10 Vodka Shots That Are Much Better Than the Ones You Had in College
Updated: Nov. 01, 2023
You don't have to be a master mixologist to pour the perfect party drinks. These creative vodka shots are just what your guests will want to kick off the celebration.
Cantaloupe Smoothie Shooters
It has smoothie in the name, so it’s healthy—right? Regardless, these shooters from We are not Martha are definitely delicious, blended with vodka, Greek yogurt, cantaloupe and lime juice. If you’re craving a nonalcoholic smoothie, try one of these fruity concoctions.
Pumpkin Pie Shots
Fall means one thing: pumpkin spice. Get your fix with these seasonal shots, made with canned pumpkin and butterscotch schnapps liqueur.
Strawberry Lemonade Jell-O Shots
These aren’t the Jell-O shots of your college days. Crayons & Cravings makes them with fresh fruit and (hopefully!) better vodka, and they’re also poured into lemon wedges instead of plastic cups for a grownup twist on the party staple.
Cotton Candy Ice Cream Shots
If you’re obsessed with all things ice cream, these are the shots for you. And as if the vanilla vodka/cotton candy ice cream/coconut milk combo wasn’t rich enough, Sugar & Cloth also serves them with a fluffy cotton candy garnish. Here are 9 more boozy ice cream drinks to drool over.
Champagne Jell-O Shots
Why settle for regular shots when you could have sparkly champagne shots? Perfect for a New Year’s Eve party (just like these NYE menu ideas), these lemony sips from Feast + West are topped with glitter sprinkles for an extra glam touch.
Strawberry Shortcake Shooters
Have your cake and drink it, too! Tipsy Chickens designed these gorgeous strawberry shortcake shots. A spoonful of strawberry puree at the bottom of each glass adds a uniquely sweet twist, especially when you pour a healthy helping of cake vodka on top.
Birthday Cake Pudding Shots
Put the happy in “happy birthday” with these festive pudding shots, created by Wine & Glue. You can use boxed cake mix as your base, then add vodka, instant pudding and milk. Don’t forget the sprinkles!
Blueberry Lemonade Slammer Shot
Lemonade + fresh blueberries + vodka = the summer sip of your dreams. While you can make your own lemonade, the recipe from Take Two Tapas recommends simply buying it.
Spiced Apple Cider Jelly Shots
These spiced, spiked gelatin squares are sure to get the party started at fall get-togethers. If you’re going for the more traditional shot-style look, pour the mixture into 2-ounce plastic cups and refrigerate until set. — Rachel Seis, Senior Editor, Taste of Home
Green Tea Shots
Despite the name, there’s actually no green tea involved in the making of this shot. And while the original recipe calls for whiskey, mixologist Caroline Caron-Phelps from Pickled Plum says you can easily sub in vodka, adding it to the peach schnapps, sour mix and Sprite for a refreshing sip.
