18 Christmas Shot Ideas That’ll Make Your Holiday Party Legendary

Look, eggnog is fine and all, but can we talk about how Christmas shot ideas can completely transform your holiday gathering from “nice” to “everyone’s still talking about it in February”? I’m not saying shots are the answer to all your holiday party needs, but a festive lineup of creative shooters definitely doesn’t hurt.

These 18 recipes range from sweet and creamy to boozy and bold, covering everything from candy cane-flavored fun to sophisticated peppermint bark shots. Whether you’re hosting an ugly sweater party, need something for the New Year’s Eve countdown, or just want to spice up your family gathering (after the kids go to bed, obviously), these shots deliver holiday cheer in the most efficient way possible. Fair warning: Your guests will definitely ask for the recipes, so maybe bookmark this page now.

1. Candy Cane Martini Shot

Peppermint perfection that tastes like Christmas morning.

Ingredients

• 1 oz vanilla vodka
• 1 oz peppermint schnapps
• 1/2 oz white chocolate liqueur
• Crushed candy canes for rim
• White chocolate syrup for rim

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Rim shot glasses with white chocolate syrup, then dip in crushed candy canes.
2. Add vanilla vodka, peppermint schnapps, and white chocolate liqueur to a shaker with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
4. Strain into prepared shot glasses.

Why You’ll Love It

It tastes like a liquid candy cane but way more fun. The crushed candy cane rim adds the perfect crunch and looks incredibly festive. These disappeared in about 30 seconds at my Christmas party last year.

2. Gingerbread Man Shot

All the cookie flavor without the baking mess.

Ingredients

• 1 oz vanilla vodka
• 1/2 oz Kahlua
• 1/2 oz Baileys Irish Cream
• 1/4 oz Goldschlager (cinnamon schnapps)
• Whipped cream
• Ginger snap cookie for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Layer ingredients in a shot glass: Kahlua first, then Baileys, then vodka, then Goldschlager.
2. Top with whipped cream.
3. Place a mini ginger snap cookie on top.

Why You’ll Love It

The layering creates this beautiful visual effect that looks way harder than it actually is. The cinnamon schnapps gives it that warm gingerbread spice. IMO, this is the most festive shot on this list.

3. Peppermint Bark Shot

Like the candy, but with alcohol—so basically better.

Ingredients

• 1 oz peppermint schnapps
• 1 oz chocolate vodka
• 1/2 oz cream
• Chocolate syrup for rim
• Crushed peppermint bark candy

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Drizzle chocolate syrup inside shot glass and around rim.
2. Dip rim in crushed peppermint bark.
3. Shake peppermint schnapps, chocolate vodka, and cream with ice.
4. Strain into prepared glass.

Why You’ll Love It

It legitimately tastes like peppermint bark candy. The cream smooths everything out and makes it dangerously easy to drink. These are always a massive hit with the chocolate-mint crowd.

4. Eggnog Shot

Traditional eggnog gets a quick and potent upgrade.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz spiced rum
• 1 oz eggnog
• 1/2 oz vanilla vodka
• Freshly grated nutmeg
• Cinnamon stick for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add spiced rum, eggnog, and vanilla vodka to a shaker with ice.
2. Shake until well chilled.
3. Strain into shot glasses.
4. Grate fresh nutmeg on top.
5. Add a small cinnamon stick as garnish.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s eggnog but turbo-charged. The spiced rum brings all those warm holiday flavors without being too sweet. Some people skip the vanilla vodka, but I think it rounds everything out perfectly.

5. Sugar Cookie Shot

Tastes exactly like frosted sugar cookies, I swear.

Ingredients

• 1 oz vanilla vodka
• 1/2 oz amaretto
• 1/2 oz Baileys Irish Cream
• Splash of half and half
• Colored sprinkles for rim
• Simple syrup for rim

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Rim shot glass with simple syrup, then dip in colored sprinkles.
2. Shake vanilla vodka, amaretto, Baileys, and half and half with ice.
3. Strain into prepared glass.

Why You’ll Love It

The amaretto is the secret ingredient that gives it that authentic sugar cookie flavor. They’re sweet, creamy, and taste like Christmas cookies in liquid form. Kids ask what we’re drinking when we make these, which is always awkward 🙂

6. Hot Chocolate Shot

Warm, cozy, and boozy—the holy trinity.

Ingredients

• 1 oz vanilla vodka
• 1 oz chocolate liqueur
• 1/2 oz peppermint schnapps (optional)
• Hot chocolate for chaser
• Whipped cream
• Mini marshmallows

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Shake vanilla vodka and chocolate liqueur with ice.
2. Strain into shot glass.
3. Top with a tiny dollop of whipped cream and mini marshmallows.
4. Serve with a small cup of hot chocolate as a chaser.

Why You’ll Love It

The hot chocolate chaser takes this from good to incredible. You shoot, then immediately sip the hot chocolate, and it’s basically magic. The peppermint schnapps is optional but adds a nice minty kick.

7. Cranberry White Christmas

Tart, sweet, and pretty in pink.

Ingredients

• 1 oz vanilla vodka
• 1/2 oz white chocolate liqueur
• 1/2 oz cranberry juice
• Splash of cream
• Fresh cranberries for garnish
• White sugar for rim

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Rim glass with white sugar.
2. Shake all ingredients with ice.
3. Strain into prepared glass.
4. Drop 2-3 fresh cranberries in for garnish.

Why You’ll Love It

The cranberry adds tartness that cuts through the sweet white chocolate perfectly. These are gorgeous and photograph beautifully. The fresh cranberries floating in the shot add a festive touch.

8. Fireball Apple Cider Shot

Warm spices meet crisp apple in the best way.

Ingredients

• 1 oz Fireball whisky
• 1 oz apple cider
• 1/2 oz vanilla vodka
• Cinnamon sugar for rim
• Apple slice for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Rim shot glass with cinnamon sugar.
2. Shake Fireball, apple cider, and vanilla vodka with ice.
3. Strain into prepared glass.
4. Garnish with a thin apple slice.

Why You’ll Love It

It tastes like a crisp fall day meets Christmas. The Fireball brings heat and cinnamon flavor while the apple cider keeps it seasonal. These go down way too easily, so pace yourself.

9. White Chocolate Peppermint Patty

Creamy, minty, and absolutely addictive.

Ingredients

• 1 oz peppermint schnapps
• 1 oz white chocolate liqueur
• 1/2 oz vodka
• 1/2 oz cream
• Chocolate shavings

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Shake all ingredients with ice.
2. Strain into shot glass.
3. Top with chocolate shavings.

Why You’ll Love It

It tastes like a York Peppermint Pattie but creamier. The white chocolate softens the peppermint intensity. FYI, using good quality white chocolate liqueur makes a huge difference here.

10. Christmas Morning Mimosa Shot

Champagne and orange juice, but make it a shot.

Ingredients

• 1 oz champagne or prosecco
• 1/2 oz orange liqueur (like Grand Marnier)
• 1/2 oz fresh orange juice
• Splash of cranberry juice
• Orange peel twist

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Layer ingredients in a shot glass—orange juice and cranberry first, then orange liqueur, then champagne on top.
2. Garnish with an orange peel twist.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s elegant and festive without being too sweet. The cranberry adds a beautiful color and subtle tartness. These are perfect for Christmas brunch or New Year’s morning.

11. Reindeer Shot

Chocolate and cherry—classic combo, holiday twist.

Ingredients

• 1 oz chocolate vodka
• 1/2 oz amaretto
• 1/2 oz cherry liqueur
• Maraschino cherry for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Shake chocolate vodka, amaretto, and cherry liqueur with ice.
2. Strain into shot glass.
3. Drop a maraschino cherry in for garnish.

Why You’ll Love It

It tastes like chocolate-covered cherries, which is basically Christmas in candy form. The amaretto adds this almond undertone that makes everything more complex and delicious.

12. Snowball Shot

Creamy, coconutty, and tropical-ish for the holidays.

Ingredients

• 1 oz coconut rum
• 1 oz pineapple juice
• 1/2 oz cream of coconut
• Shredded coconut for rim
• Simple syrup for rim

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Rim glass with simple syrup and shredded coconut.
2. Shake coconut rum, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut with ice.
3. Strain into prepared glass.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s like a mini piña colada but festive. The coconut rim makes it feel wintery and special. These are perfect for people who want something tropical during the cold months.

13. Baileys Hot Cocoa Shot

Because Baileys makes everything better.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz Baileys Irish Cream
• 1/2 oz vanilla vodka
• 1/4 oz chocolate liqueur
• Whipped cream
• Cocoa powder for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Shake Baileys, vodka, and chocolate liqueur with ice.
2. Strain into shot glass.
3. Top with whipped cream.
4. Dust with cocoa powder.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s rich, creamy, and tastes like dessert. The whipped cream topping makes it feel extra indulgent. These are perfect for ending a holiday dinner party.

14. Grinch Shot

Green, mean, and surprisingly delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 oz Midori melon liqueur
• 1/2 oz pineapple juice
• 1/2 oz vodka
• Splash of lemon-lime soda
• Red sugar for rim
• Maraschino cherry

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Rim glass with red sugar.
2. Shake Midori, pineapple juice, and vodka with ice.
3. Strain into glass.
4. Top with a splash of lemon-lime soda.
5. Garnish with a cherry (his heart!).

Why You’ll Love It

The bright green color is perfect for the Grinch theme. It’s surprisingly refreshing and not too sweet. The red sugar rim represents his eventual heart growth, which is adorable.

15. Peppermint Mocha Shot

Coffee shop favorite meets Christmas party.

Ingredients

• 1 oz coffee liqueur
• 1/2 oz peppermint schnapps
• 1/2 oz chocolate vodka
• Whipped cream
• Crushed peppermint

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Shake coffee liqueur, peppermint schnapps, and chocolate vodka with ice.
2. Strain into shot glass.
3. Top with whipped cream.
4. Sprinkle crushed peppermint on top.

Why You’ll Love It

It tastes exactly like a peppermint mocha from your favorite coffee shop. The coffee liqueur adds depth and cuts through the sweetness. These are perfect for coffee lovers who also love Christmas.

16. Salted Caramel Pretzel Shot

Sweet, salty, and dangerously good.

Ingredients

• 1 oz caramel vodka
• 1/2 oz Baileys Irish Cream
• 1/2 oz butterscotch schnapps
• Caramel sauce for rim
• Crushed pretzels for rim
• Flaky sea salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Rim glass with caramel sauce and crushed pretzels.
2. Shake caramel vodka, Baileys, and butterscotch schnapps with ice.
3. Strain into prepared glass.
4. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top.

Why You’ll Love It

The pretzel rim adds this amazing salty crunch. The sea salt on top elevates everything. This isn’t traditionally Christmas-themed, but it’s fancy and delicious enough for any holiday party.

17. Rudolph’s Nose Shot

Red, festive, and cherry-flavored fun.

Ingredients

• 1 oz cherry vodka
• 1/2 oz grenadine
• 1/2 oz lemon-lime soda
• Red sugar for rim
• Maraschino cherry

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Rim glass with red sugar.
2. Add cherry vodka and grenadine to shot glass.
3. Top with lemon-lime soda.
4. Drop in a maraschino cherry.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s bright red like Rudolph’s nose and super festive. The lemon-lime soda makes it fizzy and refreshing. These are easy to make in batches, which is always a plus.

18. Snickerdoodle Shot

Cinnamon sugar cookie in liquid form.

Ingredients

• 1 oz vanilla vodka
• 1 oz cinnamon schnapps
• 1/2 oz Baileys Irish Cream
• Cinnamon sugar for rim
• Simple syrup for rim

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Rim glass with simple syrup and cinnamon sugar.
2. Shake vanilla vodka, cinnamon schnapps, and Baileys with ice.
3. Strain into prepared glass.

Why You’ll Love It

It tastes exactly like a snickerdoodle cookie. The cinnamon sugar rim is essential—don’t skip it. These are always crowd favorites and work for any holiday gathering.

---

These 18 Christmas shot ideas prove that holiday drinks don’t have to be boring punch or predictable eggnog. From candy cane-flavored classics to creative twists like the Grinch shot, there’s something here for every taste and party vibe. The best part? Most of these take under 2 minutes to make, which means less time bartending and more time actually enjoying your party. Just remember to pace yourself, make sure everyone has a safe ride home, and maybe keep a pitcher of water handy between rounds. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some peppermint bark shots calling my name, and these candy cane rims aren’t going to crush themselves. Cheers to the holidays!