These Shamrock Shake Pudding Shots are a creamy, minty, and boozy treat perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations! Inspired by the classic Shamrock Shake, these fun pudding shots combine vanilla pudding, Irish cream or vodka, and a hint of mint for a festive, adults-only dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy & Fun – Just mix, chill, and serve!
- Perfect for Parties – A festive St. Patrick’s Day treat.
- Creamy & Minty – Smooth vanilla pudding with a refreshing mint flavor.
- Customizable – Make them boozy or alcohol-free.
- Great for Gifting – Serve in mini cups for a fun party treat!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Instant vanilla pudding mix
- Cold milk
- Irish cream liqueur (Baileys), vodka, or crème de menthe
- Whipped topping (Cool Whip or homemade)
- Green food coloring
- Peppermint extract (optional for extra mint flavor)
Optional Toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Green sprinkles
- Crushed mint candies or Oreos
- Maraschino cherries
Directions

Make the Pudding Base:
- Whisk Pudding & Milk – In a large bowl, whisk together pudding mix and cold milk until smooth.
- Add Alcohol & Color – Stir in Irish cream (or vodka), peppermint extract, and a few drops of green food coloring. Mix well.
Fold in Whipped Topping:
- Make It Creamy – Gently fold in whipped topping until fully combined.
Chill & Serve:
- Portion Into Cups – Divide the mixture into small shot cups or dessert glasses.
- Chill – Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
Garnish & Enjoy:
- Top with Whipped Cream – Add whipped cream, sprinkles, and a cherry before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10 shots
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
- Non-Alcoholic Version – Replace alcohol with extra milk for a kid-friendly treat.
- Extra Boozy – Add a splash of crème de menthe for a stronger minty kick.
- Chocolate Mint – Mix in chocolate pudding instead of vanilla.
- Dairy-Free Option – Use almond or coconut milk and dairy-free whipped topping.
- Oreo Crust – Add crushed Oreos at the bottom of each cup for texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in airtight containers for up to a month.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prep a day in advance and keep refrigerated.
What’s the best alcohol for these shots?
Irish cream for creaminess, vodka for a stronger kick, or crème de menthe for extra minty flavor.
Can I use homemade pudding?
Yes! Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold its shape.
How do I make these extra thick?
Use less milk or add extra whipped topping.
Can I serve these in larger cups?
Yes! Serve in small dessert cups for a larger portion.
What’s the best way to serve these?
Use mini plastic shot cups with small spoons for easy serving.
Can I add crushed candy canes?
Absolutely! They add a nice minty crunch.
Do I need to chill these before serving?
Yes! Chilling helps them set and enhances the flavors.
Can I make these vegan?
Yes! Use plant-based milk and pudding mix, plus coconut whipped cream.
What pairs well with these pudding shots?
Pair with chocolate truffles, sugar cookies, or Irish coffee!
Conclusion
These Shamrock Shake Pudding Shots are a festive and delicious way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! Creamy, minty, and perfectly boozy, they’re a fun dessert shot that will impress your guests. Try them today and enjoy the ultimate St. Paddy’s treat!
PrintShamrock Shake Pudding Shots
These Shamrock Shake Pudding Shots are creamy, minty, and spiked with Irish cream or vodka for a fun twist on the iconic green milkshake. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day parties or any festive occasion!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12–14 shots 1x
- Category: Dessert, Cocktail
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup cold milk
- ½ cup Baileys Irish Cream, vodka, or crème de menthe
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 4 drops green food coloring
- 8 oz whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Green sprinkles or crushed cookies (for garnish)
- Mini shot cups (about 12-14 servings)
Instructions
-
Mix Pudding:
- In a bowl, whisk together vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth.
-
Add Booze & Flavoring:
- Stir in Baileys (or chosen alcohol), peppermint extract, and green food coloring until combined.
-
Fold in Cool Whip:
- Gently fold in whipped topping until fully mixed and fluffy.
-
Chill:
- Spoon or pipe the pudding mixture into small shot cups.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
-
Garnish & Serve:
- Top with whipped cream, green sprinkles, or crushed cookies before serving.
- Enjoy chilled!
Notes
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Swap the alcohol for extra milk and add a little vanilla extract for flavor.
- Want it stronger? Replace some of the milk with more Baileys or vodka.
- Make Ahead: These can be made 24 hours in advance and stored in the fridge until party time.