14 Best Vodka Shots Ever

If you’re looking to discover the best vodka shot ever, you’re in the right place. The best vodka shot ever balances flavor and simplicity, making it ideal for any gathering. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or hosting your first party, these recipes will elevate your vodka shots to the next level.

Lemon Drop Shot

The Lemon Drop Shot is a delightful vodka-based cocktail. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a citrusy twist to their drinks.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chilled vodka
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1/3 cup simple syrup
• 8 lemon wedges dipped in sugar
• Extra sugar for rimming

Instructions:

1. Prepare the glasses: Moisten the rims of 8 shot glasses with a lemon wedge. Dip the rims in sugar.
2. Mix ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice.
3. Shake: Cover and shake vigorously until chilled (about 10 seconds).
4. Strain and pour: Strain the mixture into the prepared shot glasses.
5. Garnish: Add a sugared lemon wedge to each glass.

Tips:

• Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
• Ensure vodka is well-chilled before mixing.
• Adjust the simple syrup to suit your sweetness preference.

View Recipe

Kamikaze Shot

The Kamikaze Shot is a classic vodka shot. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a sweet and tart taste. This shot is often enjoyed by both novice and seasoned drinkers.

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce vodka
• 1/2 ounce triple sec
• 1/2 ounce lime juice

Instructions:

1. Add vodka, triple sec, and lime juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake well until chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a shot glass.
4. Serve immediately.

Variations:

• Blue Kamikaze Shot: Use Blue Curacao instead of triple sec.
• Green Kamikaze Shot: Substitute Green Curacao or Midori Melon Liqueur for the triple sec.
• Raspberry Kamikaze Shot: Try raspberry vodka instead of regular vodka.

Tips:

• Experiment with different proportions. For example, equal parts vodka, triple sec, and lime juice can create a balanced flavor.
• If you prefer a sweeter shot, consider adding sweetened lime juice. You might find it more enjoyable.

View Recipe

Pineapple Upside Down Cake Shot

The Pineapple Upside Down Cake Shot is a delicious and colorful drink. It combines vodka, pineapple juice, and grenadine to mimic the flavor of a pineapple upside down cake. This shot is sweet and fruity, perfect for parties and gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz vanilla vodka
• 1 oz pineapple juice
• 1/4 oz grenadine syrup
• Maraschino cherry (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Fill a Shaker: Halfway with ice cubes.
2. Add Ingredients: Pour in the vanilla vodka and pineapple juice.
3. Shake: Mix well to chill the mixture.
4. Strain: Into a shot glass, filling it about 3/4 of the way.
5. Pour Grenadine: Slowly into the center of the shot glass to create a layered effect.
6. Optional Garnish: Add a maraschino cherry for an extra touch.

When making this shot, consider serving with a layer of grenadine at the bottom. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also provides a sweet finish.

View Recipe

Woo Woo Shot

The Woo Woo Shot is a delightful vodka shot with a fruity twist. It’s made with just three simple ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 part vodka
• 1 part peach schnapps
• 1 part cranberry juice

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Combine vodka, peach schnapps, and cranberry juice in the shaker.
3. Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
4. Strain into a shot glass.

The Woo Woo Shot offers a burst of flavor. It’s perfect for parties or casual get-togethers. Serve chilled for the best experience.

View Recipe

Gummy Bear Shot

Gummy Bear Shots are a fun choice for any party. These shots blend fruity flavors with a playful garnish of gummy bears. You’ll enjoy the sweet taste with a touch of tartness.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz cherry vodka
• 1 oz peach schnapps
• Pineapple juice
• Splash of lemon-lime soda
• Gummy bears for garnish
• Ice

Instructions:

• In a cocktail shaker, combine cherry vodka and peach schnapps.
• Add pineapple juice and ice.
• Shake for 10-15 seconds.
• Pour into a shot glass and add a splash of lemon-lime soda.
• Garnish with a gummy bear.

The Gummy Bear Shot is celebrated for its fruity, sweet taste. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a big party, this shot will always be a hit. 

View Recipe

Chocolate Cake Shot

The Chocolate Cake Shot is a popular vodka shot. It tastes like chocolate cake without any chocolate. It’s easy to make and perfect for parties.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz Frangelico (hazelnut liqueur)
• 1/2 oz vanilla vodka
• Lemon wedges
• Sugar

Instructions:

1. Wet the rim of a shot glass with a lemon wedge.
2. Dip the wet rim into a plate of sugar.
3. Pour the Frangelico and vanilla vodka into the shot glass.
4. Stir gently to mix.
5. Top the shot with a sugared lemon wedge.

Take the shot, then bite into the sugared lemon wedge. The combination creates a chocolate cake flavor.

Caramel Apple Pie Shot

The Caramel Apple Pie Shot is a delicious and festive drink. This shot combines the sweet and tart flavors of apple and caramel. Here’s how you can make it.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz Caramel Vodka
• 1 oz Apple Cider
• 1 oz Vanilla Vodka
• 1 oz Cinnamon Whiskey (like Fireball)
• Whipped Cream for topping
• Caramel Sauce for garnish
• Apple Pie Spice or cinnamon for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add caramel vodka, apple cider, vanilla vodka, and cinnamon whiskey.
3. Close the shaker and shake well for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a shot glass.
5. Top with whipped cream.
6. Drizzle caramel sauce over the whipped cream.
7. Sprinkle with apple pie spice or cinnamon.

This shot brings the warmth of cinnamon and the sweetness of caramel together. 

Mind Eraser Shot

The Mind Eraser shot is a unique and layered vodka drink. It combines coffee liqueur, vodka, and club soda. This creates a drink that’s refreshing and invigorating.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
• 1 oz vodka
• 1 oz club soda
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Fill an old-fashioned glass with ice.
2. Pour the coffee liqueur over the ice.
3. Slowly add the vodka, pouring over the back of a spoon.
4. Top with club soda, again using a spoon to layer the drink.
5. Serve with a straw.

The key to a great Mind Eraser shot is layering. Pouring over a spoon helps achieve this effect. The different densities of the liquids create distinct layers.

This drink is traditionally consumed with a straw. The straw allows you to taste each layer separately. Don’t stir before drinking to maintain the layers.

View Recipe

Blue Lagoon Shot

The Blue Lagoon Shot is a vibrant and refreshing addition to any gathering. It combines the tangy sweetness of blue curaçao with the smoothness of vodka, offering a striking visual and delightful taste.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. vodka
• 1/2 oz. blue curaçao
• Lemonade

Instructions

1. Add vodka and blue curaçao to a shaker with ice.
2. Shake well until chilled.
3. Strain into a shot glass.
4. Top up with lemonade.
5. Garnish with a small lemon wedge or maraschino cherry if desired.

This shot is perfect for summer parties with its refreshing and visually appealing nature.

View Recipe

Flaming S’mores Shot

A Flaming S’mores Shot combines the nostalgia of campfire s’mores with the excitement of a flaming cocktail. This shot is sure to impress at any gathering.

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce marshmallow vodka
• 1 ounce chocolate liqueur
• 1 ounce heavy cream
• Crushed graham crackers
• Marshmallow creme
• Mini marshmallows
• High-proof alcohol (for flaming)

Instructions:

Prepare the Rim:

• Crush graham crackers finely.
• Dip the rim of the shot glass in marshmallow creme.
• Then, dip the rim in crushed graham crackers.

Mix the Shot:

• In a shaker, add ice.
• Pour in marshmallow vodka, chocolate liqueur, and heavy cream.
• Shake vigorously for 15 seconds.

Pour and Garnish:

• Strain the mixture into the prepared shot glass.
• Skewer mini marshmallows with a toothpick and place across the top of the glass.

Flame the Shot:

• Pour a small amount of high-proof alcohol on top.
• Light the alcohol with a lighter (take necessary safety precautions).

View Recipe

Pineapple Tamarind Vodka Shot

A Pineapple Tamarind Vodka Shot is a unique blend of flavors. The sweetness of pineapple complements the tanginess of tamarind.

To prepare this shot, you’ll need:

• 1 oz vodka
• 1 oz pineapple juice
• ½ oz tamarind syrup
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker.
2. Shake well to mix.
3. Strain into a shot glass.

For extra flair, garnish with a small pineapple slice or a tamarind twist. This shot offers a refreshing and exotic taste experience.

Sweet Tart Shot

The Sweet Tart Shot is a delightful vodka-based drink that combines tangy and sweet flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz raspberry vodka
• 1 oz pineapple juice
• 1 oz sweet and sour mix
• Ice

Instructions:

Prepare the Shaker:

• Add ice to a cocktail shaker.

Combine Ingredients:

• Pour in the raspberry vodka.
• Add pineapple juice and sweet and sour mix.

Shake:

• Shake well for about 30 seconds. Ensure the shaker feels cold.

Strain and Serve:

• Strain the mixture into shot glasses.

You can customize the Sweet Tart Shot by adding a few drops of grenadine for a Red Sweet Tart Shot, or a few drops of Blue Curaçao for a Blue Sweet Tart Shot. Experiment with these variations to find your favorite twist.

Jelly Bean Shot

Introducing the Jelly Bean Shot, a visually stunning and delicious drink.

Ingredients

• Grenadine: 1/2 oz
• Sambuca: 1/2 oz

Instructions

Pour the Grenadine:

• Pour 1/2 oz of Grenadine into the bottom of a shot glass.
• Try to keep it in the middle to prevent it from sticking to the sides.

Layer the Sambuca:

• Slowly pour 1/2 oz of Sambuca over the back of a bartending spoon.
• Ensure it layers gently on top of the Grenadine.

Tips

• Use a steady hand when pouring the Sambuca to maintain the layers.
• Serve immediately for the best experience.

View Recipe

Vodka Pickle Shot

A Vodka Pickle Shot combines the sharpness of vodka with the tangy taste of pickle brine. This unique combination has gained popularity for its ability to balance flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. vodka
• 1.5 oz. pickle brine

Instructions:

1. Chill both the vodka and pickle brine beforehand.
2. Pour 1.5 oz. of vodka into a shot glass.
3. In a separate shot glass, pour 1.5 oz. of pickle brine.
4. First, take the shot of vodka.
5. Immediately follow with the shot of pickle brine.

Tips:

• Use high-quality pickle brine for the best flavor.
• Keep ingredients well-chilled.

Experiment with different pickle brines. Each brand adds its unique twist to the shot.

View Recipe