Our 51 Best Recipes for Party Shots and Shooters

Mix 'em up and Slam 'em Down

Two glasses of Alabama slammer shooters with three orange slices off to the side and cubes of ice strewn about on the table

The Spruce Eats

Get the party started with a round of fun shots. There are many recipes to choose from, and you're sure to find a quick, boozy drink that's perfect for the occasion and your bar stock. From popular shooters like the tart kamikaze to obscure shots like the mint-chocolate brandy snowball, these recipes span the full range of flavors.

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Watch Now: Celebrate with our Favorite Shots and Shooters

Is There a Difference Between Shots and Shooters?

The terms "shots" and "shooters" are often interchanged, but there is technically a difference. It's a bit of bar trivia to stump your friends: Shooters are miniature mixed drinks that may include multiple liqueurs and nonalcoholic mixers, while shots contain only alcoholic ingredients.

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    Alabama Slammer

    Two glasses of Alabama slammer shooters with three orange slices off to the side and cubes of ice strewn about on the table

    The Spruce Eats 

    The Alabama slammer is a smooth shooter of amaretto, orange juice, sloe gin, and Southern Comfort. It's a favorite for fans of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide and there is more than one way that you can mix up this tasty recipe.

  • 02 of 51

    Apocalypse Now

    An Apocalypse Now Shot Drink resting on a marble surface

    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

    Named after the movie, the Apocalypse Now is an interesting recipe. You'll need tequila, Irish cream, and dry vermouth to create this potent layered drink.

  • 03 of 51

    B-52 Shot

    Three B-52 Shots lined up in a row

    The Spruce Eats 

    The B-52 shot is the most popular recipe in the B-50 family of shots. It will test your layering skills as you carefully pour Kahlua, Baileys Irish Cream, and Grand Marnier. The liqueurs layer up naturally and make a delicious combination.

  • 04 of 51

    Bazooka Joe

    Two Bazooka Joe Shooters in shot glasses

    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

    When you want a shot that tastes like the bubble gum you enjoyed as a kid, turn to the Bazooka Joe. To create that signature, sweet flavor, you'll need Irish cream, blue curaçao, and a banana liqueur in your bar.

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    Beam Me up Scotty

    A Beam Me Up Scotty Shooter

    Rob Lawson / Getty Images

    Another shooter that will test your liquor floating skills, the beam me up Scotty shot is fun to build. This one begins with coffee liqueur, adds banana liqueur, then finishes it off with Irish cream. If you like, feel free to shake it up.

  • 06 of 51

    Big Bang

    A Big Bang Rum Shooter resting on a bar napkin

    Gina Sabatella / Getty Images

    Double the rum and double the fun (or hangover)! The big bang shooter combines 151-proof and dark rums with triple sec and orange and pineapple juices. The recipe makes a few shots, so be sure to share.

  • 07 of 51

    PB & Bacon

    Three shot glasses filled with PB and Bacon Shots (Big Fat Elvis Shooter With Bacon Whiskey and Peanut Butter Amaretto)

    The Spruce Eats / Jason Westplate

    The PB & Bacon is a really unique shooter. It includes bacon whiskey and peanut butter amaretto, both of which you'll have to make yourself. Add maple syrup and applewood-smoked salt, and enjoy!

  • 08 of 51

    Black Rose

    A Black Rose Shooter against a black backdrop

    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

    If you happen to have Tequila Rose in the bar, this is the shot for you. The black rose is equal parts of the strawberry cream liqueur and black vodka. Float the vodka or drizzle it over the pink layer and watch it swirl around.

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  • 09 of 51

    Vodka Cranberry Syringe Shot

    Three Vodka Cranberry Syringe Shooters with plastic syringes dropped in the glasses
    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

    The vodka cranberry syringe shot is so easy anyone can pull it off and it's quite amusing. Cranberry vodka and citrus soda are the only ingredients you'll need. Instead of drinking this one, you'll just squirt the vodka into your mouth then chase it with the soda.

  • 10 of 51

    Boilermaker

    A Boilermaker Shot Drink with a full pitcher in the background

    Jeff Kauck / Getty Images

    It's hard to pass up a boilermaker. This classic is nothing more than a shot of whiskey with a beer chaser. Some people like to drop it, some slam it, and others drink it nice and slow.

  • 11 of 51

    Candy Corn

    Three Candy corn shots with a cocktail spoon off to the side

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck 

    The candy corn shot is an enjoyable imitation of the little candies, which is why this one's perfect for Halloween parties. To make it, you'll layer Galliano, orange curaçao, and cream.

  • 12 of 51

    Carrot Cake

    Two Carrot Cake Shots with crumbs on the rim and resting on a wooden table

    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

    Now you can drink your Easter dessert with this carrot cake shooter. Not one carrot was used in its making and yet it tastes like the iconic confection, especially if it's rimmed with cream cheese frosting and crushed walnuts.

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  • 13 of 51

    Cement Mixer

    A Cement Mixer Party Shot with two lime wedges in the background

    The Spruce Eats

    Try the cement mixer if you dare! It's is a gag shot (sometimes, literally) that someone decades ago thought would be funny, and it often brings out a lot of laughs. Essentially, your mouth becomes the "mixer," and the combination of Irish cream and lime juice creates a cement-like slurry. The key is to get it down fast.

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    Cool Colada

    Two Cool Colada Shooters with a cocktail shaker and a jigger behind them

    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

    You'll need to stock up on vodka to mix up this tropical shooter. The cool colada is a spin on the piña colada, mixing pineapple and coconut vodkas and a little pineapple juice.

  • 15 of 51

    El Vocho

    A Milagro Tequila El Vocho Shooter and a chaser with a sliced jalapeño at the feet of the classes
    Milagro Tequila

    If you have enjoyed the sangrita shot, you'll like this one. El vocho involves a shot of reposado tequila and a separate spicy chaser. The green mix includes pineapple, cilantro, mint, and jalapeño, so it definitely has a kick.

  • 16 of 51

    Flaming Dr. Pepper

    Two Flaming Dr. Pepper Shots with a beer in the background

    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

    Please don't play with this flaming shot after you've had a few. While the flaming Dr. Pepper is one of the most famous shots in the bar, it can burn the careless drinker. It's incredibly simple: amaretto topped with high-proof rum that's lit on fire.

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  • 17 of 51

    Fourth of July

    A red, blue, and green Fourth of July Shot Drink

    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios 

    The Fourth of July shooter captures the colors of the American flag in a shot glass with layers of grenadine, blue curaçao, and vodka. It's tasty and flashy, and ideal for patriotic parties.

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    Fuzzy Jager Cranberry

    A Fuzzy Jager Cranberry Shot (aka Red Headed Slut)

    The Spruce Eats

    The red fuzzy Jäger cranberry was one of the first popular shots to include Jägermeister. It remains relatively popular today. This is one of the better Jäger mixes thanks to the sweet combination of peach schnapps and cranberry juice.

  • 19 of 51

    Gladiator

    A golden Gladiator Shooter with a beer in the background

    Cultura RM/CWP / Getty Images

    The gladiator starts with a shot of amaretto and Southern Comfort. You can drop that into a pint glass of orange juice and 7UP or simply shoot it then chase it with the fruity pint. Either way, it's one of the better tasting shots of its kind.

  • 20 of 51

    Grasshopper

    Two Grasshopper Shots on a black wood surface

    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

    Many shooters feature a combination of mint and chocolate. It's a favorite flavor for dessert, so it's only natural that recipes like the grasshopper are equally popular. For this one, you'll need green crème de menthe, crème de cacao, and light cream.

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    Honey Citrus Drop

    A Honey Citrus Drop Shot on a blue-green surface

    Angelafoto / Getty Images

    It's sweet and fruity, and there are few shots like the honey citrus drop. It requires Bärenjäger Honey Liqueur and a lemon liqueur, both of which can be tricky to find. After one taste, you'll realize that hunting them down was well worth it.

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    Irish Flag

    Three green, white, and orange Irish Flag Shooters

    The Spruce Eats

    To pour the colorful Irish flag shot, you'll need three ingredients. Crème de menthe makes up the bottom layer, Irish cream the middle, and Grand Marnier the top. It's an impressive little drink that tastes pretty good.

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    Irish Frog

    Two Irish Frog Layered Party Shots on a metal surface

    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

    The Irish frog is a layered shot that requires just two ingredients. The green layer is Midori and its melon flavor is topped with Irish cream. It's a pleasant combination that goes down rather well.

  • 24 of 51

    Jäger Bomb

    A shot of Jager next to a pint of beer waiting to become a Jager bomb

    The Spruce Eats

    Most drinkers of a certain age have heard of—if not tried—a Jäger bomb. It has a notorious reputation ​but is one of the best-known shots in the bar. It became popular after Red Bull was first released, and Jägermeister even gave bars special shot dispensers specifically for it.

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  • 25 of 51

    Jello Shots

    Four rows of green, yellow, purple, and red Jell-O shots

    The Spruce Eats

    When you're ready to play around in the kitchen for a few hours, mix up some jello shots. They're fun, jiggly, and a great party favor that can be simple or complex and either fancy or casual. Beyond the basic formula, you can also recreate favorite drinks in jello form.

  • 26 of 51

    Jelly Bean

    Two Jelly Bean Shots with a jar of jelly beans in the background

    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

    Create the taste of a Jelly Bean in your glass. This layered shooter includes sambuca, so it appeals most to fans of the black beans. That liqueur is sandwiched between either blackberry brandy or grenadine and Southern Comfort.

  • 27 of 51

    Kamikaze

    A Kamikaze Shooter with slices of lime in the background

    The Spruce Eats

    The kamikaze has long been a favorite shot and it's incredibly easy to mix. You'll simply shake vodka, orange liqueur, and lime juice together. It has a great tart taste that will make you pucker.

  • 28 of 51

    Kool Aid Shot

    Two Kool Aid Shooters on a marble surface

    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

    The Kool Aid shot takes on another childhood favorite. The most common way to mix up the fruit punch flavor is with a combination of vodka, Midori, amaretto, and cranberry juice. Just like the juice, it can also take on grape, peach, or raspberry flavors.

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    Lemon Drop

    A Lemon Drop Shot with a pile of salt in the background

    The Spruce Eats

    This shot is not like the lemon drop martini. It's more like a tequila shot with training wheels. To drink the lemon drop, you'll pour a shot of vodka, drink that down then suck on a sugary lemon. It's fun and definitely a pucker-worthy drink.

  • 30 of 51

    Licorice Ball

    Two Licorice Ball Shots (aka Slippery Nipple)

    The Spruce Eats

    Like many shots that came out of the late 20th-century bar, there are a few ways to make a licorice ball. One includes sambuca, Irish cream, and grenadine. Another pours Kahlua, butterscotch schnapps, and Irish cream, making it more like a butterball. The dirty licorice ball combines elements of the two, using Kahlua, sambuca, and Irish cream.

  • 31 of 51

    Lychee Tequila Shooter

    Three Lychee Tequila Shots (aka Crouching Tiger Shooter) with lemon wedges on the rims

    The Spruce Eats

    The lychee tequila is, by far, one of the best-tasting tequila shots. It's sweet, fruity, and the pairing of tequila and lychee liqueur will have you asking for a second round.

  • 32 of 51

    Melon Ball

    Three Melon Ball Shooters with three scoops of melon next to each one
    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

    These pretty little melon ball shots are very easy to make. If you have a well-stocked bar, you might even have everything you need. The recipe requires melon liqueur, vodka, and pineapple juice, so it also tastes great.

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  • 33 of 51

    Mexican Samurai

    A Mexican Samurai Tequila Shot against a black background
    TY KU Liqueur

    In order to make the Mexican samurai shot, you will need the neon green, soju-based spirit called Ty Ku. When that tropical fruit liqueur is mixed with tequila, you're in for one tasty little drink.

  • 34 of 51

    Mind Eraser

    Two Mind Eraser Vodka and Kahlua Cocktails with metal straws in the glasses

    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

    The mind eraser will give you a head rush as well as a healthy liquor buzz. To make it, you'll pour vodka and coffee liqueur into a rocks glass then fill it with soda. The gimmick involves a straw and a really fast slurp.

  • 35 of 51

    Nutty Fix

    Two Nutty Fixes (aka Russian Qualude) Layered Shot Drink

    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

    The nutty fix always includes vodka. There are a few ways to make this potent retro shot, too. The most common recipe calls for hazelnut and Irish cream liqueurs. Another opts for Frangelico, Kahlua, and cream.

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    Nutty Irishman

    Three Nutty Irishman Shooters

    The Spruce Eats

    Hands down one of the better-tasting shooters, the nutty Irishman is as entertaining as it sounds. The shot includes Frangelico and Irish cream, but how you serve it is up to you. Layer it, shake it, or pour it, they're all good.

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  • 37 of 51

    Peanut Butter and Jelly Shot

    A Peanut butter and jelly shot

    The Spruce Eats

    Two liqueurs combine to create a rather delicious peanut butter and jelly shot. The nutty flavor comes from Frangelico, and the raspberry jelly from Chambord. It's simple and may have you clamoring through the kitchen to make up the real deal.

  • 38 of 51

    Peppermint Patty

    Two Peppermint Patty Shooters with Peppermint Patty cookies surrounding the glasses

    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

    Yet another way to build a mint-chocolate shot, the peppermint patty is a creamy delight. The main recipe pairs crème de cacao with peppermint schnapps and cream. If you want extra chocolate, just pick up some chocolate syrup or vodka and try out one of the many variations.

  • 39 of 51

    Polar Bear

    Three Polar Bear Shooters on a rock slate surface

    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

    An even simpler way to get the delicious taste of peppermint and chocolate in a shot glass, the polar bear requires just two ingredients. All you need for this recipe are peppermint schnapps and crème de cacao.

  • 40 of 51

    Prairie Fire

    A Prairie Fire Tequila Shot next to red and green chili peppers and a bottle of Tabasco

    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

    When you want a tequila shot with an extra kick, go with the prairie fire. It's as easy as adding as much Tabasco as you can stand to a shot of tequila. You can also go old-school with the flatliner or battery acid. Take it easy as any of these shots can singe your taste buds and ruin your enjoyment of food for awhile.

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  • 41 of 51

    Raspberry Gimlet

    Raspberry Gimlet Shooter (aka Purple Hooter) next to two lime slices

    The Spruce Eats

    Purple is a rare color in the bar, and the raspberry gimlet recipes show you two ways to mix it up. In one, you'll mix vodka, lime juice, and black raspberry liqueur. For the other, the vodka and Chambord remain, but a citrus soda adds a nice sparkle. 

  • 42 of 51

    Red Snapper

    Three Red Snapper Shots with a cocktail shaker in the background and ice strewn about

    The Spruce Eats

    You'll need to pick up a very specific whiskey to pull off the proper red snapper. This shot requires Crown Royal and mixes it with amaretto and cranberry juice. The flavor is great and that's why it's been a hit for so many years.

  • 43 of 51

    Santa Shot

    A red, green, and white Santa shot shooter

    The Spruce Eats / Teena Agnel

    It's a bit more obscure than its layered shot cousins, but the Santa shot is still a fun mix of flavors. For this recipe, you'll pour grenadine, crème de menthe, and peppermint schnapps into festive red, green, and white layers. It's perfect for Christmas parties.

  • 44 of 51

    Snakebite

    A Snakebite Shot With Yukon Jack and a jigger and lime behind them

    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

    The snakebite is an older shot, but you'll still find people ordering it at the bar. It's powerful both in alcohol content and taste, so it's one you definitely won't forget. That "bite" comes from a splash of lime added to 100-proof Yukon Jack. 

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    Snowball

    Three Snowball Shots with Brandy lined up

    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

    The snowball is a perfect shooter for those cold, snowy days of winter. It will warm you up from the inside and will taste fantastic. To make it, you'll need brandy, peppermint schnapps, and crème de cacao.

  • 46 of 51

    Stoplight

    One green, one yellow, and one red Stoplight Vodka Shot

    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

    Line up the shot glasses because it's time for some vodka shots! The stoplight is a fun one, but you need to be ready on the word "go." This colorful round of shots requires three glasses of vodka, each with a dash of either cranberry juice, orange juice, or melon liqueur. And, yes, it's all meant for one drinker.

  • 47 of 51

    Superman Shot

    An orange, red, and blue Layered Superman Shot

    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

    The Superman shot is stunning and easy to get down. The layers include Dr. McGillicuddy's Cherry, a banana liqueur, and UV Blue Vodka. There are many possible substitutions available, though you might need to change the order of the pour to make it work.

  • 48 of 51

    Tequila Slammer

    A Tequila Slammer with lime wedges off to the side

    Andrew Bret Wallis / Getty Images

    When you want to play with your tequila, take on the tequila slammer. For this shot, you'll top a shot of tequila with ginger ale or citrus soda, slam the glass on the bar, then try to down the fizzy drink in one gulp.

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    Voodoo

    Two Voodoo Layered Shots with a cocktail spoon in the background

    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

    Rum is the star of the voodoo and it's another floater. The bottom layer is Tia Maria (a coffee liqueur), the middle is a rum cream, and the top is an overproof rum. It's a strong one, but it goes down easily.

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    Wake the Dead

    A Patron Tequila Wake the Dead Shooter with three cubes of ice
    Patron Spirits

    Bring a little espresso to the party with the wake the dead shot. It uses Patron XO Cafe and Patron Tequila, but it's the small amount of espresso that makes it special. 

  • 51 of 51

    Wolf Bite

    A red and green Wolf Bite Shot on a blue marble surface

    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

    The wolf bite shot is memorable. The green color is a combination of absinthe and Midori, with just a hint of pineapple. Grenadine creates the dripping red blood effect, and it is one of the more unusual, but pleasant, shots you can make.

Start at the top of the list and try them all (but not on the same night), then you'll know exactly what you like and what you don't.

And, it's always good to remember that drinking too many shots can make you very drunk—often before you know it. Enjoy these in moderation and drink lots of water to reduce your hangover risk, and always designate a driver.

What's you're favorite party shot or shooter? We'd love to know!