The Twisted Candy Apple Shots Recipe is a fun and vibrant cocktail that captures the tart and sweet flavors of a candy apple with a boozy twist. Perfect for parties, Halloween gatherings, or any festive occasion, these shots blend apple liqueur, cinnamon schnapps, and caramel flavors to create a delicious and eye-catching drink.
This guide will walk you through how to make Twisted Candy Apple Shots with variations, tips, and serving suggestions to impress your guests.
Ingredients
For the Shot:
- 1 oz apple-flavored vodka
- 1 oz sour apple schnapps
- 1 oz grenadine syrup
- Crushed ice or blended ice
For the Rim & Garnish:
- Green sanding sugar (for rimming)
- Simple syrup (to help the sugar stick)
- Red lollipop or mini candy apple(e.g., Sour Apple Pucker)**
- 1/2 oz cinnamon schnapps (e.g., Fireball Whiskey)
- 1/2 oz caramel vodka
- 1/4 oz grenadine (for color and sweetness)
- Splash of lemon juice
- Ice cubes
- Sugar and cinnamon for rimming (optional)
- Apple slices or caramel drizzle for garnish
Preparation
Step 1: Rim the Shot Glass
If desired, dip the rim of the shot glass in lemon juice, then coat with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon for extra flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a cocktail shaker, add ice, apple liqueur, cinnamon schnapps, caramel vodka, grenadine, and a splash of lemon juice. Shake well for 10-15 seconds to chill the ingredients.
Step 3: Strain and Serve
Strain the mixture into the prepared shot glass.
Step 4: Garnish and Enjoy
Garnish with a thin apple slice on the rim or a caramel drizzle for an extra candy apple effect.
Variations
- Stronger Kick: Add a splash of bourbon or spiced rum for extra depth.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Substitute the alcohol with apple cider, cinnamon syrup, and caramel syrup.
- Extra Tart: Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a tangy kick.
- Layered Shot: Pour grenadine first, then layer the remaining ingredients over the back of a spoon for a visually stunning effect.
Twisted Candy Apple Shots Cooking Notes
- Chilled Ingredients: Using chilled spirits enhances the flavor and texture of the shot.
- Balanced Sweetness: Adjust the grenadine amount to control sweetness.
- Shaking Tip: Shake well to ensure all flavors blend smoothly.
- Batch Serving: Multiply ingredients and mix in a shaker for easy serving at parties.
Serving Suggestions
- With Halloween Desserts: Serve with caramel apples or candy corn for a themed treat.
- As a Party Starter: Kick off a celebration with this fun and colorful shot.
- With Cinnamon Snacks: Pair with cinnamon sugar donuts or apple turnovers.
- Frozen Version: Blend ingredients with ice for a slushy variation.
Tips
- Use Fresh Apple Garnish: Adds visual appeal and a fresh aroma.
- Experiment with Flavors: Try swapping caramel vodka for butterscotch schnapps for a richer taste.
- Serve in Chilled Glasses: Keep shot glasses in the freezer before serving for an extra cold experience.
- Adjust Alcohol Ratio: Modify to match your desired strength level.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Mixing Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 7 minutes
Nutritional Information (per shot)
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 5mg
FAQs
Can I make these shots ahead of time?
Yes! Mix the ingredients in advance and store in the fridge. Shake with ice just before serving.
What’s the best apple liqueur to use?
Sour Apple Pucker is a great choice, but any tart apple-flavored liqueur works well.
Can I make these without a shaker?
Yes! Stir the ingredients well with ice and strain into the shot glass.
How do I make a layered shot?
Pour grenadine first, then slowly layer the remaining ingredients over the back of a spoon.
Can I make a big batch for parties?
Absolutely! Scale up the ingredients and serve in a large pitcher for easy pouring.
Conclusion
The Twisted Candy Apple Shots Recipe is a fun, flavorful shooter that’s perfect for any festive occasion. With a balance of sweet, tart, and cinnamon spice, these shots are sure to impress at parties. Whether you enjoy them as a spooky Halloween drink or a year-round treat, they are easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
Print
Twisted Candy Apple Shots Recipe
- Total Time: 7 min
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Shot:
- 1 oz apple-flavored vodka
- 1 oz sour apple schnapps
- 1 oz grenadine syrup
- Crushed ice or blended ice
For the Rim & Garnish:
- Green sanding sugar (for rimming)
- Simple syrup (to help the sugar stick)
- Red lollipop or mini candy apple(e.g., Sour Apple Pucker)**
- 1/2 oz cinnamon schnapps (e.g., Fireball Whiskey)
- 1/2 oz caramel vodka
- 1/4 oz grenadine (for color and sweetness)
- Splash of lemon juice
- Ice cubes
- Sugar and cinnamon for rimming (optional)
- Apple slices or caramel drizzle for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
Step 1: Rim the Shot Glass
If desired, dip the rim of the shot glass in lemon juice, then coat with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon for extra flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a cocktail shaker, add ice, apple liqueur, cinnamon schnapps, caramel vodka, grenadine, and a splash of lemon juice. Shake well for 10-15 seconds to chill the ingredients.
Step 3: Strain and Serve
Strain the mixture into the prepared shot glass.
Step 4: Garnish and Enjoy
Garnish with a thin apple slice on the rim or a caramel drizzle for an extra candy apple effect.
Notes
- Chilled Ingredients: Using chilled spirits enhances the flavor and texture of the shot.
- Balanced Sweetness: Adjust the grenadine amount to control sweetness.
- Shaking Tip: Shake well to ensure all flavors blend smoothly.
- Batch Serving: Multiply ingredients and mix in a shaker for easy serving at parties.
- Prep Time: 7 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
Nutrition
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Protein: 0 grams