This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.
This birthday cake shot tastes just like sweet vanilla cake, made with whipped vodka, white chocolate liqueur, and a fun sprinkle rim! It’s a quick, festive shot recipe that’s perfect for adult birthday parties, celebrations, and anytime you want a playful dessert cocktail.
Looking for more shot recipes? Try my Jolly Rancher Shot, Green Tea Shots, Lemon Drop Shots and Gummy Bear Shots!
Pin this now to find it later
Pin ItWhy You’ll Love These Birthday Cake Shots
- Inspired by cake favorites: These were inspired by my Funfetti cake and classic birthday cake recipes. I wanted something festive, fun, and totally celebratory in cocktail form!
- Easy to make: Like most of my shot recipes, these come together with just five ingredients and only take a few minutes.
- Perfect for parties: Fun, festive, and guaranteed crowd energy. These birthday cake shots always get people excited.
- Customizable: Swap vodkas, add a fruity splash, or strain into a martini glass if you want to switch it up.
Birthday Cake Shot Ingredients
Whipped Vodka: This has the most delicious whipped vanilla flavor. You can also use Pinnacle Cake Vodka, cream vodka, or vanilla-flavored vodka.
White Chocolate Liqueur: Adds a nice sweetness and helps make these birthday shots creamy. You can use any white chocolate liqueur you prefer, or you can use white chocolate Irish Cream, as I did.
Vanilla Extract: I add this to give the shots an even more robust vanilla birthday cake flavor. This makes these shots the real deal!
Vanilla Frosting: This is used to rim the shot glasses before adding the sprinkles. It will hold the sprinkles to the glass, giving them a fun and festive birthday party look. This also adds to the white cake mix flavor of the shots.
Sprinkles: Use any sprinkles for this recipe, but I recommend using colorful sprinkles for fun!
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.
How to Make a Birthday Cake Shot
- Spread vanilla frosting around the rim of each shot glass.
- Dip the rims into colorful sprinkles to coat.
- Combine 1 ounce whipped vodka, 1 ounce white chocolate liqueur, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract in a cocktail shaker.
- Add ice and shake until chilled.
- Strain the mix into the prepared shot glasses.
Eden’s Birthday Cake Shot Tips
Batch It: Double or triple the recipe for larger gatherings.
Chill Your Ingredients: Cold ingredients make the shots taste better and feel refreshing.
Make Ahead: You can mix the ingredients in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Rim glasses and garnish just before serving.
Chocolate Cake Shot: Swap white chocolate liqueur with chocolate liqueur or Frangelico for a nutty flavor.
Fruity Twist: Add a splash of raspberry or strawberry liqueur for a berry-flavored version. (Or if you love citrus, you’ll want to save this lemon drop martini for another day!)
Birthday Cake Martini: Strain into a martini glass and garnish with sprinkles.
FAQs
They are very similar in flavor. Whipped vodka is a creamy and sweet vodka, while cake vodka is a type of vanilla-flavored vodka. Both are perfect for making birthday shots!
Yes, you can make the birthday shots ahead of time. Combine the ingredients and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Rim the glasses and top with whipped cream and sprinkles just before serving.
You can use honey or corn syrup if you don’t have frosting. Coat the rims of the shot glasses with either of these liquids and then dip them into sprinkles.
Yes! Substitute the vodka and liqueur with vanilla syrup and white chocolate-flavored cream.
This recipe makes about 4 shots. You can easily double or triple it for parties.
More Shot Recipes
These Birthday Cake Shots are always a hit! They’re fun, festive, and taste just like a sweet slice of cake—perfect for celebrating any adult birthday. If you give them a try, leave a comment and review so I know what you think!
My new Entertaining book is here! Order Now!
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.
