Thanksgiving shots are an underappreciated, undervalued, and underutilized holiday staple -- second only to your career your family doesn't understand. Hand out these shots to your favorite cousin, your chatty aunt that always seems to have an unwarranted opinion, or leave these by the appetizers for anyone to enjoy and sneak at their discretion. Whether you want a jello shot that'll fit right in with the snacks, a pudding shot with your pie, or you're looking for a tasty shot to pregame the parade and other Thanksgiving festivities, these shots have you covered. And then some!
Pumpkin Pie Pudding Shot
If you're really full, you can enjoy one of these Thanksgiving pudding shots instead of a slice of pie. But if you tap into your dessert stomach, you can have a slice of traditional pie and a pudding shot. This recipe will make approximately fifteen shots.
Ingredients
- 1 package vanilla instant pudding mix
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup cinnamon whiskey
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup whipped cream vodka
- Whipped cream for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pudding mix, milk, cinnamon whiskey, pumpkin puree, and whipped cream vodka.
- Whisk the ingredients until thickened and chill for about sixty minutes.
- Spoon into serving glasses.
- Garnish each serving with whipped cream.
Turkey Gobble Jello Shot
If this shot had the name "pregame cranberry sauce," it probably wouldn't be as popular. Unless you're in the club that shamelessly eats cranberry sauce straight from a can, then fly your flag and call this shot exactly what it is. This Thanksgiving jello shot recipe yields approximately 12 shots.
Ingredients
- 1 (3 ounce) package of cranberry Jello
- 1½ cups water, divided
- ½ cup vodka
- 1 ounce orange liqueur
- Ice
Instructions
- In a large heat-safe mixing bowl, stir together boiling water and cranberry gelatin.
- Stir for approximately two minutes or until the gelatin has completely dissolved.
- Stir in cold water, vodka, and orange liqueur.
- Mix until well combined.
- Carefully pour into 2-ounce cups or baking sheet with lip.
- Chill in refrigerator until firm, approximately 4 hours.
- Cut into approximately twelve squares.
Irish Coffee Shot
Join those drinking a late-night or afternoon Irish coffee with a smaller, bite-sized version of the beloved cocktail.
Ingredients
- ¾ ounce Irish whiskey
- ½ ounce coffee liqueur
- ¼ ounce almond liqueur
- Ice
- Whipped cream for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, Irish whiskey, coffee liqueur, and almond liqueur.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into shot glass.
- Garnish with whipped cream.
Cranberry Dream Shot
Gear up for Thanksgiving dinner with a cranberry shot that has a soft touch of whipped cream. The dream part is you don't need to wait for the jello to set since this is a traditional shot.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce vodka
- ¼ ounce whipped cream vodka
- ½ ounce cranberry juice
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, vodka, whipped cream vodka, and cranberry juice.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into shot glass.
Pineapple Upside Down Cake Shot
If you're always too full for dessert, then have it first! Skip straight to dessert with a tasty shot while you nibble on charcuterie and watch the Thanksgiving day game with family or friends.
Ingredients
- ¾ ounce pineapple juice
- ¾ ounce vanilla vodka
- ¼ ounce grenadine
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, pineapple juice, and vanilla vodka.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into shot glass.
- Slowly add grenadine by pouring down the back of a bar spoon, allowing it to sink.
Parade Punch Shot
Don't fill your stomach with a Thanksgiving punch drink, not when you want all that space for the tasty treats awaiting you. Turn to the parade punch shot-also a great way to pregame if you'll be watching a Thanksgiving parade in person.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce vodka
- ½ ounce cranberry juice
- ¼ ounce freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
- ¼ ounce orange liqueur
- Ice
- Grapefruit slice for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, vodka, cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, and orange liqueur.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into shot glass.
- Garnish with grapefruit slice.
Bloody Mary Shot
If you're the one in charge of prepping the Thanksgiving food, you may find yourself up early. Or, if you're tasked with helping the one in charge, make yourself look a bit busy to avoid extra tasks by lovingly making them a Bloody Mary shot.
Ingredients
- Lime wedge and Bloody Mary rim seasoning
- 1 ounce vodka
- ¾ ounce Bloody Mary mix
- Ice
- Short celery stalk, lemon wedge, and cocktail pickle for garnish
Instructions
- To prepare rim, rub the rim of the glass with the lime wedge.
- With the seasoning on a saucer, dip either half or the entire rim of the glass in the seasoning to coat.
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, vodka, and Bloody Mary mix.
- Strain into prepared glass.
- Garnish with celery stalk, lemon wedge, and cocktail pickle.
Caramel Apple Jello Shot
Bring what is sure to be the most sought-after dessert to your Thanksgiving gathering. This will make approximately 12 shots.
Ingredients
- 3-ounce package unflavored gelatin
- 6 ounces boiling water
- 2 ounces cold water
- 2 ounces sour apple vodka
- 2 ounces caramel vodka
- Small 2-ounce molds, such as a plastic or paper ramekin
Instructions
- In a large heat-safe mixing bowl, stir together boiling water and gelatin.
- Stir for approximately two minutes or until the gelatin has completely dissolved.
- Stir in cold water, sour apple vodka, and caramel vodka.
- Mix until well combined.
- Carefully pour into 2-ounce cups.
- Chill in refrigerator until firm, approximately 4 hours.
Chocolate Pudding Shot
A classic chocolate pudding shot, with a pinch of crushed hazelnuts, adds a little something to Thanksgiving afternoon or keeps the party going into desserts.
Ingredients
- 1 package chocolate instant pudding mix
- 1 cup milk
- ¾ cup vodka
- ¼ cup Irish cream
- 1½ ounces hazelnut liqueur
- 8 ounces whipped cream
- Crushed hazelnuts for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pudding mix, milk, vodka, Irish cream, and hazelnut liqueur.
- Whisk the ingredients until thickened and chill for about five minutes.
- Once chilled, fold in the whipped cream and spoon the mixture into shot glasses.
- Chill for about an hour and remove when it's time to serve.
- Garnish each cup with crushed hazelnuts.
Bourbon Apple Pie Shot
Tapping out because you're too full from Thanksgiving dinner and don't have the space in your stomach for regret? Enter your answer: the bourbon apple pie shot.
Ingredients
- ¾ ounce bourbon
- ½ ounce red apple liqueur
- ¼ ounce cinnamon liqueur
- ¼ ounce ginger liqueur
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, bourbon, red apple liqueur, cinnamon liqueur, and ginger liqueur.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into shot glass.
Cinnamon Apple Shot
Be the cool, semi-responsible aunt with a delicious cinnamon apple shot. It will not only look delicious on a Thanksgiving table, but this shot means no one will remember you forgot to bring the mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
- ¾ ounce cinnamon-infused vodka
- ¾ ounce red apple liqueur
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, cinnamon vodka, and red apple liqueur.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into shot glass.
Pomegranate Moscow Mule Shot
Jam fall flavors into a tiny shot glass for this Thanksgiving shot that won't be one everyone has seen before.
Ingredients
- ¾ ounce vodka
- ½ ounce pomegranate juice
- ¼ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- ¼ ounce ginger beer
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, vodka, pomegranate juice, and lime juice.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into shot glass.
- Top off with ginger beer.
White Chocolate Strawberry Shot
So you forgot to actually make dessert, and all the stores are closed. Good news, you have this shot in your back pocket, ready to rock the socks off anyone that doesn't think a Thanksgiving shot can deliver.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce strawberry vodka
- ½ ounce white crème de cacao
- ¼ ounce strawberry liqueur
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, strawberry vodka, white crème de cacao, and strawberry liqueur.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into shot glass.
Bacon Bourbon Shot
Roll up to Thanksgiving with the ingredients for this savory shot in hand. If you're feeling particularly inspired, you can make candied bacon for people to nibble on while they take a break from playing or watching football.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce bacon-infused bourbon
- ½ ounce apple liqueur
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, bacon bourbon, and apple liqueur.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into shot glass.
Chocolate Cake Shot
It's been a long day, and you've been hopping from Thanksgiving party to Thanksgiving party. Don't stress about finding room for more food and dessert with a delicious chocolate cake shot.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce hazelnut liqueur
- ½ ounce lemon vodka
- Ice
- Lemon slice with a dash of sugar for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, hazelnut liqueur, and lemon vodka.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into shot glass.
- Garnish with prepared lemon slice.
- Lick lemon slice, then consume shot.
Spiced Apple Shot
Apple is a star at Thanksgiving, from apple crostini appetizers to apple stuffing and apple pie. Loop that flavor into Thanksgiving shots!
Ingredients
- ¾ ounce spiced rum
- ½ ounce apple liqueur
- ¼ ounce cinnamon liqueur
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, spiced rum, apple liqueur, and cinnamon liqueur.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into shot glass.
Apple Moscow Mule Shot
Celebrating your Turkey Trot run with a Moscow mule can be tough, especially when you need to jump in the shower and hit the road for Thanksgiving with your family. These shots are great to enjoy as you get ready and bring them to the party. It's a win-win-win-win.
Ingredients
- ¾ ounce vodka
- ½ ounce sour apple liqueur
- Ice
- Ginger beer to top off
- Lemon ribbon for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, vodka, and sour apple liqueur.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into shot glass.
- Top off with ginger beer.
- Garnish with lemon ribbon.
Honey Toddy Shot
No boiling water is necessary with this bite-size toddy shot. It may not fix your sore throat from all the talking and yelling, but it'll certainly soothe the soul.
Ingredients
- ¾ ounce bourbon
- ½ ounce honey liqueur
- ¼ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, bourbon, honey liqueur, and lemon juice.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into shot glass.
Thankful for Biscotti Shot
Complete your post-Thanksgiving dinner food-coma with a cup of coffee and a biscotti shot chaser.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce hazelnut liqueur
- ¼ ounce simple syrup
- ¼ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, hazelnut liqueur, simple syrup, and lime juice.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into shot glass.
Butterscotch Apple Cider Shots
Polish off the last of your apple cider, or get going on your last quart with its inclusion in this delicious Thanksgiving shot that'll change the game for shots.
Ingredients
- Honey and brown sugar for rim
- ¾ ounce bourbon
- ½ ounce butterscotch liqueur
- ¼ ounce apple cider
- Ice
Instructions
- To prepare rim, dip the rim of the glass in honey.
- With the brown sugar on a saucer, dip either half or the entire rim of the glass in the sugar to coat.
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, bourbon, butterscotch liqueur, and apple cider.
- Strain into prepared glass.
Pumpkin Pie Shot
Indulge in a liquid version of your favorite Thanksgiving dessert: pumpkin pie.
Ingredients
- Lemon and cinnamon sugar for rim
- 1 ounce vanilla vodka
- ½ ounce pumpkin puree
- ½ ounce cinnamon whiskey
- Ice
- Whipped cream for garnish
Instructions
- To prepare rim, rub the rim of the glass with the lemon wedge.
- With the cinnamon sugar on a saucer, dip either half or the entire rim of the glass in the sugar to coat.
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, vanilla vodka, pumpkin puree, and cinnamon whiskey.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into prepared glass.
- Garnish with whipped cream.
Cinnamon Apple Pie Shot
If you want your apple appetizer to be the hit of the day, offer these Thanksgiving shots along with it.
Ingredients
- ¾ red apple liqueur
- ½ ounce butterscotch liqueur
- ¼ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¼ ounce cinnamon liqueur
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, red apple liqueur, butterscotch liqueur, lemon juice, and cinnamon liqueur.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into shot glass.
Candied Orange Shot
Pair your shot with the festive orange Thanksgiving decorations with that'll change how you look at candied oranges.
Ingredients
- ¾ ounce orange vodka
- ¼ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¼ ounce simple syrup
- Ice
- Orange wheel and herb sprig for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, orange vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into shot glass.
- Garnish with orange wheel and herb sprig.
Harvest Punch Shot
Gather 'round the cocktail table for a harvest punch shot. With a little rum and a whole lot of apple flavor, you're sure to get the prime spot at the table closest to the food.
Ingredients
- ¾ ounce spiced rum
- ½ ounce apple cider
- ½ ounce cranberry juice
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, spiced rum, apple cider, and cranberry juice.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into shot glass.
Pumpkin Spice Pudding Shot
Your favorite fall coffee order in a Thanksgiving dessert shot. Who says this flavor is only for the morning? This will make enough for fifteen servings.
Ingredients
- 1 package vanilla instant pudding mix
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup whipped cream vodka
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup coffee liqueur
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pudding mix, milk, whipped cream vodka, pumpkin puree, and coffee liqueur.
- Whisk the ingredients until thickened and chill for about sixty minutes.
- Spoon into serving glasses.
Mini Cider Margarita Shot
Hollow out small apples, you know, the ones you were stuck with after the orchard was picked over? They're your new best friend for this one-of-a-kind Thanksgiving shot.
Ingredients
- ¾ ounce silver tequila
- ½ ounce apple cider
- ¼ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- Ice
- Cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, silver tequila, apple cider, and lime juice.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into shot glass or hollowed-out apple.
- Garnish with cinnamon stick.
Pumpkin Spice Latte Shot
The pumpkin spice latte shot is perfect for when you have neither the time nor the patience to assemble pudding shots. Who has spare time during the holidays?
Ingredients
- ¾ ounce vanilla vodka
- ½ ounce pumpkin puree
- ½ ounce coffee liqueur
- Ice
- Whipped cream and grated nutmeg for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, vanilla vodka, pumpkin puree, and coffee liqueur.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into shot glass.
- Garnish with whipped cream and grated nutmeg.
Sangria Shot
Not just for the hot days of the year, sangria shots are the perfect contribution to any Thanksgiving gathering, especially if you know a full glass of wine will leave your head buzzing.
Ingredients
- ¾ ounce red wine
- ½ ounce orange liqueur
- ¼ ounce cinnamon liqueur
- ¼ ounce simple syrup
- Ice
- Lemon wheel and raspberry for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, red wine, orange liqueur, cinnamon liqueur, and simple syrup.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into shot glass.
- Garnish with lemon wheel and raspberry.
Pecan Pie Shot
Sip, well shoot, the nutty flavor of pie in a Thanksgiving shot that tastes remarkably homemade.
Ingredients
- ¾ ounce pecan-infused bourbon
- ½ ounce Irish cream
- ¼ ounce salted caramel vodka
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, pecan bourbon, Irish cream, and salted caramel vodka.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into shot glass.
Thanksgiving Shot Flavor Pairings
There's a wide world of Thanksgiving fall flavors. If you're looking for an easy two-ingredient Thanksgiving shot, these will get things going in the gobble of a turkey.
- Cranberry juice + apple vodka
- Apple cider + whipped cream vodka
- Bourbon + apple cider
- Pumpkin cream liqueur + vodka
- Caramel vodka + apple liqueur
- Cinnamon whiskey + caramel syrup
- Whipped cream vodka + pecan bitters
- Butterscotch liqueur + cinnamon vodka
- Irish cream + caramel bourbon
- Rosemary vodka + cranberry juice
Thanksgiving Shots to Break All the Holiday Rules
Explore the world of shots for Thanksgiving that'll make dessert a vital part of the day, or get things going with a Thanksgiving shot to pair with appetizers. Don't spend another Thanksgiving wondering what it's missing; close your eyes, pick a shot, and get going!
