Top Shooter Recipes

Many people think shots are a bit boring – a single measure of one alcoholic drink that is drunk in a mouthful and then it’s over.  But there is a type of cocktail that uses the shot glass but is a bit more fun and that is the shooter.  These are short and potent drinks that combine spirits, liqueurs and non-alcoholic components to make a short drink that can even look really brilliant.  This means they are a great party idea and to give someone a personalised shot glass to commemorate a special occasion is a way of both remembering this and allowing them to continue to experiment!

Jello Shooters

Jello shooters are brilliant for a party and can be used in so many different ways, there is never a guest who will be left out.  You can even make a special one for the birthday boy or girl with their own celebratory shot glass.  The basic recipe uses 3 ounces of gelatine, 8 ounces of boiling water, 4 ounces of vodka or other spirit and 4 ounces of cold water. 

Mix the cold water and alcohol together then chill them in the refrigerator so they are the same temperature.  Next, pour the gelatine into a bowl and add the boiling water, stirring until it is dissolved.  Next stir in the chilled mixture and add food colouring if you want to and allow to set.  Serve them in the glasses or tipped out if you refer.

For a Margarita version, use 2 ounces of water, 3 ounces of tequila, 1 ounce triple sec and 2 ounces lime juice then follow the same idea.

Famous shooters

One of the most famous shooters is the Alabama Slammer (great name!) which can be made with or without the sloe gin depending on taste.  The traditional recipe uses ½ ounce sloe gin, 1 ounce amaretto, 1 ounce Southern Comfort and a dash of lemon juice.  To make the drink, mix the drinks into a mixing glass with ice and add the lemon juice.  Stir it well then strain into shot glasses.

Layer shooters look brilliant for parties as well as tasting great.  One example is the B-52, which makes a startling three layered drink.  It uses ½ ounce coffee liqueur, ½ ounce Irish cream liqueur and 1.2 ounce orange liqueur with Grand Marnier being a favourite.  Pour the coffee liqueur into the shot glass then gently float the Irish cream liqueur on the top.  Finally add the Grand Marnier so that it sits on the top and forms the orange layer.

Another startling looking drink that is great for a party around St Patricks Day or for Irish friends is the Irish Flag Shooter.  This uses 1 part green crème de menthe, 1 part Irish cream liqueur and 1 part Grand Marnier liqueur.  Layer them into the glass in that order to recreate the colours of the Irish flag.

Finally, for a hot shot for parties, go for the Prairie Fire Tequila Shooter.  Take 1 ounce of tequila and add two drops of Tabasco for a short drink that isn’t for the faint hearted!