Liquor Laboratory

15 Best Alcohol Shots for Beginners: Expert Guide (2024)

Best Alcohol Shots for Beginners

Hey folks, are you planning on going for a round of shots but not sure where to start? We get it, there are so many options out there, and it can be overwhelming, especially for beginners. 

But fear not because we’ve got you covered. As someone who appreciates a good drink, we’ve curated a list of the best alcohol shots for beginners, so you can have a satisfying drinking experience without getting too sloppy. 

Trust us; you’re gonna want to try these out.

Top 15 Best Alcohol Shots for Beginners

15. Kamikaze

Two Kamikaze Shot

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Total Time: 2 minutes

Ingredients: 

  • 2oz vodka
  • 0.75oz orange liqueur
  • 0.75oz freshly squeezed lime juice

Instructions: Combine all the ingredients in your bar shaker with ice. Shake until cold and strain into two shot glasses. 

Serving: 2

14. Red-headed Slut

Pouring Red-headed Slut Shot Drink

Prep Time: 5 minutes 

Total Time: 5 minutes 

Ingredients: 

  • (1) 1.5oz Jagermeister jigger
  • (1) 1.5oz peach schnapps jigger
  • (2) 1.5oz cranberry juice jiggers

Instructions: Shake all the ingredients on your cocktail shaker with ice and strain into four shot glasses. 

Serving: 4

13. Chuck Norris

Chuck Norris Shot

Prep Time: 2-5 minutes 

Total Time: 2-5 minutes 

Ingredients: 

  • 1oz vodka, raspberry 
  • 1oz whiskey
  • 1oz energy drink
  • 0.5oz grenadine
  • 0.5oz hot sauce
  • 3 dried cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions: Combine all the liquids in your shaker with ice. Shake for about 30 seconds and pour the mixture into two shot glasses. If desired, garnish with cayenne pepper on top. 

Serving: 2

12. Washington Apple

Glass of Washington Apple Shot

Prep Time: 2 minutes 

Total Time: 2 minutes 

Ingredients: 

  • 1oz Crown Royale
  • 1oz Sour Apple Schnapps
  • 1oz Cranberry Juice
  • Apple Slice 

Instructions: Combine all the liquids in your bar shaker and shake well. Strain the mixture in your glass over ice, then add the apple slice. 

Serving: 1

11. B-52

Two Glasses of B-52 Shots

Prep Time: 2 minutes 

Total Time: 2 minutes 

Ingredients: 

  • 1/3oz coffee liqueur
  • 1/3oz Baileys Irish cream 
  • 1/3oz Grand Marnier 

Instructions: In your shot glass, add the coffee liqueur and slowly pour the Bailey’s on top. After that, layer the Grand Marnier on the topmost part. 

Serving: 1

10. Mad Dog

Glass of Mad Dog Shot

Prep Time: 2 minutes 

Total Time: 2 minutes 

Ingredients: 

  • 0.75oz raspberry syrup, chilled
  • 0.75oz vodka, chilled
  • 3 drops Tobasco

Instructions: In your shot glass, add the raspberry syrup and layer the vodka on the edge (top of the syrup). Then, add drops of Tobasco between the layers.  

Serving: 1

9. Sambuca

Glass of Sambuca Shots and Bottle of Sambuca Ramazotti

Prep Time: 48 hrs

Total Time: 48 hrs

Ingredients: 

  • 1 ½tbsp anise extract
  • 4oz honey
  • 20oz 100-proof vodka

Instructions: Dissolve the honey in an 8oz vodka, then set aside. Use the remaining vodka and mix it with the anise extract. 

Combine the two mixtures and shake well. Let it age for about 48 hours, and serve with ice. 

Serving:

8. Jägerbomb

Jägerbomb Shots

Prep Time: 2 minutes 

Total Time: 2 minutes 

Ingredients: 

  • 4.5oz carbonated energy drink
  • 1.5oz Jagermeister

Instructions: In your shot glass, pour the Jagermeister, then in an old-fashioned glass, pour the energy drink. Drop the shot glass of Jagermeister into the glass of energy drink and enjoy. 

Serving: 1

“When we drink, we get drunk. When we get drunk, we fall asleep. When we fall asleep, we commit no sin. When we commit no sin, we go to heaven. Sooooo, let’s all get drunk and go to heaven!”

— Brian O’Rourke, Professor of Medicine

7. Cherry Cheesecake

Glass Of Cherry Cheesecake Shots

Prep Time: 2 minutes 

Total Time: 2 minutes 

Ingredients: 

  • 0.5oz vanilla vodka
  • 0.5oz grenadine
  • Pineapple juice splash

Instructions: Quarter-fill your shaker with ice and add all the ingredients. Shake for a few seconds until well chilled. Pour the mix into your shot glass. 

Serving: 1

6. Bazooka Joe

Person Making Bazooka Joe Shot

Prep Time: 3 minutes 

Total Time: 3 minutes 

Ingredients: 

  • 0.5oz Irish cream 
  • 0.5oz banana liqueur
  • 0.5oz blue curaçao 

Instructions: In your shaker full of ice, combine all the ingredients and shake well. Strain into your shot glass and enjoy. 

Serving: 1

5. Buttery nipple

Glass of Buttery Nipple on a Wooden Table

Prep Time: 2 minutes 

Total Time: 2 minutes 

Ingredients: 

  • 1oz butterscotch schnapps
  • 10.5oz Irish cream 

Instructions: In your shooter glass, pour the butterscotch schnapps, then slowly pour the Irish cream on top to create a layered effect. 

Serving: 1

4. Liquid Cocaine

Hlass of Liquid Cocaine Shots on a Wooden Table

Prep Time: 2 minutes 

Total Time: 2 minutes 

Ingredients: 

  • 0.5oz Jägermeister
  • 0.5oz cinnamon schnapps
  • 0.5oz peppermint schnapps
  • 0.25oz 151-proof rum

Instructions: Combine all the liquid ingredients in your cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until it’s cold and strain into two shot glasses. 

Serving:

3. Irish Car Bomb

Irish Car Bomb Shots

Prep Time: 3 minutes 

Total Time: 3 minutes 

Ingredients: 

  • 0.75oz Irish Cream
  • 0.75oz Irish Whiskey
  • 9oz Guinness Stout 

Instructions: In your shot glass, pour the Irish cream and layer the whiskey on top. Now, pour the stout into a pint glass. 

To drink, drop the shot glass (with Irish cream) into the pint glass (with stout) and take the shot. 

Serving: 1

2. Lemon drop

Glasses of Lemon drop Shots

Prep Time: 2 minutes 

Total Time: 2 minutes 

Ingredients: 

  • ⅔oz Absolut Citron
  • ½oz lemon juice
  • ¼oz simple syrup
  • Lemon wedge 

Instructions: In your bar shaker filled with ice, combine all the ingredients and shake well. Strain into your chilled shot glass. Put the lemon and a sugar rim on the edge, if desired. 

Serving: 1

1. Tequila Sunrise

3 Glasses of Tequila Sunrise Shots

Prep Time: 5 minutes 

Total Time: 5 minutes 

Ingredients: 

  • 4oz orange juice
  • 2oz tequila
  • 0.75oz grenadine syrup

Instructions: Fill your highball glass with ice. Now, in your bar shaker, add the tequila [1] and juice over ice. 

Shake until well-chilled and strain the mix into your prepared highball glass. Pour grenadine on top slowly and stir. 

Serving: 1

FAQs 

What alcohol is best for shots for beginners?

The best alcohol for shots, suitable for beginners, is anything of high quality – be it vodka, tequila, or rum [2]. But, for most shots, rum is the best option. 

What are the best shots to take that don’t taste like alcohol?

The best shots to take that don’t taste like alcohol include Kamikaze, Buttery Nipple, Lemon Drop, and Irish Car Bomb. 

Are there any shots specifically designed to be easy for beginners to drink?

Yes, shots like the Jello Shot or the Chocolate Cake Shot are often favored by beginners due to their sweet and enjoyable flavors, which help mask the taste of alcohol.

What types of alcohol are typically used in shots for beginners?

Shots for beginners often feature lighter spirits like vodka, rum, or flavored liqueurs. These spirits have smoother profiles and can be easier to drink, especially when mixed with other ingredients.

Are there any non-alcoholic shots that beginners can enjoy?

Yes, non-alcoholic shots, also known as “mocktail shots,” offer beginners a chance to experience the fun of shot culture without consuming alcohol. Examples include fruit juice shots, flavored syrups, or energy drink shots.

How can beginners gauge their tolerance when trying alcohol shots for the first time?

Beginners should start with small amounts and pace themselves when trying alcohol shots. It’s essential to listen to your body and stop drinking if you start feeling intoxicated or uncomfortable.

What are some tips for beginners to enjoy alcohol shots responsibly?

Beginners should drink responsibly by pacing themselves, alternating shots with water, and avoiding excessive consumption. It’s also crucial to be mindful of one’s limits and know when to stop drinking.

Key Takeaways 

Now you have many shots to try despite being a novice in the liquor world. You don’t have to drink spirits straight away, as these shots are perfect introductions to the deep characteristics of liquors. 

From the Kamikaze shot to Jagerbomb to the Tequila Sunrise – all suit the tastebuds of drinkers, especially those not used to the complexity of liquors.    

References:

  1. https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/drinks/news/a3461/its-national-tequila-day-10-things-you-didnt-know-about-everyones-favorite/ 
  2. https://www.britannica.com/topic/rum-liquor 
Lumint ad Side Bar
Flex Ad Side Bar