This Jolly Rancher shot recipe is made with four ingredients! It’s visually stunning and bursting with mouthwatering flavors. Made with cherry vodka, peach schnapps, and a splash of cranberry juice, this shot recipe is the perfect way to toast to any occasion.
I’ve turned my most popular cocktail, Jolly Rancher Punch, into another delicious drink, a shot! 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.
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.
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. Additionally, the peach schnapps bring a hint of fruitiness to the mix, enhancing the overall drinking experience.
Apple Vodka – I love its tangy flavor, which adds a nice fruitiness touch. However, you can also use a different flavored vodka, like cherry, 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.
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, cherry vodka, and peach schnapps.
- Shake vigorously for 20 seconds so the liquids are well combined.
- Strain into shot glasses.
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.
Serving Suggestions
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.
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:
- Pool Parties: Refreshing during swim-filled gatherings.
- Beach Bonfires: Adds a sweet twist to seaside celebrations.
- Birthday Celebrations: A vibrant, last-minute drink option.
- Carnival-Themed Events: Complements a festive atmosphere.
- Tropical-themed Festivities: Aligns with exotic party themes.
- Independence Day Gatherings: A colorful addition to July Fourth festivities.
- Halloween Festivities: Incorporates a fun, candy-inspired element to the party.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
More Fun Shot Recipes
For more vodka recipes, try my easy vodka soda and the best vodka cocktails at home! 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!
If you make these festive shots, let us know by leaving a comment and review below.
You can also FOLLOW US on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more delicious recipes, cocktails, desserts, and parties!
want to save this?
Enter your email below and I’ll send it directly to your inbox!
Jolly Rancher Shot
Ingredients
- 4 ounces apple vodka
- 4 ounces peach schnapps
- 6 ounces cranberry juice
- 4 ounces pineapple juice
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Pour the ingredients into the cocktail shaker.
- Shake for 20 seconds.
- Strain the cocktial into shot glasses.
- Serve with candied ginger.
