Recreate popular shots at home with 50 bartender quality classic shot recipes
If you need easy shots to make for your friends or for a party, you'll definitely want to download this popular shots list. The printable PDF has 50 easy shot recipes for you to make. These are the best shots - the classics you'll drink over and over. Whether you like vodka, tequila, or whiskey, there is a yummy alcoholic shot that you'll love!
Jump to:
Have you ever wondered - What are the most popular shots? This is a list of the top 50 shots. It includes drink shot names to make it easy to find fun drinks to mix up at home, take with friends, or order from the bar or club.
These are many of the top shot recipes that bartenders make. But don't worry, they're super easy to make at home too!
Shot Recipes
These bartender shot recipes include an easy list of popular shots. Think of this as your shortcut to creating delicious shots and shooters! These are the best shots to take for parties, get-togethers, and everything in between.
1. ABC (layered shot)
There are a few common ways to make this ABC shooter recipe. Try the alternative recipe using Absinthe, Bacardi, and Chartreuse.
- ½ ounce chilled Amaretto liqueur
- ½ ounce chilled Bailey’s Irish Cream
- ½ ounce chilled Cognac
Instructions: Pour Amaretto liqueur in the bottom of a shot glass. Using a bar spoon, layer Bailey's on top, then Cognac.
2. Apple Pie (shaken shot)
This is a pretty basic shot recipe, but nonetheless super delicious! This would be a great shot for the fall season or at Thanksgiving.
- 1 ounce cinnamon whiskey
- ½ ounces apple cider
- Dash lemon juice
Instructions: Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled, then strain into a shot glass.
3. B-52 (layered shot)
This is a shot you'll want to add to your list, especially if you like sweet drinks and shots. This is a great dessert shot to take after dinner.
- ½ ounce coffee liqueur
- ½ ounce Irish cream liqueur
- ½ ounce Grand Marnier liqueur
Instructions: Pour coffee liqueur in the bottom of a shot glass. Using a bar spoon, layer Irish cream on top, then Grand Marnier.
4. Bazooka Joe (layered shot)
Remember the Bazooka gum you used to chew as a kid? That's what this famous shot is reminiscent of.
- ½ ounce chilled banana liqueur
- ½ ounce chilled Irish cream liqueur
- ½ ounce chilled blue curaçao liqueur
Instructions: Pour banana liqueur in the bottom of a shot glass. Using a bar spoon, layer Irish cream on top, then blue curaçao.
5. Blow Job (layered shot)
With a name like this, you know the blow job is a classic shot! These are fun shooters to make for a party, especially if you make everyone consume them hands-free.
- ½ ounce amaretto liqueur
- ½ ounce Irish cream liqueur
- Whipped cream, to top
Instructions: Pour amaretto in the bottom of a shot glass. Using a bar spoon, layer Irish cream on top, then finish with some whipped cream.
6. Blue Kamikaze (shaken shot)
This is one of the best shots at the bar in my opinion. The bright blue color makes the shot super fun! This recipe has a slightly sweet and fruity taste.
- ⅓ ounce Blue Curaçao
- ⅓ ounce vodka
- ⅓ ounce lime juice
Instructions: Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled, then strain into a shot glass.
7. BMW (shaken shot)
This is a creamy and smooth mixed shot that has a slight taste of coconut. This is a popular shaken shot recipe!
- ½ ounce whiskey
- ½ ounce Malibu rum
- ½ ounce Bailey’s Irish Cream
Instructions: Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled, then strain into a shot glass.
8. Boilermaker (bomb shot)
Choose your favorite beer of choice for this bomb shot recipe.
- 1 ounce whiskey
- 8 ounces beer
Instructions: Pour the whiskey into a shot glass. Fill a highball glass with beer. When you're ready to drink, drop the shot glass into the glass filled with beer.
9. Butterball (layered shot)
This common bar shot is also sometimes called the buttery nipple. It's a super sweet shot that many people love to drink!
- 1 ounce butterscotch schnapps
- ½ ounce Irish cream liqueur
Instructions: Pour butterscotch schnapps in the bottom of a shot glass. Using a bar spoon, layer Irish cream on top.
10. Cement Mixer (layered shot)
This shot is called the cement mixer because the mix of Irish cream and lime juice are said to curdle when mixed and stick to your teeth like cement. This is an easy popular shot since it only has two ingredients.
- ½ ounce Irish cream liqueur
- ½ ounce lime juice
Instructions: Pour Irish cream in the bottom of a shot glass. Using a bar spoon, layer lime juice on top.
11. Cherry Bomb (bomb shot)
Put this on your list as a good shot to order at the bar! It goes down easy and it'll help keep you up all night long!
- 1 ounce cherry vodka
- 4 ounces Red Bull energy drink
Instructions: Pour the cherry vodka into a shot glass. Fill a highball glass with Red Bull energy drink. When you're ready to drink, drop the shot glass into the glass filled with Red Bull.
12. Chocolate Cake (shaken shot)
You could say this is one of the best shots to drink on your birthday! It's sweet and tastes like birthday cake.
- ½ ounce vanilla vodka
- ½ ounce hazelnut liqueur
- 1 sugar-coated lemon wedge, served on the side
Instructions: Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled, then strain into a shot glass. Serve a sugar-coated lemon wedge alongside the shot.
13. Flaming Dr. Pepper (bomb shot)
What's not to love about this popular flaming shot? Make sure to be careful when using fire on this drink.
- ¾ ounce amaretto liqueur
- ¼ ounce overproof rum
- 8 ounces beer
Instructions: Pour the amaretto liqueur into a shot glass. Using a bar spoon, layer overproof rum on top. Fill a highball glass with beer. When you're ready to drink, carefully light the liquor in the shot glass, then drop it into the glass filled with beer.
14. Flatliner (layered shot)
Here's a shot recipe using a type of alcohol you may not expect. The flatliner is a shooter for anyone who loves spicey drinks!
- ¾ ounce Sambuca
- ¾ ounce chilled tequila blanco
- 6 dashes hot sauce
Instructions: Pour Sambuca in the bottom of a shot glass. Using a bar spoon, layer tequila on top, then a few dashes of hot sauce.
15. Four Horsemen (shaken shot)
This is one of the best shots to order or make for any whiskey lover. This shot mixes up four different types of whiskey for a sensational shooter!
- ¼ ounce Jack Daniel Bourbon
- ¼ ounce Jim Beam Bourbon Whiskey
- ¼ ounce Johnny Walker Black Scotch
- ¼ ounce Irish Whiskey
Instructions: Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled, then strain into a shot glass.
16. Hot Damn (shaken shot)
If you love easy shaken shots, add this recipe to your list! Many types of alcohol combine to create a shot so good you'll have to yell 'hot damn' after drinking it.
- 2 ounces orange juice
- 1 ounce rum
- 1 ounce vodka
- ½ ounce whiskey
Instructions: Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled, then strain into a shot glass.
17. Irish Car Bomb (bomb shot)
This is a classic shot that many drink to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Drink this one fast, otherwise the Irish cream will begin to curdle the beer.
- ½ ounce Irish Cream
- ½ ounce Irish Whiskey
- ¾ pint Guinness stout
Instructions: Pour the Irish cream and Irish whiskey into a shot glass. Fill a highball glass with Guinness stout beer. When you're ready to drink, drop the shot glass into the glass filled with Guinness.
18. Irish Frog/Fallen Froggy (layered shot)
Practice layering shots with this recipe. This fun shooter will always have a pretty presentation, and you'll get some practice with your bartender skills.
- ¾ ounce chilled melon liqueur
- ¼ ounce chilled Irish cream liqueur
Instructions: Pour melon liqueur in the bottom of a shot glass. Using a bar spoon, layer Irish cream on top.
19. Jäger Bomb (bomb shot)
This is another good shot to take at the bar (although oftentimes they'll just mix everything together in one glass).
- 1 ½ ounce Jägermeister
- 1 (8.4-ounce) can Red Bull energy drink
Instructions: Pour the Jägermeister into a shot glass. Fill a highball glass with Red Bull energy drink. When you're ready to drink, drop the shot glass into the glass filled with Red Bull.
20. Jelly Bean (layered shot)
Here's an alcoholic shot that any candy lover will be obsessed with. Also be sure to check out this Payday shot for another similar candy recipe.
- ½ ounce blue curaçao
- ½ ounce pineapple juice
- ½ ounce blackberry brandy or cherry vodka
Instructions: Pour blue curaçao in the bottom of a shot glass. Using a bar spoon, layer pineapple juice on top, then your choice of blackberry brandy or cherry vodka.
21. Jolly Rancher (shaken shot)
Here's a cool shot to make to bring back another childhood flavor - Jolly Ranchers! This shot uses fairly basic ingredients, so it would be great for a party.
- 1 ounce vodka
- ½ ounce watermelon pucker or blue curaçao
Instructions: Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled, then strain into a shot glass.
22. Lemon Drop (shaken shot)
Looking for classic shooters to drink? This is the one for you! A little tartness, optionally balanced out by some simple syrup. It's a very simple shot recipe.
- 1 ounce vodka
- ½ ounce lemon juice
- Splash simple syrup
Instructions: Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled, then strain into a shot glass.
23. Lime Drop (shaken shot)
Another really good shot recipe similar to the lemon drop. This is a classic mix of sweet and sour flavors!
- ¾ ounce vodka
- ¼ ounce lime juice
- ¼ ounce orange liqueur
- Splash simple syrup
Instructions: Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled, then strain into a shot glass.
24. Mad Dog (layered shot)
This alocholic shot has a bit of a different taste - a little sweet and a little spicy. This is a great shot to order for anyone who likes adventurous shooters.
- ⅔ ounce raspberry syrup
- 1 ounce vodka
- 4 dashes Tabasco
Instructions: Place raspberry syrup in the bottom of a shot glass. Using a bar spoon, layer vodka on top, then a few dashes of Tabasco.
25. Melon Ball (shaken shot)
This is a sweet and fun shot to take! This shooter is very fruity, as the name melon ball implies.
- ½ ounce vodka
- ¼ ounce melon liqueur
- ¼ ounce pineapple or orange juice
Instructions: Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled, then strain into a shot glass.
26. Mind Eraser (layered shot)
If you love the Black Russian cocktail, you'll love this version of the coffee flavored shooter. It's basically a cocktail shot that you can take in one sip!
- ½ ounce coffee liqueur
- ½ ounce vodka
- ½ ounce club soda
Instructions: Pour coffee liqueur in the bottom of a shot glass. Using a bar spoon, layer vodka on top, then club soda.
27. Mini Beer (layered shot)
While this shot looks like you're shooting a cup of beer, there's really no beer in this recipe. I love the presentation of this shot.
- 1 ½ ounce chilled Licor 43
- ½ ounce heavy cream
Instructions: Pour Licor 43 in the bottom of a shot glass. Using a bar spoon, layer heavy cream on top.
28. Motor Oil (shaken shot)
While the name implies this might not taste good, you have to give this classic shot recipe a try!
- 1 ounce Jagermeister herbal liqueur
- ½ ounce peppermint schnapps
- ½ ounce cinnamon schnapps
- ½ ounce coconut rum
Instructions: Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled, then strain into a shot glass.
29. Oatmeal Cookie (shaken shot)
This is a special shot for occasions where you need something super sweet! Oatmeal cookie is a delicious shot to make at home.
- ½ ounce butterscotch schnapps
- ½ ounce Irish cream liqueur
- ½ ounce cinnamon schnapps
Instructions: Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled, then strain into a shot glass.
30. Oreo Cookie (shaken shot)
Here's another yummy shot recipe. This would be great for someone who wants a smooth and sweet party shot.
- ½ ounce vodka
- ½ ounce coffee liqueur
- ½ ounce Crème de Cacao
- ½ ounce Irish Cream
Instructions: Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled, then strain into a shot glass.
31. PB&J (shaken shot)
This has to be one of the best shots on the list! Don't forget to try my other favorite peanut butter whiskey shot that tastes like a Reese's cup.
- 1 ounce peanut butter whiskey
- ½ ounce grape liqueur
Instructions: Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled, then strain into a shot glass.
32. Peppermint Patty (shaken shot)
This might just be the perfect Christmas or holiday shot! It's an easy shot to make and I promise it will be a crowd pleaser!
- ½ ounce crème de cacao liqueur
- ½ ounce peppermint schnapps
- ½ ounce Irish cream liqueur
Instructions: Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled, then strain into a shot glass.
33. Pineapple Upside Down Cake (layered shot)
Cake that you don't have to bake? Yes, please! A unique shot to make for anyone who loves sweets!
- ¾ ounce vanilla vodka
- ½ ounce pineapple juice
- ¼ ounce grenadine
Instructions: Pour vanilla vodka in the bottom of a shot glass. Using a bar spoon, layer pineapple juice on top, then grenadine. Give the grenadine a minute to settle at the bottom.
34. Red Headed Slut (shaken shot)
This is another popular shot you've probably hear of. As the name might imply, the color of the drink is bright red.
- ½ ounce jagermeister
- ½ ounce peach schnapps
- ½ ounce cranberry juice
Instructions: Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled, then strain into a shot glass.
35. Red Snapper (shaken shot)
Another brightly colored shot that would be great for a Christmas party with the bright red color.
- ½ ounce Canadian whisky
- ½ ounce amaretto liqueur
- ½ ounces cranberry juice
Instructions: Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled, then strain into a shot glass.
36. Sake Bomb (bomb shot)
Oftentimes, the sake is held on top of the beer glass with chopsticks. Then, you bang the table until you knock the sake into the beer.
- 1 ½ ounce sake
- 6 ounces Lager beer
Instructions: Pour the sake into a shot glass. Fill a highball glass with Lager beer. When you're ready to drink, drop the shot glass into the glass filled with beer.
37. Sangrita (two part shot)
There are a few different ways this popular shot is made. However you make it, it's definitely a way to elevate the classic tequila shot.
First Shot:
- 1 ½ ounce chilled tequila
Second Shot:
- ½ ounce tomato juice
- ½ ounce freshly squeezed orange juice
- ½ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 slice jalapeño pepper
- Dash hot sauce
- Dash of salt
Instructions: For the first shot, fill one shot glass with tequila. Then, for the second shot, place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled, then strain into a second shot glass. Take the tequila shot followed by the mixed shot.
38. Shamrock (shaken shot)
This is a great shooter for St. Patrick's Day - definitely a must know shot if you plan on throwing a party!
- ½ ounce vanilla vodka
- ½ ounce crème de menthe
- Splash heavy cream
- Whipped cream, to top
Instructions: Place all ingredients (except whipped cream) in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled, then strain into a shot glass. Top shot with whipped cream.
39. Silver Bullet (shaken shot)
This is definitely a popular gin shot recipe. Be sure to keep this recipe in your back pocket next time you need to make shots at home.
- 1 ½ ounce gin
- ¾ ounce Scotch whisky
- Lemon twist, for garnish
Instructions: Place all ingredients (except lemon twist) in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled, then strain into a shot glass. Garnish with lemon twist.
40. Skittles Bomb (bomb shot)
I think this is a must know shot for bartenders! It's simple and almost anyone at the bar or club will love it.
- 1 ½ ounce Cointreau
- 4 ounces Red Bull energy drink
Instructions: Pour the Cointreau into a shot glass. Fill a highball glass with Red Bull energy drink. When you're ready to drink, drop the shot glass into the glass filled with Red Bull.
41. Slippery Nipple (layered shot)
This shot has a unique flavor of sweet (from the grenadine) and bitter (from the anise flavored Sambuca).
- ¼ ounce grenadine
- ½ ounce Sambuca
- ½ ounce Irish cream liqueur
Instructions: Pour grenadine in the bottom of a shot glass. Using a bar spoon, layer Sambuca on top, then Irish cream.
42. Snake Bite (shaken shot)
A strong shot recipe that is sure to leave you with a sting in your mouth!
- 1 ½ ounce Yukon Jack
- ¼ ounce lime cordial
Instructions: Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled, then strain into a shot glass.
43. Star Fucker (shaken shot)
Long night at the bar? Keep yourself awake with this popular shot filled with lots of Red Bull!
- ½ ounce Crown Royal whiskey
- 1 ounce Watermelon Pucker Schnapps
- 3 ounces Red Bull energy drink
Instructions: Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled, then strain into a shot glass.
44. Tequila Slammer (shaken shot)
Not only is this shooter fun to drink, it's also a super unique idea for a shot!
- 1 ounce tequila
- 1 ounce ginger ale or ginger beer
Instructions: Pour tequila into a shot glass. Then, layer ginger ale or ginger beer on top. To drink, pick up the glass and (gently) slam it on the counter. Take the shot while it's still fizzing.
45. Three Wise Men (shaken shot)
Here's another fun shot to try for all whisk(e)y lovers! It's an interesting shot combination that tastes surprisingly delicious.
- ½ ounce Johnnie Walker Scotch Whisky
- ½ ounce Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey
- ½ ounce Jim Beam Bourbon Whiskey
Instructions: Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled, then strain into a shot glass.
46. Vegas Bomb (bomb shot)
This has to be one of the top 10 shots a bartender should know. You can also mix all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker rather than serving it "bomb style."
- ½ ounce Crown Royal
- ½ ounce peach schnapps
- ½ ounce Malibu
- 6 ounces Red Bull energy drink
Instructions: Pour the Crown Royal, peach schnapps, and Malibu into a shot glass. Fill a highball glass with Red Bull energy drink. When you're ready to drink, drop the shot glass into the glass filled with Red Bull.
47. Vitamin C (bomb shot)
This has to be one of the best flavored shots! It's so tangy and citrusy from all orange elements.
- 1 ounce Mandarin vodka
- 1 ounce orange juice
- 2 ounces Red Bull energy drink
Instructions: Pour the Madarin vodka into a shot glass. Fill a highball glass with orange juice and Red Bull energy drink. When you're ready to drink, drop the shot glass into the glass filled with orange juice and Red Bull.
48. Washington Apple (shaken shot)
While there are many sour elements in this cocktail, the whisky helps mellow out the flavor.
- ½ ounce Canadian whisky
- ½ ounce sour apple schnapps
- ½ ounce cranberry juice
- splash club soda or lemon-lime soda (optional)
Instructions: Place all ingredients (except soda) in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled, then strain into a shot glass. Top with club or lemon lime soda.
49. Woo Woo (shaken shot)
Here's a great mixed shot to make on girl's night! It's sweet and satisfying - you won't be able to just have one.
- 1 ounce vodka
- ½ ounce peach schnapps
- ½ ounce cranberry juice
Instructions: Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled, then strain into a shot glass.
50. 252 (shaken shot)
And last, but not least, on our popular shots list is the 252. Even with just two ingredients, this is a great specialty shot!
- ½ ounce Bacardi 151 rum
- ½ ounce Wild Turkey bourbon whiskey
Instructions: Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled, then strain into a shot glass.
Printable Shots List
If you're training to be a bartender, or just want to be able to make delicious shots for your friends and family, you can have all of these recipes in a printable PDF to use at any time! Print it out, or save it on your phone for later.
Popular Shot Styles Explained
This guide includes many different easy shots for bartenders and home bartending enthusiasts. The shots in the guide are classified based on their style:
Bomb Shots: These types of shots are made by mixing two drinks. First, fill a shot glass with some type of hard liquor. Then, a large glass with a different drink (usually beer or an energy drink). Drop the shot into the large glass and drink up!
Layered Shots: Probably the prettiest of all the shot recipes! You'll just need a bar spoon. Carefully pour the different types of alcohol on top of each other, with the help of the bar spoon, so it creates a pretty layered effect.
Shaken Shots: Just as the name implies, this type of shot is shaken using something like a Boston shaker. These shots are super easy because you just add all the ingredients into the shaker, along with some ice (usually), and then shake it all up! You can easily scale up these shots to make for a crowd.
Bartending Tools For Shots
In order to be able to whip up the best shots for a party, you'll need to have a few bartending tools on hand. These are some of my favorite tools that I always keep on hand:
Boston Shaker: This is a great versatile bar tool! It's a two piece cocktail shaker that can be used for shaken shots. Many professional bartenders prefer a Boston shaker with one side that's metal and the other that's glass.
Jigger: A cocktail jigger is used to measure various ingredients. There are different types of jiggers (double jigger, Japanese jigger, stepped jigger, or precision liquor bottle pourers for busy bartenders). One shot is typically 1.5 ounces, which is equal to one standard jigger.
Bar spoon: Bar spoons are used for many purposes, mainly for layered shots in this case. All you have to do is pour the second liquid on top of the bar spoon to help create a layered effect, like in this peanut butter & jelly shot.
Hawthorne Strainer: The Hawthorne strainer is used to strain shaken shots from a shaker into the serving glass.
Juicer: For all the freshly squeezed citrus you'll use in a shot, a juicer is necessary! Make sure you get one that is heavy-duty and won't easily break!
Shot Glasses: Of course, you can't forget your glasses to serve the shots in.
Other Bartending Resources
Still looking to learn more bartending secrets? Check out this 'Liquor 101' video series. This series will teach you about the basic in’s and out’s of common liquor (how it’s made, how to buy a bottle you’ll like, and how to make mixed drinks with it). There are videos talking about vodka, tequila, whisk(e)y, and more!
If you need some cocktails to go along with this shot list, check out my bartender cheat sheet with over 45 cocktail recipes in one guide. You'll learn the recipe for tons of classic cocktails like the Cosmopolitan, Aperol spritz, and martini.
Leave a Reply