Top 10 Christmas Shot Recipes to Try This Year

The holiday season is a time for joy, laughter, and indulgence. What better way to celebrate than with some festive Christmas shots?

These tiny but mighty drinks pack a punch of flavor and fun, perfect for holiday parties or cozy nights by the fire.

From creamy classics to spicy surprises, here are 10 must-try Christmas shot recipes complete with detailed instructions to make your celebrations unforgettable.

1. Peppermint White Russian

A cool, minty twist on the classic White Russian, this shot is as refreshing as it is indulgent. The combination of smooth vodka, rich coffee liqueur, and sweet peppermint schnapps creates a delightful balance of flavors that will leave your taste buds tingling with holiday cheer. Perfect for those who love a frosty, candy cane-inspired treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz vodka
• ½ oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
• ½ oz peppermint schnapps
• Candy cane (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Fill a shot glass halfway with vodka.
2. Add the coffee liqueur.
3. Top with peppermint schnapps and stir gently.
4. Garnish with a candy cane for an extra festive touch.

2. Eggnog Shot

Creamy, rich, and oh-so-cozy, this Eggnog Shot captures the essence of the holidays in one sip. Made with velvety eggnog and a splash of bourbon or rum, this shot is like a warm hug in liquid form. It’s the perfect way to toast to the season while enjoying all the comforting flavors of traditional eggnog, but in a more playful, bite-sized format.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz bourbon or rum
• 2 oz eggnog
• Freshly grated nutmeg (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Combine bourbon (or rum) and eggnog in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake well until frothy.
3. Strain into a chilled shot glass.
4. Sprinkle a dash of nutmeg on top for a warm, spiced finish.

3. Gingerbread Shot

Spiced, sweet, and utterly irresistible, this Gingerbread Shot tastes like your favorite holiday cookie—only better. The blend of butterscotch schnapps, cinnamon whiskey, and Irish cream creates a decadent, dessert-like experience that’s both nostalgic and exciting. With its warm spices and creamy texture, this shot is sure to become a holiday favorite.

Ingredients:

• ½ oz butterscotch schnapps
• ½ oz cinnamon whiskey (e.g., Fireball)
• ½ oz Irish cream
• Ground cinnamon (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine butterscotch schnapps, cinnamon whiskey, and Irish cream with ice.
2. Shake vigorously until well mixed.
3. Strain into a shot glass.
4. Dust with ground cinnamon for added warmth.

4. Candy Cane Martini Shot

Sweet, colorful, and Instagram-worthy, this Candy Cane Martini Shot is a holiday showstopper. The combination of peppermint schnapps and vanilla vodka creates a smooth, minty flavor that’s perfectly festive. Rimmed with crushed candy canes, this shot not only tastes amazing but also looks like a winter wonderland in a glass. It’s the ultimate holiday indulgence.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz peppermint schnapps
• 1 oz vanilla vodka
• Crushed candy canes (for rimming)
• Simple syrup (optional, for rimming)

Instructions:

1. Rim a shot glass with crushed candy canes by dipping the rim in simple syrup and then coating it with crushed candy.
2. Fill the glass with peppermint schnapps and vanilla vodka.
3. Serve cold and enjoy the sugary delight.

5. Spiked Hot Chocolate Shot

Who says hot chocolate has to come in a mug? This boozy version brings all the comfort of cocoa into a single shot. Rich, creamy hot chocolate is spiked with peppermint schnapps or Bailey’s Irish Cream, creating a decadent treat that’s perfect for sipping during the chilly holiday season. Top it off with whipped cream and chocolate syrup for an extra indulgent touch.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz hot chocolate (cooled slightly)
• 1 oz peppermint schnapps or Bailey’s Irish Cream
• Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
• Chocolate syrup (optional, for drizzling)

Instructions:

1. Pour the cooled hot chocolate into a shot glass.
2. Add peppermint schnapps or Bailey’s Irish Cream.
3. Top with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup if desired.

6. Cranberry Bliss Shot

Tart cranberries meet smooth vodka in this vibrant, fruity shot that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. The tangy cranberry juice pairs perfectly with the citrusy notes of orange liqueur and the bold kick of vodka, creating a refreshing and festive drink that’s perfect for any holiday gathering. Garnished with a fresh cranberry or orange peel, this shot is as visually appealing as it is tasty.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz cranberry juice
• ½ oz orange liqueur (e.g., Triple Sec)
• ½ oz vodka
• Fresh cranberries or orange peel (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Combine cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and vodka in a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Shake well and strain into a shot glass.
3. Garnish with a fresh cranberry or orange peel for a pop of color.

7. Apple Pie Shot

Warm spices and sweet apple flavors make this Apple Pie Shot taste just like homemade pie—but much quicker to prepare! The fiery kick of cinnamon whiskey blends seamlessly with the sweetness of apple schnapps, creating a dessert-like experience that’s both comforting and exciting. Rimmed with cinnamon-sugar, this shot is the perfect way to bring a little spice to your holiday festivities.

Ingredients:

• ½ oz Fireball Cinnamon Whisky
• ½ oz apple schnapps
• Cinnamon-sugar mixture (for rimming)

Instructions:

1. Rim a shot glass with cinnamon-sugar by dipping the rim in water or simple syrup and coating it with the mixture.
2. Mix Fireball and apple schnapps in a shaker with ice.
3. Shake and strain into the prepared shot glass.
4. Garnish with a slice of green apple for extra flair.

8. Reindeer Fuel

Packed with energy and holiday cheer, Reindeer Fuel combines espresso and amaretto for a caffeinated kick. This shot is perfect for those late-night holiday parties when you need a little extra boost to keep the festivities going. The rich, nutty flavors of amaretto and hazelnut liqueur pair beautifully with the boldness of espresso, creating a drink that’s both invigorating and indulgent.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz freshly brewed espresso (cooled slightly)
• ½ oz amaretto
• ½ oz hazelnut liqueur

Instructions:

1. Brew a strong shot of espresso and let it cool slightly.
2. Add amaretto and hazelnut liqueur to the espresso.
3. Stir well and serve in a shot glass. It’s fuel fit for Santa himself!

9. Snowflake Shot

Light, airy, and oh-so-refreshing, the Snowflake Shot is a blue-hued beauty that captures the magic of winter. The tropical flavors of coconut rum and pineapple juice are balanced by the bright, citrusy notes of blue curaçao, creating a drink that’s as refreshing as a snowfall. Garnished with a maraschino cherry or edible glitter, this shot is a true winter wonderland in a glass.

Ingredients:

• ½ oz blue curaçao
• ½ oz coconut rum
• ½ oz pineapple juice
• Maraschino cherry or edible glitter (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Combine blue curaçao, coconut rum, and pineapple juice in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake until frosty and strain into a shot glass.
3. Garnish with a maraschino cherry or sprinkle edible glitter for a snowflake-inspired finish.

10. Santa’s Little Helper

Naughty or nice, this creamy, dreamy shot is guaranteed to put a smile on anyone’s face. The combination of Baileys Irish Cream, whipped cream-flavored vodka, and white crème de cacao creates a luscious, dessert-like experience that’s perfect for indulging during the holiday season. Topped with whipped cream and red sprinkles, this shot is as festive as it gets—just like Santa’s little helper delivering gifts on Christmas Eve.

Ingredients:

• ½ oz Baileys Irish Cream
• ½ oz whipped cream-flavored vodka
• ½ oz white crème de cacao
• Whipped cream and red sprinkles (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Blend Baileys, whipped cream-flavored vodka, and white crème de cacao in a shaker with ice.
2. Pour into a chilled shot glass.
3. Top with whipped cream and red sprinkles for a Santa-approved presentation.

Final Thoughts

These 10 Christmas shot recipes are designed to bring joy, laughter, and plenty of holiday cheer to your celebrations. Whether you’re sipping solo or sharing with friends, each shot is sure to warm your heart and lift your spirits. So gather your ingredients, shake up these festive concoctions, and toast to a magical holiday season filled with good company and great drinks!