high heat whisk the sugar until it’s fully dissolves. The water should get hot during this process but you do not need to reach a boil.

Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract. If you are using vanilla beans slice them down the center and then use the tip of your knife to carefully scrap out the beans (the little black dots). Add those as well as the vanilla bean pods to the syrup. Whisk to combine. Allow the mixture to sit and cool for about 10 minutes.

If you used vanilla bean pods remove the pods now. Pour the vanilla syrup into your storage container.

Tips and Notes

• Vanilla bean paste, vanilla beans or vanilla extract will all work well in this recipe. However, if you are wanting the look of the vanilla beans (little black speckles) you will need to use either vanilla bean paste or vanilla beans.
• Store the vanilla syrup in an air tight container in the refrigerator for at least two weeks.
• As you can see from the photo above my vanilla bean paste was actually ‘Bourbon vanilla bean paste’ so it had a slightly different flavor. That’s OK! This is your vanilla simple syrup—add anything you want like a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
• Swap the granulated white sugar for brown sugar for a slightly different flavor.

Drinks you can add this to

• Latte
• Mocha
• Matcha latte
• Old Fashioned
• Mojito
• Hot Toddy

Print

Vanilla Syrup

Vanilla simple syrup made with sugar, water and vanilla bean paste

Course cocktail, Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword vanilla syrup

Cook Time 5 minutes minutes

Cool Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 10

Calories 83kcal

Author A Beautiful Mess

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated white sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste

Instructions

• In a small to medium pot add the sugar and water.
• Over medium/high heat whisk the sugar until it’s fully dissolves. The water should get hot during this process but you do not need to reach a boil.
• Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract.
• If you are using vanilla beans slice them down the center and then use the tip of your knife to carefully scrap out the beans (the little black dots). Add those as well as the vanilla bean pods to the syrup.
• Whisk to combine.
• Allow the mixture to sit and cool for about 10 minutes.
• If you used vanilla bean pods remove the pods now.
• Pour the vanilla syrup into your storage container.

Notes

If using vanilla beans use 2-3 vanilla bean pods. If using vanilla extract use 1 heaping tablespoon. 

Vanilla bean paste, vanilla beans or vanilla extract will all work well in this recipe. However, if you are wanting the look of the vanilla beans (little black speckles) you will need to use either vanilla bean paste or vanilla beans.

Store the vanilla syrup in an air tight container in the refrigerator for at least two weeks.

Swap the granulated white sugar for brown sugar for a slightly different flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 83kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 0.4mg | Sugar: 21g | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 0.01mg

You can easily make a batch of hot buttered rum “batter” to keep in your fridge so you can make this Christmas cocktail at a moment’s notice, and you can even make it without the alcohol to be a family-friendly drink. Check out our instructional video to see how easy it is to make!

Related: Wassail Recipe, Glühwein (German Mulled Wine), Mulled Wine, Homemade Hot Chocolate, Homemade Eggnog, Classic Hot Toddy, Apple Cinnamon Hot Toddy, Cranberry Spiced Hot Toddy

What’s the history of hot buttered rum?

Hot buttered rum dates all the way back to the American colonial period of New England in the 1650s. Rum was a popular drink as water wasn’t always safe to drink and the hot buttered rum was an alternative to a hot toddy as it also added some calories. The basic recipe consisted of rum, butter, spices, and sugar, which are still the main ingredients in modern hot buttered rums.

What does hot buttered rum taste like?

While the name may not sound appetizing to some, hot buttered rum has a creamy sweet taste punctuated with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The butter does give the drink a delicious buttery flavor similar to drinking a buttery cookie in a glass!

What type of rum is best for hot buttered rum?

While it’s possible to use white rum if that’s all you have on hand (and if that’s the rum you prefer), spiced rum or dark rum is a better flavor profile for this particular drink. Spiced rum will have some added caramel flavor and spices while dark rum will be a little more of a darker molasses flavor profile.

Hot buttered rum ingredients:

Unsalted butter: This is the buttery part of your hot buttered rum!

Brown sugar: You’ll get sweet notes of caramel by adding brown sugar to your batter mix.

Powdered sugar: Adding some powdered sugar gives the drink a lighter sweetness on top of the deeper brown sugar flavor.

Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove: These warm spices combined together make this drink taste like Christmas in a glass! Feel free to add some ground allspice or cardamom as well for even more levels of spice.

Vanilla extract: Try and use vanilla extract rather than imitation vanilla for a more pure vanilla flavor.

Rum: A dark or spiced rum is your best choice for the perfect hot buttered rum.

Hot water: Adding hot water to your hot buttered rum batter is what gives you a warm and cozy drink.

How to make hot buttered rum

For the batter:

Add unsalted butter to a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until butter is melted and then whisk in your brown and powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove until sugar is melted and ingredients are combined.

Remove from heat and add in your vanilla and stir to combine. Use to make hot buttered rum or allow to cool and then store in the fridge in an airtight container until ready to use.

For the hot buttered rum:

Add 2 tablespoons of the butter mixture to a heatproof mug and pour in 6 ounces hot water and 1-2 ounces of rum depending on how strong you want your drink. Stir and add more batter to taste if necessary and enjoy!

Tips for making hot buttered rum:

• Add a dash of salt to your batter to really bring out the flavors.
• Adding a dollop of whipped cream to the top of your drink will not only look pretty, but it will add extra creamy sweetness as it melts into the drink.
• Sprinkle some cinnamon or freshly grated nutmeg on top of your drink or add in a cinnamon stick before serving for a boost of cinnamon flavor.

How do you make hot buttered rum nonalcoholic?

To make a family-friendly version of hot buttered rum, simply use just the batter and hot water to make your delicious drink. You can also add the batter into milk, apple cider, or coffee for a nonalcoholic treat.

How do you make hot buttered rum in a crockpot?

To make hot buttered rum for a crowd in a slow cooker, put the batter ingredients into the crockpot first and cook on high until all the ingredients are blended together (about 30-60 minutes).

Add in your hot water and rum and reduce heat to low until ready to serve. Ladle into mugs and garnish as desired before serving.

How long does hot buttered rum batter last in the fridge?

Hot buttered rum batter will last in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 1-2 weeks.

You can also put it in the freezer and it will last around 3 months frozen. Just let thaw in the fridge before using.

Can you use salted butter in hot buttered rum?

While most recipes call for unsalted butter so you can control the salt level to taste, you can also use salted butter with great results.

Hot buttered rum variations:

Make it with tea: Use your favorite black tea bags to brew tea with your hot water before adding it to your drink.

Play with spices: Try adding ginger, allspice, or cardamom to your batter until your reach your favorite spice combo.

Swap the rum: You can try brandy, whiskey, or cognac in place of the rum for a twist on the classic.

Make it with ice cream: It’s also popular to add some melted vanilla ice cream to your hot buttered rum batter for extra creamy sweetness.

Add notes of orange: Orange is such a popular holiday flavor as well so try some orange zest in the batter or a touch of orange extract.

Try these festive appetizers at your holiday party!

• Caprese Candy Cane
• 5 Easy Crostini Appetizers (Perfect For The Holidays!)
• Favorite Holiday Snacks and Appetizers
• Antipasto Wreath Christmas Appetizer

Print

Hot Buttered Rum

This hot buttered rum recipe is sweet, creamy, and buttery with warm winter spices and a dose of rum.

Course cocktail

Cuisine American

Keyword hot buttered rum, hot buttered rum recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 5 drinks

Calories 394kcal

Author Laura Gummerman

Ingredients

Hot Buttered Rum Batter

• ½ cup unsalted butter one stick
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground clove
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• pinch of salt

Hot Buttered Rum Cocktail

• 2 tablespoons hot buttered rum batter
• 6-8 ounces hot water
• 1 ounce rum

Instructions

For the batter:

• Add unsalted butter to a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until butter is melted and then whisk in your brown and powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove until sugar is melted and ingredients are combined.
• Remove from heat and add in your vanilla and stir to combine.
• Use to make hot buttered rum or allow to cool and then store in the fridge in an airtight container until ready to use.

For the cocktail:

• Add 2 tablespoons of the batter mixture to a heatproof mug and pour in 6-8 ounces hot water and 1-2 ounces of rum depending on how strong you want your drink.
• Stir and add more batter to taste if necessary and enjoy!

Notes

Store in the fridge in an airtight container.

Tips for making hot buttered rum:

• Add a dash of salt to your batter to really bring out the flavors.
• Adding a dollop of whipped cream to the top of your drink will not only look pretty, but it will add extra creamy sweetness as it melts into the drink.
• Sprinkle some cinnamon or freshly grated nutmeg on top of your drink or add in a cinnamon stick before serving for a boost of cinnamon flavor.

 

TIP: Rather than boiling water, you’ll want to use hot water that’s just under boiling as water that’s too hot can dull the flavors a little.

TIP: To keep your drink warm longer, serve the hot buttered rum in pre-warmed mugs!

Nutrition

Calories: 394kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 16mg | Potassium: 69mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 55g | Vitamin A: 569IU | Vitamin C: 0.02mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 0.4mg

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

Ingredients

• Fireball – Cinnamon Whiskey.
• Buttershots – Butterscotch Schnapps.
• Heavy Cream – Or Half and Half.
• Gingerbread Syrup – Make homemade gingerbread syrup or pick up a bottle.

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.

More Festive Recipes

• Christmas Cocktails
• Homemade Chex Mix
• Scooby Snack Shot
• Homemade Eggnog

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 minutes

Servings 1 shot

Calories 103kcal

Author Elsie Larson

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

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

• granulated white sugar
• water
• freshly squeezed clementine juice
• maraschino cherries
• cinnamon stick
• aromatic and orange bitters

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:

• 20 Easy Party Appetizer Ideas
• 5 Tips for Creating the Perfect Cheese Platter
• Favorite Homemade Brownies

FAQ

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 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes minutes

Steep Time 1 hour hour

Total Time 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Servings 12

Calories 212kcal

Author Elsie Larson

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

US Customary – Metric

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

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.

Get the Recipe

Corpse Reviver

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

Get the Recipe

Halloween Jello Shots

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

Get the Recipe

Spider Bite Cocktail

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

Get the Recipe

Spooky Eyeball Jello Shots!

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

Get the Recipe

Candy Corn Jello Shots

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

Get the Recipe

Monster Cocktail Stirrers

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

Get the Recipe

Evil Eye Halloween Cocktail

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

Get the Recipe

Mexican Candy Shot

Try this easy tequila shot for your next occasion.

Get the Recipe

Blood Orange Margarita

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

Get the Recipe

Halloween Eyeball Martini

Learn to make a Halloween lychee martini.

Get the Recipe

Gummy Bear Shot

Learn to make a gummy bear shot at home!

Get the Recipe

Old Fashioned Cocktail

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

Get the Recipe

Halloween Punch Bowl

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

Get the Recipe

Easy Orange Cranberry Margarita

Our favorite margarita recipe for fall!

Get the Recipe

My Favorite Fall Cocktail!

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

Get the Recipe

Chocolate Martini Recipe

Learn to make a classic chocolate martini.

Get the Recipe

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.

Get the Recipe

Incredible Hulk Cocktail

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

Get the Recipe

Sazerac

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

Get the Recipe

Espresso Martini

There is nothing better than an espresso martini.

Get the Recipe

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!

Get the Recipe

Pumpkin Spice White Russian

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

Get the Recipe

Snickerdoodle Martini

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

Get the Recipe

Cranberry Jello Shots

These festive jello shots are perfect for an autumn gathering.

Get the Recipe

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.

Get the Recipe

How to Make Mulled Wine

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

Get the Recipe

Red Wine Soaked Gummy Bears

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

Get the Recipe

Classic Hot Toddy

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

Get the Recipe

Dark and Stormy Cocktail

Learn to make the classic Dark and Stormy Cocktail.

Get the Recipe

Classic Bloody Mary

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

Get the Recipe

Scooby Snack Shot

This fun novelty shot is perfect for a Halloween party!

Get the Recipe

Green Tea Shot

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

Get the Recipe

Bloody Caesar Drink

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

Get the Recipe

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! 

Get the Recipe

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!

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

• Candy Apples
• Caramel Apples
• Apple Tart
• Apple Cobbler
• Appletini

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

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 minutes

Servings 1 shot

Calories 141kcal

Author Elsie Larson

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

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

• Autumn Meal Ideas – Turkey Chili, Best Stuffing Recipe, Roasted Brussels Sprouts
• Autumn Cocktails – Old Fashioned Cocktail, Hot Toddy, Brandy Alexander
• Pumpkin Recipes – Pumpkin Muffins, Pumpkin Cake, Pumpkin Butter
• Apple Recipes – Caramel Apples, Apple Dumplings, Apple Pie Bars
• Kids Recipes for Autumn – Harry Potter Butterbeer and Pumpkin Juice

More Recipes to Try

• 60+ Easy Dinner Ideas
• 100+ Comfort Food Recipes
• 50+ Party Shot Recipes

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 minutes

Servings 1 shot

Calories 94kcal

Author Elsie Larson

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

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

More Recipes

• Shot Recipes – Mini Beer Shot, White Tea Shot, Pudding Shots, Chocolate Cake Shot
• Cocktails – Sazerac, Vieux Carré, Salty Dog, Paper Plane, Bee’s Knees
• Non-Alcohol Drinks – Agua Fresca, Butterbeer, Orange Julius
• Recipes – 100+ Comfort Food 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 minutes

Servings 1 shot

Calories 55kcal

Author Elsie Larson

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

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

• Birthday Cake Cookies
• Birthday Cake Pops
• Birthday Cake Shot
• Cookie Dough Dip
• Looking for a mocktail? Try our virgin mojito recipe

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

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 minutes

Servings 1 shot

Calories 149kcal

Author Elsie Larson

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

While I usually make this recipe with vodka, you could swap it for gin for a slightly more floral, and more classic martini variation. You could also choose to add a little cinnamon and sugar to the rim to up the dessert martini vibes.

Related: Washington Apple Shot, Bee’s Knees, Lychee Martini, Chocolate Martini, Rum Runner, Espresso Martini, Vesper Martini, Caramel Apple Martini.

Ingredients

• Vodka – Choose a quality vodka such as Ketel One, Tito’s or Grey Goose.
• Apple Juice – The apple flavor in this recipe comes from both apple juice and the schnapps liqueur.
• Sour Apple Schnapps – This is where the sour apple flavor comes in as well as the green color. They also make Apple Schnapps in red if you prefer that.
• Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed.
• Optional Garnish – We like to use a slice of Granny Smith apple as an optional garnish.

You’ll see in the photo below I used a sparkling apple juice for the Appletinis pictured here, but this is not necessary. Any apple juice will work.

Directions

In a cocktail shaker, add all ingredients. Then add ice. Shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker feels very cold against your hand.

Stain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a Granny Smith apple slice.

Tips & Substitutions

• You could use gin instead of vodka if you prefer.
• Any kind of apple juice works fine. You could also use an apple cider for this recipe.
• Store clean martini glasses in your freezer and you’ll always have a chilled glass ready for when you need it.
• If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, a mason jar with a lid will also work. Simply strain through a cocktail strainer to keep the ice from getting into your chilled drink.

History of the Appletini

This drink was created on the Fourth of July in West Hollywood at a bar called Lola’s. The owner, Loren “Lola” Dunsworth, was approached by reps from Ketel One vodka to create a signature martini. She noticed an unused bottle of apple schnapps and asked bartender Adam Karsten to mix up a drink.

In pop culture, the Appletini was the drink Zach Braff’s character ordered on Scrubs. It was also the drink of choice for Mark Zuckerberg and Sean Parker’s meeting in The Social Network movie. Why not enjoy a delicious Appletini?

More Apple Recipes You’ll Love:

• Caramel Apples
• Candy Apples
• Apple Tart
• Apple Cobbler
• Apple Dumplings
• Apple Pie Bars
• Baked Apple Donuts
• Spiced Apple Cider
• Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Print

Appletini

A dessert cocktail made with vodka and sour apple schnapps

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword apples, Appletini, martini

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1

Calories 218kcal

Author Emma Chapman

Equipment

• cocktail shaker

Ingredients

• 1 ½ ounces vodka
• 1 ounce apple juice
• 1 ounce sour apple schnapps
• ½ ounce lemon juice

Instructions

• In a cocktail shaker, add all ingredients.
• Add ice. Shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker feels very cold against your hand.
• Stain into a chilled martini glass.
• Garnish with a Granny Smith apple slice (optional).

Notes

If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, you can use a mason jar with a lid and then strain with a cocktail shaker into your martini glass. 

Nutrition

Calories: 218kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 44mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 0.04mg