51 Great Recipes for Fun Party Shots and Shooters

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.

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.

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

0:57

Watch Now: Celebrate with our Favorite Shots and Shooters

01 of 51

Alabama Slammer

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

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

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

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.

Continue to 5 of 51 below.
05 of 51

Beam Me up Scotty

Rob Lawson / Photolibrary / 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

Getty Images / Gina Sabatella

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

Jason Westplate

The PB and bacon is 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

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.

Continue to 9 of 51 below.
09 of 51

Vodka Cranberry Syringe Shot

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

Jeff Kauck / Photolibrary / 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

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

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.

Continue to 13 of 51 below.
13 of 51

Cement Mixer

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.
14 of 51

Cool Colada

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

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

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.

Continue to 17 of 51 below.
17 of 51

Fourth of July

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.
18 of 51

Fuzzy Jager Cranberry

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

Cultura RM/CWP / Collection Mix: Subjects / 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

The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

Many shooters feature the 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.

Continue to 21 of 51 below.
21 of 51

Honey Citrus Drop

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.
22 of 51

Irish Flag

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.
23 of 51

Irish Frog

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

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.

Continue to 25 of 51 below.
25 of 51

Jello 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

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

The Spruce

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

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.

Continue to 29 of 51 below.
29 of 51

Lemon Drop

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

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

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

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.

Continue to 33 of 51 below.
33 of 51

Mexican Samurai

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

The Spruce / 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

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.
36 of 51

Nutty Irishman

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.

Continue to 37 of 51 below.
37 of 51

Peanut Butter and Jelly

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

The Spruce / 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

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

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.

Continue to 41 of 51 below.
41 of 51

Raspberry Gimlet

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

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

The Spruce / 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

The Spruce / 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.

Continue to 45 of 51 below.
45 of 51

Snowball

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 tastes fantastic. To make it, you'll need brandy, peppermint schnapps, and crème de cacao.
46 of 51

Stoplight

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

The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

The Superman shot is stunning and easy to get down. The layers are made of 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

Andrew Bret Wallis / Stockbyte / 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.

Continue to 49 of 51 below.
49 of 51

Voodoo

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.
50 of 51

Wake the Dead

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

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.