Ha-looooo! And welcome to today’s episode of Christmas Drinks Are The Best Drinks ever featuring festive holiday shots.
I don’t mean to be super obvious here, but we have some really delicious things going on in the beverage department right now that you need to know about.
Starting with creamy eggnog shooters, moving on to vibrant layered peppermint drinks, and finishing with a dollop of whipped cream on top because WHIPPED CREAM RULES THE WORLD. I’m just a little obsessed.
1. Cranberry Kamikaze Shots
Do you love that bright, bittersweet flavor of the cosmo shot, but maybe want something a little less boozy? These kamikaze shots are exactly what you need. They use a lot of the same ingredients (triple sec, cranberry, vodka).
But, these have less alcohol and more fruit juice. This one is way tarter because of all the extra lime juice. It’s definitely a shot that will make you pucker!
2. Cranberry Jell-O Shots
Looking for something a little lighter and brighter, and maybe not so sugary sweet? Say hello to these cranberry Jell-O shots. They are perfectly tart and tangy, and taste exactly like… well, cranberry Jell-O.
Because that’s basically what they are! You’ll add a good splash of vodka, but honestly, it doesn’t really mess with the cranberry flavor. If you want to make them look extra festive, you can add some sugared cranberries on top.
That gives them a little pop of sweetness and makes them feel totally Christmasy. But even without that, these are a total crowd-pleaser.
3. Chocolate Chip Cookie Shooters
Here’s one that is super fun for the whole family! These shooters are totally alcohol-free. I like to think Santa’s cheer is 100% natural, so these are probably what he’s drinking on the big night.
It’s a shot glass loaded up with milk and all those buttery chocolate chip cookie ingredients. It’s just a really fun, fancy way to serve the classic cookies and milk. Plus, the kids get to be part of the celebration!
4. Snowball Shooter
Okay, so these snowball shooters aren’t the prettiest ones on the list. But who cares when the taste is pure holiday magic? You’re making them with three classic Christmas flavors: brandy, peppermint schnapps, and white crème de cacao.
The flavor is so rich and warm, and just packed with mint and chocolate. It’s basically a Peppermint Patty in a glass. Honestly, what’s better than that for a holiday treat?
5. Santa Panties
Bright, feisty red on the bottom and a creamy white layer on top. I can’t say I know from experience, but I’m guessing this is what Santa’s panties look like! At least, that’s the vibe these layered shots are giving.
They are so fun and festive, and they taste amazing. Each one is a combo of Kahlua, RumChata, and grenadine. They’re fruity and rich, with a little bit of spiced decadence. If you are a cinnamon lover, these are 100% for you.
6. Pumpkin Pie Pudding Shots
These thick, luscious pumpkin pie shots are perfect for Christmas… or Thanksgiving! Honestly, you could even make these for Halloween.
No matter when you serve them, they are so creamy and just loaded with that pumpkin spice goodness. The best part? You can whip up 50 of them in only 10 minutes!
Just remember they need to chill for a bit before serving. This is the recipe for when you need a show-stopping seasonal dessert drink.
7. Candy Cane Jell-O Shots
How cute are these sweet, minty Jell-O shots? They look just like little candy canes in a glass. And I have some really good news for you: they taste just as good as they look, and they are a total snap to make.
You can make 16 of them in less than an hour! It might seem tricky, but it’s really just about tilting your glasses while the Jello sets up. Go for it! Even if they don’t look perfect, they still taste amazing.
Just try not to eat all your mistakes at once… that’s a fast track to getting very merry.
8. Eggnog Pudding Shots
These eggnog pudding shots are just as sweet and delicious as those cookie shooters. But just a heads up, these have rum (or bourbon!), so they are just for the 21-and-up crowd. They taste like a super creamy vanilla eggnog that’s perfectly spiced.
You’ll love those little hints of nutmeg and cinnamon, and the whipped cream on top just adds another layer of decadence. They are a bit thicker than a normal Jello shot, but they taste fantastic and go down so, so smoothly.
9. Cosmo Shot
You really can’t go wrong with a classic Cosmo, no matter what time of year it is. But sometimes, you just want something smaller… and stronger. So, instead of sipping, you can knock back these Cosmo shots!
They have that exact same tart, refreshing flavor as the drink you love. They’re just in a smaller, more potent package.
Personal note: When I make shots, I like them strong. I usually add a little extra vodka to these. It makes them a bit more bitter, but wowza, they hit faster.
10. Santa Christmas Shot
This shot is a three-colored beauty with red, green, and clear layers. You start with grenadine on the bottom. Then, you carefully pour in the crème de menthe so it layers perfectly.
You finish it with clear peppermint schnapps. The schnapps won’t add any color, but it delivers a ton of flavor. Every single shot is just packed to the brim with minty freshness.
These might be the only shots in the world that actually improve your breath!
11. Christmas Shots (Fun & Festive)
How fun are these Grinch-green drinks? They’re tart, tangy, and just a little bit tropical. The shot itself is just two ingredients: Hawaiian Punch and coconut rum.
You’ll want to use corn syrup and sprinkles on the rim for that extra festive flair. They are just absolutely adorable. These are perfect if you want a drink with a ton of flavor and a pretty good kick.
12. Festive Cake Batter Shots
These cake batter shots are so sweet, spiced, and seriously chocolatey. Each one is thick and creamy (you can thank Marshmallow Fluff for that!). They might just look like a glass of milk, but trust me, they taste so much better.
And don’t forget the red and green sprinkles on the rim! That’s what gives them that holiday cheer. Go ahead and add some decadent whipped cream on top, too. However you serve them, your guests are going to love them.
13. Tipsy Santa Shooters (Layered Christmas Shot)
These Tipsy Santa Shooters look just like the Santa Panties. The difference is you leave out the Kahlua for these. That gives them a brighter and more cinnamony flavor.
They are just as delicious and super easy to make. Plus, you can get them ready in 5 minutes. Done and done.
14. Santa Hat Jell-O Shots
I mean, come on! Are these not the cutest things ever? They look just like tiny little Santa hats! And the best part? They are stupidly easy to make.
You’re just topping some strawberry Jell-O shots with fresh strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream. They are so bright, super fruity, and just feel so perfectly festive.
I’m convinced this is exactly what Mrs. Claus would serve at her holiday party.
15. Mistletoe Shots
I am so in love with the bright green color of these mistletoe shots. But it’s the whipped cream, sanding sugar, leaves, and Red Hots that really make them look amazing.
Getting the presentation just right takes a little bit of work, but I promise, after you make one or two, you’ll be knocking them out in no time. Decorating the rims is easy.
The Red Hots and mint leaf garnishes are also pretty simple. These are the perfect choice when you want a tray of drinks that will absolutely wow your guests.