Twisted Candy Apple Shots are a fun and festive way to bring the flavors of caramel apples into a delicious, boozy treat. With a mix of tart apple, sweet caramel, and a hint of cinnamon spice, these vibrant shots are perfect for fall parties, Halloween gatherings, or anytime you want a fun and flavorful drink!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet & Tart Flavor – A perfect blend of caramel, apple, and cinnamon.
- Fun & Festive – Great for parties and seasonal celebrations.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients with quick prep.
- Customizable – Adjust the alcohol level or make it non-alcoholic.
- Beautiful Presentation – A vibrant red or green shot with a caramel rim!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 oz apple schnapps (or sour apple liqueur)
- 1 oz caramel vodka (or regular vodka with a caramel drizzle)
- ½ oz cinnamon whiskey (like Fireball)
- ½ oz cranberry juice (for color & tartness)
- Caramel sauce (for rim)
- Red or green sugar (for rim garnish)
- Apple slices or cinnamon sticks (for garnish, optional)
Directions
- Prepare the Shot Glasses – Dip the rims of shot glasses in caramel sauce, then into colored sugar.
- Mix the Shot – In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine apple schnapps, caramel vodka, cinnamon whiskey, and cranberry juice. Shake well.
- Pour & Serve – Strain into the prepared shot glasses.
- Garnish & Enjoy – Top with an apple slice or a small cinnamon stick for an extra touch!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 shots
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Variations
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Use apple cider, caramel syrup, and a splash of cinnamon extract.
- Extra Cinnamon Kick: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or a dash of bitters.
- Creamy Twist: Mix in a splash of Irish cream for a caramel apple latte vibe.
- Spooky Version: Use black sugar for a Halloween-themed look.
- Frozen Option: Blend with ice for a slushy-style shot.
Storage/Reheating
- Make-Ahead: Mix the ingredients and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake before serving.
- Freezing: Not recommended, but you can pre-chill the ingredients for an extra cold shot.
FAQs
Can I use regular vodka instead of caramel vodka?
Yes! Just add a drizzle of caramel syrup for the same effect.
What’s the best way to rim the glasses?
Use a thick caramel sauce so the sugar sticks well.
Can I make this into a full cocktail?
Absolutely! Pour over ice in a rocks glass and top with club soda.
How do I make it sweeter?
Add a bit of simple syrup or more caramel sauce.
What’s the best apple schnapps to use?
Sour Apple Pucker works great for a tart kick.
Can I serve this in a martini glass?
Yes! Just double the ingredients and serve as an apple martini.
What’s a good food pairing?
Goes great with caramel popcorn, candied nuts, or apple pie bites.
Can I skip the cranberry juice?
Yes! But it adds tartness and a rich color to the shot.
How do I make it extra festive?
Garnish with a mini caramel apple skewer or edible gold flakes.
Can I batch-make these for a party?
Yes! Mix everything in a pitcher and pour into shots when ready to serve.
Conclusion
These Twisted Candy Apple Shots are a fun, festive, and flavorful way to enjoy the nostalgic taste of caramel apples with a boozy twist. Whether for fall parties, Halloween, or just a fun weekend treat, these shots are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try them today and enjoy the perfect mix of sweet, tart, and spicy flavors!
Print
Twisted Candy Apple Shots
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 shots 1x
- Category: Cocktails, Shots
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Twisted Candy Apple Shots are a sweet, tangy, and slightly sour drink inspired by classic candy apples! Made with sour apple liqueur, cinnamon schnapps, and a touch of caramel, these vibrant red and green shots are perfect for Halloween, fall parties, or any festive gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 oz sour apple liqueur (e.g., DeKuyper Sour Apple Pucker)
- 1 oz cinnamon schnapps (e.g., Goldschläger or Fireball for extra warmth)
- 1/2 oz caramel vodka (or butterscotch schnapps)
- 1/2 oz cranberry juice (for color and tartness)
- Ice (for shaking)
For Garnish:
- Caramel sauce (for rimming)
- Red sugar or crushed cinnamon candies (for the rim)
- Apple slice or cinnamon stick (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Rim the Glasses
- Dip the rims of shot glasses into caramel sauce, then roll in red sugar or crushed cinnamon candies.
Step 2: Mix the Shot
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add sour apple liqueur, cinnamon schnapps, caramel vodka, and cranberry juice.
- Shake well for 10-15 seconds until chilled.
Step 3: Serve & Enjoy!
- Strain into the prepared shot glasses.
- Garnish with a thin apple slice or cinnamon stick for extra flair.
- Take the shot and enjoy the sweet, sour, and spicy twist!
Notes
- Make it a Cocktail: Serve over ice in a rocks glass and top with ginger ale or sparkling apple cider.
- Extra Candy Flavor: Use sour apple hard candies or Red Hots as stirrers.
- Stronger Version: Swap cranberry juice for a splash of vodka for extra kick.