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This Birthday Cake Shot tastes exactly like a slice of sweet vanilla cake. Made with whipped vodka, white chocolate liqueur, and a signature sprinkle rim, it’s the ultimate dessert cocktail for adult birthday parties or any celebration.
If you love playful party drinks, you’ll also want to check out my Jolly Rancher Shots, Green Tea Shots, and Gummy Bear Shots!
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Pin ItWhy You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Flavor: Inspired by classic Funfetti cake, this recipe captures that nostalgic “white cake mix” taste. A birthday cake in a shot glass!
- 5-Minute Prep: Like most of my shot recipes, this comes together with just a few ingredients.
- Crowd Pleaser: The festive sprinkle rim ensures these shots are the highlight of the “energy” at any party.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable into a Birthday Cake Martini or a non-alcoholic treat.
What Is a Birthday Cake Shot?
A birthday cake shot is a sweet, dessert-style cocktail made with whipped or vanilla vodka and a creamy liqueur, designed to taste like vanilla cake or frosting. It’s often served with a sprinkle-rimmed glass for a festive, party-ready look.
Birthday Cake Shot Ingredients
Whipped Vodka: Provides a creamy, airy vanilla base. (Pinnacle Cake or Vanilla vodka also work!)
White Chocolate Liqueur: Adds sweetness and a silky texture. White Chocolate Irish Cream is a great swap.
Vanilla Extract: The “secret weapon” that makes it taste like real baked cake.
Vanilla Frosting: The “glue” for your sprinkles that adds an extra hit of sweetness.
Sprinkles: Because it isn’t a birthday party without a pop of color!
How to Make a Birthday Cake Shot
- Rim the Glass: Spread vanilla frosting around the rim of each shot glass.
- Add Sprinkles: Dip the rims into colorful sprinkles to coat.
- Combine: Mix 1 ounce whipped vodka, 1 ounce white chocolate liqueur, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract in a cocktail shaker.
- Shake: Add ice and shake until chilled.
- Serve: Strain the mix into the prepared shot glasses.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Party Shot
Batch It for a Crowd: Mix the vodka, liqueur, and vanilla in a pitcher up to 3 days in advance. Store in the fridge and simply shake with ice before serving!
Chill Your Spirits: For the smoothest taste, keep your vodka in the freezer. A ice-cold shot is always better than a room-temperature one.
Balance the Sweetness: These are dessert-heavy, so I love pairing them with my tart Lemon Drop Shots. The citrus provides a perfect palate cleanser!
Add a Pop of Color: For a stunning party tray, serve these next to the bright orange glow of my Aperol Shots.
Chocolate Cake Variation: Swap white chocolate for dark chocolate liqueur or Frangelico for a hazelnut “Nutella” cake flavor.
Berry Bliss Twist: Add a splash of raspberry or strawberry liqueur for a fruity “Berry Birthday Cake” version.
Birthday Cake Shots FAQs
They are very similar! Whipped vodka is slightly airier and creamier, while cake vodka has a more distinct “batter” flavor. Both work perfectly in this recipe.
You can use honey, agave, or corn syrup to get the sprinkles to stick, though frosting provides the most authentic “cake” look.
Absolutely! Replace the spirits with vanilla syrup and white chocolate-flavored coffee creamer. Shake with ice and serve!
This recipe makes about 4 shots. You can easily double or triple it for parties.
More Shot Recipes
If you try these Birthday Cake Shots, please leave a comment and a 5-star review below! I love seeing your party recreations on Instagram—tag me in your photos!
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Birthday Cake Shot
Ingredients
- 4 ounces whipped vodka, vanilla vodka or birthday cake vodka work too.
- 4 ounce white chocolate liqueur
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup vanilla frosting
- 1/2 cup sprinkles
Instructions
- Rim the shot glasses by dipping them in a shallow bowl of frosting.
- Immediately dip them into a shallow bowl of sprinkles.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the whipped vodka, white chocolate liqueur, vanilla extract, and ice.
- Shake vigorously for 10 seconds to combine.
- Fill the prepared glasses with the birthday cake shot mixture.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
