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The ultimate Apple Pie Shot recipe for 2026 you'll absolutely love

Forget everything you think you know about party shots. The apple pie shot isn’t just another fleeting drink trend; it's a full-on dessert experience squeezed into a shot glass, and it's set to be the star of every get-together in 2025 and 2026. This isn't one of those sickly-sweet concoctions you might remember from your student days. Oh no, this is a proper hug in a glass—a juicy revelation that gets the balance of spice and sweetness spot on. It's the liquid embodiment of a warm, freshly baked apple pie, blending spicy cinnamon whisky, smooth vanilla vodka, and crisp apple cider into one perfect, satisfying gulp. I'm completely smitten with this recipe, and I guarantee you will be too. It’s an absolute belter.

Why this Apple Pie Shot is the best you'll ever try

Ever wonder how the humble apple pie shot became the life and soul of every party? Let's get right into it. The 2025-2026 cocktail scene is all about nostalgic flavours and easy, high-quality drinks you can make at home, and this recipe hits the bullseye. Forget those artificial-tasting shots of the past. Our modern take is a total game-changer, and here’s why everyone’s raving about it:

Proper, Authentic Flavour: It masterfully mixes the warmth of cinnamon whisky with the silky touch of vanilla vodka and the bright snap of real cloudy apple cider. The result is genuinely delicious and tastes just like the real deal – no fake apple flavour here!

A Sip of Nostalgia (With a Modern Kick): There’s a massive trend for nostalgic flavours right now, and what’s more comforting than apple pie? This shot taps straight into that cosy feeling, making it an instant crowd-pleaser for any season.

Dead Simple to Make: Unlike some fiddly cocktails, this one is ridiculously quick to throw together. You can shake one up in seconds, which is a lifesaver when you're hosting. Maximum flavour for minimum faff is the mantra for 2026!

From dive bar staple to viral sensation

Believe it or not, the apple pie shot has some surprisingly deep roots in the American Midwest. It first cropped up as a beloved autumn staple in Wisconsin dive bars back in the late 20th century. Some bars were reportedly slinging over 500 shots on a single busy harvest weekend. It was the go-to drink for celebrating the season.

From there, its popularity just exploded. Thanks to social media and a newfound love for well-crafted, fun cocktails, it’s become a viral hit. It’s evolved far beyond its simple origins into something every home bartender should have in their back pocket.

This shot is a world away from its more buttoned-up cousin; you can check out our guide on the classic Appletini to see just how different they are. This one is all about fun, massive flavour, and making a brilliant memory with your mates.

The ultimate Apple Pie Shot recipe

Alright, let's get straight to the good stuff. This is my tried-and-true recipe for the most ridiculously delicious apple pie shot you’ll ever knock back. It’s lightning-fast, dead simple, and tastes exactly like a slice of warm apple pie in liquid form. I’ve tinkered with this recipe for years, and I can promise you, it’s completely foolproof and an absolute crowd-pleaser. Give this a go tonight!

Ingredients you'll need (per shot)

Forget a massive shopping list—the magic of this shot is all in its simplicity. You only need three key players to whip up this liquid gold. Here’s my go-to lineup for a single shot (just multiply it for more mates!):

25 ml (1 part) Quality Apple Cider: Grab a good cloudy cider if you can. It gives you that authentic, crisp apple base that’s non-negotiable. I use a local British cloudy cider for the best flavour. 20 ml (¾ part) Vanilla Vodka: I lean on something like Absolut Vanilla here. It brings a smooth, creamy vanilla note that feels like the ice cream on the pie. 20 ml (¾ part) Cinnamon Whisky: Fireball is the classic choice, but Jack Daniel's Tennessee Fire also works a treat for that warm, spicy kick. For the Garnish (Optional but Recommended): A swirl of squirty cream and a light dusting of ground cinnamon or nutmeg. Don't skip this bit! Step-by-Step instructions

Now for the fun part. This whole process is so easy it’s almost criminal, and it takes less than a minute. Let’s get shaking!

Chill Everything: Pop your shot glasses in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This is my secret weapon for the perfect shot. A frosty glass makes all the difference. Ice Up Your Shaker: Fill a cocktail shaker about two-thirds full with ice cubes. Getting it properly chilled is the key to a crisp, refreshing shot. Pour in the Magic: Pour in your cloudy apple cider, vanilla vodka, and that fiery cinnamon whisky. Shake It Like You Mean It: Pop the lid on tight and give it a really hard shake for about 10-15 seconds. You'll know it's ready when the shaker feels frosty and almost too cold to hold. That vigorous shake is what makes the final shot so silky smooth. Strain and Garnish: Strain the mixture into your chilled shot glass. Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream and a delicate sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top. This takes it from a simple shot to a proper mini-dessert.

The experts at A Beautiful Mess agree this ratio is spot-on for a cracking shot. They reckon it lands at around 15-20% ABV and you can get about 20 shots out of a standard bottle setup. Check out their take for more party-planning gold.

Estimated nutrition (per shot)

Here's a rough idea of what you're looking at for one shot:

Calories: Approximately 90-110 kcal ABV (Alcohol by Volume): Around 18-20% Sugar: Roughly 7-9g

How to serve your shots like a pro

Right, you’ve mixed up a brilliant batch of apple pie shots, but don't you dare stop there! Nailing the recipe is half the battle, but serving it with a bit of swagger is what separates a decent shot from a legendary one. Trust me, it's these little touches that people remember.

Garnish with an Apple Slice: For a final flourish, add a super-thin slice of apple to the rim. To stop it from browning, just give it a quick dip in some lemon juice beforehand.

The Cinnamon-Sugar Rim: Want to go the extra mile? A cinnamon-sugar rim is an absolute showstopper. Just run a little apple slice or a lime wedge around the rim of your frosty glass and dip it into a plate of mixed ground cinnamon and brown sugar. It looks fantastic and adds that extra pop of sweet spice.

Whipped Cream Wisdom: For that perfect, café-quality whipped cream swirl that doesn't immediately collapse, a proper cream whipper is your best friend. If you're using the canned stuff, make sure it’s properly cold. A room-temperature can will give you a sad, soupy puddle, and nobody wants that!

5 Cracking Apple Pie Shot variations to try

Right, you've nailed the classic apple pie shot. Now the real fun begins. Think of that original recipe as your trusty starting point, because we're about to spin it into some seriously exciting new territory.

Apple Pie à la Mode Shot: If you're all about that warm apple pie and ice cream combo, this twist will blow you away. Just add 10ml of a cream liqueur like Baileys Irish Cream or RumChata into the shaker. It makes the shot unbelievably smooth and silky. Salted Caramel Apple Pie Shot: For an irresistible sweet and salty kick, switch out the vanilla vodka for a salted caramel version. Stoli Salted Karamel is brilliant for this. Or, simply add a drizzle of salted caramel sauce over the whipped cream. One sip, and you’re right back at the funfair. Spiced Rum Apple Pie Shot: Swap the vanilla vodka for a good spiced rum like Kraken or Captain Morgan. This version adds deep notes of vanilla, clove, and caramel, making it even richer and more complex. It's a proper winter warmer. Low-ABV Apple Pie Sipper: Want to keep the flavour but lower the booze? Easy. Just tweak the ratios. Try 40ml of apple cider with 10ml each of the vanilla vodka and cinnamon whisky. It's still got all that classic taste, just with less of a kick. Perfect for a longer evening. The Virgin Apple Pie Shot (No-Alcohol): This is pure autumn comfort and ensures everyone can join in. Gently warm 200ml of cloudy apple cider with one cinnamon stick and a splash of non-alcoholic vanilla syrup (like Monin). Once it's cooled, strain it and pour it into shot glasses. A little whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top make it perfect.

If you love the idea of creating your own signature infusions, you might want to dive into other recipes with similar cosy flavours. Go check out our guide on delicious cocktails made with apple schnapps for some more cracking ideas.

Common mistakes to avoid (Trust me on this!)

Even the best of us have off days. I've seen a few recurring slip-ups over the years, so learn from my past mistakes and get your shots spot-on every time.

Using Apple Juice Instead of Cider: This is a big one, mate. You need that cloudy apple cider for the authentic, tart depth of flavour. Apple juice is just too thin and sweet; it completely changes the drink for the worse. Forgetting to Chill: Never, ever serve this shot at room temperature. It’s a complete flavour-killer, making the shot taste cloyingly sweet and unpleasantly boozy. Cold is the only way to go. Freeze those glasses! Over-Shaking the Shot: A good, hard shake is essential, but don't go mad. You're aiming for 10–15 seconds, max. Any longer and you'll over-dilute the shot with melted ice, washing out all that gorgeous flavour you worked so hard to create.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Right then, you’ve got questions about getting this apple pie shot just right, and trust me, I’ve heard them all. Let's clear up a few things so you can pour with confidence.

Can I make these shots ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! Batching these is a total lifesaver. Just combine the vanilla vodka, cinnamon whisky, and apple cider in a large bottle or jug (scale up the ingredients as needed) and store it in the fridge. When your guests arrive, just give the jug a good shake and pour into your pre-chilled shot glasses. Easy peasy.

What's the best whisky to use for an apple pie shot?

For the classic quick-shake recipe, you can't go wrong with a cinnamon-flavoured whisky like Fireball or Jack Daniel's Tennessee Fire. They’re popular for a reason and deliver that perfect sweet heat. If you want a more subtle spice, you could use a standard Canadian or Irish whisky and add a splash of cinnamon syrup.

How do I make this shot vegan?

It's super simple to make a vegan-friendly version! The base liquids (cider, vodka, whisky) are typically vegan. For the garnish, just swap the standard squirty cream for a plant-based alternative like an oat or coconut whipped cream. They work a treat.

What other garnishes work well?

Beyond whipped cream, you can get creative! A cinnamon-sugar rim is fantastic. A tiny drizzle of caramel or toffee sauce is decadent. For something a bit different, try grating a little fresh nutmeg on top for a warmer, more aromatic spice.

Is this shot very sweet?

It has a definite sweetness, just like apple pie! However, this recipe is designed to be balanced. The tartness from a good cloudy cider cuts through the sweetness of the vanilla vodka and cinnamon whisky. If you prefer it less sweet, simply use a drier cider or reduce the amount of cinnamon whisky slightly.

What food pairs well with apple pie shots?

Since they’re basically dessert in a glass, they’re brilliant with other classic autumn treats. I love serving them with a sharp cheddar cheese board or a bowl of salty, roasted nuts for a savoury contrast. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, they are an absolute dream next to mini cheesecakes or salted caramel brownies.

Can I make a big batch by infusing everything?

Yes, that's the traditional method! It takes more time but results in a deep, mellow flavour. Gently warm a litre of cloudy apple cider with 4-5 cinnamon sticks on the hob (do not boil!). Let it cool completely before stirring in a 70cl bottle of vanilla vodka and half a bottle of cinnamon whisky. Pour into bottles and let it infuse in the fridge for at least 48 hours.

I love apple cocktails! What should I try next?

If you're a fan of this, you'll probably love our Twisted Candy Apple Shots or a classic Appletini. Both celebrate that glorious apple flavour in different ways.

Ready to make the perfect Apple Pie Shot?

There you have it – everything you need to make an apple pie shot that will have your mates begging for the recipe. It’s the perfect blend of comforting nostalgia and modern, easy-to-make fun. So grab your shaker, get your ingredients lined up, and give it a try tonight!

I’d love to see your creations! Share a photo of your apple pie shots on social media and tag us.

Cheers & drink responsibly! 🍸

Ready to discover your next favourite drink? At Cocktail Masters, we're a community of home bartenders and cocktail lovers sharing everything from timeless classics to modern twists. Explore our ever-growing library of recipes, learn new techniques, and even submit your own creations to be featured. Join us and find your perfect pour at https://cocktail-masters.com.

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