Pink Starburst Shot Recipe

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Fruity, flirty, and bursting with candy-sweet flavor, this Pink Starburst Shot Recipe is everything you love about the iconic chewy candy—now in boozy shot form. With bright pink color, creamy undertones, and an irresistible finish, this fun party shooter is perfect for girls’ night, bachelorette parties, birthdays, or any occasion that calls for a little extra sugar and sass.
Made with a blend of vanilla vodka, Watermelon Pucker (or Strawberry Schnapps), sweet & sour mix, and optionally whipped cream vodka, this shot tastes just like your favorite pink Starburst. The best part? It’s fast, easy to make, and totally Instagrammable—especially with a pink sugar rim and mini Starburst garnish.

Ingredients

  • 1 oz vanilla vodka

  • 1 oz Watermelon Pucker (or substitute Strawberry Schnapps)

  • 1 oz sweet & sour mix

  • ½ oz whipped cream vodka (optional, for creamier flavor)

  • Ice

  • Pink sugar (for rimming, optional)

  • Mini pink Starburst (for garnish, optional)

Optional Add-ins:

  • Splash of lemon-lime soda (for a fizzy twist)

  • ½ oz grenadine (for extra sweetness and deeper pink color)

  • Dash of heavy cream or half-and-half (for ultra creamy finish)

  • A drop of red food coloring for bolder hue

Preparation

Chill and rim your glass

Step 1: Prep the shot glasses
If desired, rim the edge of your shot glasses with pink sugar. To do this, moisten the rims with a lemon or lime wedge, then dip into a plate of pink sanding sugar. Chill the glasses in the freezer while you make the drink.

Shake it up

Step 2: Add ingredients to shaker
In a cocktail shaker, combine 1 oz vanilla vodka, 1 oz Watermelon Pucker (or Strawberry Schnapps), 1 oz sweet & sour mix, and ½ oz whipped cream vodka if using. Add ice.

Step 3: Shake until frosty
Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until the shaker is frosty and the mix is chilled.

Strain and serve

Step 4: Strain into shot glasses
Strain the mixture evenly into your prepared shot glasses. This recipe makes about 2 standard shots, depending on your glass size.

Step 5: Garnish like candy couture
Optionally, place a mini pink Starburst on a cocktail pick or directly on the rim of the glass. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Variation

Give your Pink Starburst Shots a twist with these candy-inspired upgrades:

  • Creamy Pink Starburst: Add a splash of cream or use whipped cream vodka only for a smoother finish.

  • Starburst Slushies: Blend the ingredients with crushed ice for a frozen version.

  • Cherry Bomb Starburst: Add grenadine and a maraschino cherry garnish.

  • Mocktail Version: Use pink lemonade, cream soda, and a splash of grenadine for a non-alcoholic treat.

  • Layered Starburst: Float a layer of cream liqueur or whipped vodka on top for a two-tone look.

COOKING Note

  • Watermelon Pucker creates a candy-like sweetness and bright pink color—Strawberry Schnapps gives a slightly different twist but still delivers.

  • Whipped cream vodka is optional but makes the shot taste more like candy and adds a creamy texture.

  • For the perfect chill, shake with lots of ice and serve immediately after straining.

  • Rimming the glass with pink sugar adds sweetness and flair, especially for themed parties or events.

  • Mini pink Starburst garnishes are the cherry on top—but even without, this shot is a stunner.

Tips

  • Chill all ingredients before mixing for best results.

  • Want it fizzier? Add a splash of soda water or lemon-lime soda right after shaking.

  • Freeze mini Starbursts ahead of time and use as drink stirrers or garnishes.

  • Make a big batch and serve in mini cups for party trays or candy bars.

  • Serve with cotton candy, fruit kabobs, or a dessert tray for a coordinated treat spread.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Nutritional Information (per shot, approx. 2 servings)

  • Calories: 125

  • Protein: 0g

  • Fat: 0g

  • Carbohydrates: 12g

  • Sugar: 10g

  • Sodium: 2mg
    Note: Values may vary based on ingredients used and garnishes.

FAQs

Does it really taste like a pink Starburst?
Yes! The mix of watermelon (or strawberry), vanilla, and sweet & sour creates that fruity, creamy flavor you recognize immediately.
Can I make it ahead of time?
You can mix everything (except ice) in advance and chill. Shake with ice just before serving for the best texture.
Can I serve this as a cocktail instead of a shot?
Absolutely! Double or triple the recipe and pour over ice in a martini or rocks glass.
What if I don’t have whipped cream vodka?
You can skip it or substitute with vanilla vodka, cream liqueur, or even half-and-half.
Can I use a different color Starburst?
Of course—but pink is the fan favorite for good reason!

Conclusion

This Pink Starburst Shot Recipe is the ultimate sweet treat in a glass—fun, flavorful, and sure to be the life of the party. With candy-inspired charm, a creamy edge, and that nostalgic pink Starburst flavor, it’s the perfect shooter for birthdays, bachelorettes, or just a Friday night with friends. Quick to shake up and even quicker to disappear, this shot is one of those small sips that makes a big impression. Pour, toast, and enjoy the burst of pink magic!

Print
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Pink Starburst Shot Recipe

  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 5 min
Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 1 oz vanilla vodka

  • 1 oz Watermelon Pucker (or substitute Strawberry Schnapps)

  • 1 oz sweet & sour mix

  • ½ oz whipped cream vodka (optional, for creamier flavor)

  • Ice

  • Pink sugar (for rimming, optional)

  • Mini pink Starburst (for garnish, optional)

Optional Add-ins:

  • Splash of lemon-lime soda (for a fizzy twist)

  • ½ oz grenadine (for extra sweetness and deeper pink color)

  • Dash of heavy cream or half-and-half (for ultra creamy finish)

  • A drop of red food coloring for bolder hue

Instructions

Preparation Chill and rim your glass

Step 1: Prep the shot glasses
If desired, rim the edge of your shot glasses with pink sugar. To do this, moisten the rims with a lemon or lime wedge, then dip into a plate of pink sanding sugar. Chill the glasses in the freezer while you make the drink.

Shake it up

Step 2: Add ingredients to shaker
In a cocktail shaker, combine 1 oz vanilla vodka, 1 oz Watermelon Pucker (or Strawberry Schnapps), 1 oz sweet & sour mix, and ½ oz whipped cream vodka if using. Add ice.

Step 3: Shake until frosty
Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until the shaker is frosty and the mix is chilled.

Strain and serve

Step 4: Strain into shot glasses
Strain the mixture evenly into your prepared shot glasses. This recipe makes about 2 standard shots, depending on your glass size.

Step 5: Garnish like candy couture
Optionally, place a mini pink Starburst on a cocktail pick or directly on the rim of the glass. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Watermelon Pucker creates a candy-like sweetness and bright pink color—Strawberry Schnapps gives a slightly different twist but still delivers.

  • Whipped cream vodka is optional but makes the shot taste more like candy and adds a creamy texture.

  • For the perfect chill, shake with lots of ice and serve immediately after straining.

  • Rimming the glass with pink sugar adds sweetness and flair, especially for themed parties or events.

  • Mini pink Starburst garnishes are the cherry on top—but even without, this shot is a stunner.

  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 0 min

Nutrition

  • Calories: 125
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 2mg
  • Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Protein: 0g

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