The Best Jolly Rancher Shot Recipe

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If you’re searching for a creative and tasty drink option, look no further! I’ve turned my most popular cocktail, Jolly Rancher Punch, into another delicious drink, a shot! This Jolly Rancher shot recipe is visually stunning and bursting with mouthwatering flavors. Made with cherry vodka, peach schnapps, and a splash of cranberry juice, this recipe is the perfect way to toast to any occasion.

Jolly rancher shots with fresh juice and ginger.

My Jolly Rancher shots are a must-try for fruity cocktail lovers and anyone fond of the iconic Jolly Rancher sweets. They have a vibrant and festive appearance. I love that they’re not overly sweet or sugary but taste like hard Jolly Rancher candies.

Plus, with only four ingredients required, they’re straightforward to make. They’re always a huge hit with party guests when served on a platter with classic Jolly Ranchers! Everyone loves their fruity taste! 

If you’re a fan of fruity cocktails and Jolly Rancher candy, you must try these shot recipes: Gummy Bear shot and Lemon drop shot.

Jolly Rancher shots with candied ginger.

Why You’ll Love These Shots

  • Refreshing Fruity Flavors: The candy’s signature tastes come alive in a new form.
  • Simple Preparation: With minimal ingredients, anyone can conjure up these shots.
  • Party Favorite: They are surefire hits, elevating any social gathering.

Crafting The Perfect Shot

Here’s everything you need to make these fun shots! 

Supplies

  • Measuring Tool (Cocktail Jigger): Essential for accurate ingredient portions.
  • Mixer (Cocktail Shaker): For combining liquids evenly. If you don’t have one, a mason jar works great, too.
  • Shot Glasses: Standard shot glasses work perfectly for this recipe.
Apple vodka, cranberry juice, pineapple juice, peach liquor.

Shopping List and Ingredient Notes

Cranberry Juice adds tartness and Jolly Rancher flavor to the shot. Opt for sweetened cranberry juice, not the unsweet version. 

Peach Schnapps – A sweet, peach-flavored liqueur. It adds a subtle sweetness and fruity flavor to the shot, and the aromatic peachy notes perfectly complement the cherry and cranberry flavors. Additionally, the peach schnapps bring a hint of fruitiness to the mix, enhancing the overall drinking experience. 

Cherry Vodka – I love its tangy flavor, which adds a nice fruitiness touch. However, you can also use a different flavored vodka, like raspberry or any flavor you have in mind. 

Note: If you want your shot to be more potent, use less cranberry juice and more vodka.

Fruit juice and vodka in a cocktail shaker with ice.

How To Make

Let’s shake things up with this fruity shot recipe! Here’s a step-by-step process, and remember to refer to the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions provided in the printable recipe card at the end of this post. 

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add the cranberry juice, cherry vodka, and peach schnapps. 
  3. Shake vigorously for 20 seconds so the liquids are well combined.
  4. Strain into shot glasses.
Shaking a cocktail shaker with ice and juice.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Twist: Add 2 ounces of ginger juice for a zesty punch.

Flavored Vodka: Opt for a different flavor of vodka, such as Jolly Rancher flavored vodka, green apple vodka, or blue raspberry vodka, to diversify the taste.

Sour Sensation: Replace the peach schnapps with sour apple schnapps for a tart and sweet variation.

Jolly Rancher Vodka

Infuse vodka with Jolly Rancher candies to use for this recipe. Unwrap 15 jolly rancher candies. Then, place candies into the bottle of vodka and let it sit for 24 hours. 

The candies will break down and leave you with flavorful vodka! Make different flavors by using different Jolly Ranchers.

Pouring a jolly rancher shot into a shot glass.

Serving Suggestions for Jolly Rancher Shots

Glass Selection: Choose small glass shot glasses for an elegant serving. Options such as Teardrop Tasting Glasses, Hatch Shot Glasses, or Dorset Shot Glasses add sophistication to your presentation.

Garnishing: Enhance the look by sugaring the rims of the glasses. This adds a decorative touch and complements the sweetness of the flavors. You can also use crushed Jolly Rancher candies to garnish the outside.

Unique Glasses: For a fun twist, consider using ice shot glasses or Jolly Rancher-infused ones to heighten the experience.

Complementary Garnish: Accompany each shot with a small piece of candied ginger, which offers a fresh, zesty flavor and a delightful contrast following the sweet shot.

Soda Pairings: While serving, consider offering a side of ginger ale, club soda, or lemon-lime soda to cleanse the palate.

Fresh Fruit: Add a fresh feel by garnishing with an orange wedge or a strawberry, tying in the fruit theme and color of the shots.

The best jolly rancher shot with ginger.

Optimal Occasions for Serving

This recipe is excellent to serve year-round, especially as a summer cocktail! Serve this shot recipe at any of these parties:

Pink shots with ginger.

More Fun Shot Recipes 

For more vodka recipes, try my easy vodka soda and the best vodka cocktails at home! 

Let us know what you think! 

If you make these festive shots, let us know by leaving a comment and review below.

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jolly rancher shots on a platter

Jolly Rancher Shot

This is the best jolly rancher shot recipe! We've turned our most popular cocktail, jolly rancher punch into another delicious drink, a shot! This shot is not an overly sweet, sugary shot.
4.69 from 19 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Cocktail
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 6 shots
Calories: 115kcal
Author: Eden

Ingredients

  • 4 ounces apple vodka
  • 4 ounces peach schnapps
  • 6 ounces cranberry juice
  • 4 ounces pineapple juice

Instructions

  • Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
    cocktail shaker filled with ice
  • Pour the ingredients into the cocktail shaker.
    pouring apple vodka into a cocktail shaker
  • Shake for 20 seconds.
    shaking a cocktail shaker with ice and juice
  • Strain the cocktial into shot glasses.
    pouring a jolly rancher shot into a shot glass
  • Serve with candied ginger.
    the best jolly rancher shot with ginger

Video

Notes

Raspberry vodka works for this recipe, too. 
Sugar the rim for a sweeter flavor, or use crushed Jolly Rancher candies. 

Nutrition

Calories: 115kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 47mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 14IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 1mg
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Frequently Asked Questions 

What is a Jolly Rancher shot made of? 

These shots are made from cranberry juice, pineapple juice, vodka, and Peach schnapps.

 Can you make these ahead of time? 

You can make these ahead of time. Measure all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker. Before adding ice, keep the shaker in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. When you’re ready to serve, add the ice and shake. Then, strain into shot glasses.

Is It Possible to Use a Different Juice in Place of Cranberry?

Indeed, while the original blend uses cranberry juice, experimenting with different juice types can add a unique twist to the taste. However, it’s essential to remember that this may alter the shot’s final flavor profile and appearance.
Juice Variations: Opt for juices that complement alcohol to maintain a palatable balance.
Alcohol Content: The choice of juice shouldn’t significantly affect the alcohol by volume (ABV), as the critical alcoholic components remain vodka and Peach schnapps.
Economic Options: If cost is a concern, choose a more budget-friendly juice. This won’t compromise the party shot’s essence, as the spirits primarily define its character.

Jolly Rancher pinterest graphic.

More drink recipes to try: Easy punch recipes for a party, great cocktail recipes, my favorite brunch recipes, the best-mixed drinks, tequila cocktails, gin cocktails, and cheap drinks to make at home!

3 thoughts on “The Best Jolly Rancher Shot Recipe”

  1. 5 stars
    These shots were such a fun, yummy addition to our cul-de-sac game night last night. And everyone thought they really tasted like Jolly Ranchers!

    Reply

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