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This colorful shot is a great way to kick off the New Year with fun flavors and eye-catching looks. It’s easy to whip up, tastes fresh, and works well when you’re clinking glasses with your favorite people.
I first brought these to a rowdy New Year's Eve party and they quickly stole the spotlight. They’re super easy and perfect to tweak for any hangout throughout the year.
What You’ll Need
- Sugar for the rim: gives a sweet kick and a festive look when sprinkled on the glass edge. Use fine sugar that sticks nicely to citrus juice.
- Fresh berries: add a pop of color and a little hint of fresh flavor to the shots.
- Ice cubes: cool down the mix fast and keep each shot nice and chilled.
- Flavored liqueur like peach, berry, or citrus: brings a unique aroma and flavor twist. Go for lively, fresh liqueurs to boost the taste.
- Vodka: offers a smooth, clean base that blends well with the other ingredients. Pick a quality brand you enjoy.
- Orange juice: adds a bright and tangy balance to the sweetness. Fresh-squeezed always tastes best.
- Lemon or lime wedges: give a simple, fresh decoration and a zesty touch when rubbed around the glass rims.
- Grenadine: deep red color and sweet finish. Choose pure grenadine with no artificial stuff for top flavor.
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Get Glasses Cold:
- Pop the shot glasses in the freezer or fill them with ice water first. That way they’ll stay cool for serving.
- Mix The Drinks:
- Put ice cubes in your shaker to cool the stuff without watering it down too fast. Pour in vodka plus your flavored liqueur. Stir it gently so everything blends well.
- Brighten It Up:
- Add the orange juice to bring a fresh and zesty note that balances the sweetness and booze.
- Pour And Layer:
- Carefully strain the mix into the chilled glasses. Slowly pour grenadine on top so it sinks or creates a cool layered look.
- Finish Off:
- If you want, dip the rims in lemon or lime juice then sugar for a festive sparkle. Drop a fresh berry in each glass for a nice touch. Serve right away while it’s cold.
I like peach liqueur best for its warm sweetness that goes perfectly with the tangy orange juice. The smiles I got when I first shared these said it all — they’re both classy and playful in every shot.
Easy Storage Notes
Make the mix ahead and keep it in the fridge for up to a day. Add grenadine right before you’re ready to serve so the layers stay clear. Chill the glasses for about half an hour beforehand to serve cool shots. Keep leftover grenadine in a cool dark spot and use it before it loses its fresh color and taste.
Switch It Up Ideas
Try swapping vodka for gin or white rum if you want a different base with the same fresh vibe. Play around with other liqueurs like raspberry, mango, or elderflower to give it your own twist. Use blood orange or grapefruit juice instead of regular orange juice for a richer citrus kick.
Great Pairings
Serve with light snacks like shrimp cocktail or veggie sticks to balance the sweetness. Sweet treats like lemon bars or berry tarts go great and match the fruity flavors. For those skipping alcohol, offer sparkling water with fresh citrus slices for a cool option.
Cultural Roots
This drink fits right in with Western traditions where raising a glass means sharing hope and good vibes for the new year. The grenadine layer nods to classic cocktails inspired by tiki bars and retro styles that focus on cool looks. Fresh berries and citrus rims bring a fresh spin to old-school party drinks.
These festive shots are stylish and super fun, great for any get-together. Have fun making them your own and sharing with friends and family.
Frequently Asked Cooking Questions
- → Which flavors mix well with vodka in these shots?
Try fruity liqueurs like citrus, peach, or berry—they bring in sweetness and flavor that match vodka nicely.
- → What are some cool ways to garnish these shots?
Coat the rims with sugar and toss in lemon or lime slices or fresh berries to make them look and taste great.
- → Do I really need to chill the shot glasses first?
Cooling the glasses keeps the shots colder for longer and makes each sip more refreshing.
- → Can I make these shots ahead of time?
It’s best to mix them right before drinking so they taste fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients before.
- → How many calories are in each shot roughly?
Each shot has about 95 calories, so it’s a light choice for your party drinks.