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These Jolly Rancher shots taste just like the classic candy — fruity, vibrant, and incredibly easy to make. Made with vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry juice, and pineapple juice, this is the ultimate party shot.
They’re the perfect addition to party drink spreads alongside my Aperol shots, lemon drop shots, gummy bear shots, and birthday cake shots.
Pin this now to find it later
Pin ItI’ve made these Jolly Rancher shots for countless parties over the years, and they’re always one of the first drinks to disappear.
What is a Jolly Rancher shot?
A Jolly Rancher shot is a fruity vodka shot made with cranberry juice, pineapple juice, peach schnapps, and flavored vodka. It tastes like the classic candy and is commonly served at parties.
Why You’ll Love This Jolly Rancher Shot Recipe
Tastes like Jolly Rancher candy: Sweet, fruity, and nostalgic.
Easy to make: Just shake and pour!
Perfect for parties: Always a crowd favorite and the perfect party shot.
Customizable: Switch vodka flavors for different candy variations
Jolly Rancher Shot Ingredients
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.
Pineapple Juice: Balances the tart cranberry with natural sweetness and gives the shot a smooth, fruity finish.
Flavored Vodka: I love using apple vodka for its tangy fruitiness, but cherry, raspberry, green apple, or watermelon vodka all work beautifully depending on the flavor you want your Jolly Rancher shots to mimic.
Note: If you want your shot to be more potent, use less cranberry juice and more vodka.
How to Make a Jolly Rancher Shot
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.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the cranberry juice, vodka, and peach schnapps.
- Shake vigorously for 20 seconds so the liquids are well combined.
- Strain into shot glasses.
Best Vodka for Jolly Rancher Shots
- Green apple vodka → classic flavor
- Cherry vodka → bold and sweet
- Raspberry vodka → slightly tart
- Watermelon vodka → light and refreshing
Tips & Variations for Jolly Rancher Shots
Switch the vodka flavor: Use green apple, cherry, raspberry, or watermelon vodka to mimic different Jolly Rancher flavors.
Make it more or less sweet: Adjust the cranberry juice to taste — more for a lighter, sweeter shot, less for a stronger cocktail.
Try a sour twist: Swap the peach schnapps for sour apple schnapps for a tangier, candy-like flavor.
Add a spicy kick: A splash of ginger juice adds a subtle heat that balances the sweetness.
Serve it Cold: Chill your ingredients, or shake longer for the smoothest, most refreshing shot.
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.
FAQs
These shots are made from cranberry juice, pineapple juice, vodka, and Peach schnapps.
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.
Yes! Swapping cranberry juice for another type can give this shot a fun twist. Just keep in mind: The new juice will change the taste and look, so choose one that complements the vodka and Peach Schnapps.
Use my recipe and switch out the cranberry juice for watermelon juice for a watermelon Jolly Rancher shot!
More Shot Recipes
For more fun party shots, try my Gummy Bear Shot, Birthday Cake Shot, and my full collection of vodka cocktails — all easy entertaining favorites on Sugar & Charm.
If you make these festive Jolly Rancher shots, leave a comment and review below. I love hearing how you serve them at your parties!
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Jolly Rancher Shot
Ingredients
- 4 ounces apple vodka
- 4 ounces peach schnapps
- 6 ounces cranberry juice
- 4 ounces pineapple juice
Instructions
- Fill a large cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add 4 oz vodka, 4 oz peach schnapps, 6 oz cranberry juice, and 4 oz pineapple juice.
- Shake for 15–20 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain into shot glasses and serve immediately.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
These are the best!
I made them as the recipe says. They’re good…but not really Jolly Rancher flavored. Then I read what you wrote and you say CHERRY vodka even though the recipe says apple. I’m perplexed
These are so good!
Nice Post!
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!