Twisted Candy Apple Shots

Twisted Candy Apple Shots are a fun and festive way to bring the flavors of caramel apples into a delicious, boozy treat. With a mix of tart apple, sweet caramel, and a hint of cinnamon spice, these vibrant shots are perfect for fall parties, Halloween gatherings, or anytime you want a fun and flavorful drink!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Sweet & Tart Flavor – A perfect blend of caramel, apple, and cinnamon.
  • Fun & Festive – Great for parties and seasonal celebrations.
  • Easy to Make – Simple ingredients with quick prep.
  • Customizable – Adjust the alcohol level or make it non-alcoholic.
  • Beautiful Presentation – A vibrant red or green shot with a caramel rim!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • 1 oz apple schnapps (or sour apple liqueur)
  • 1 oz caramel vodka (or regular vodka with a caramel drizzle)
  • ½ oz cinnamon whiskey (like Fireball)
  • ½ oz cranberry juice (for color & tartness)
  • Caramel sauce (for rim)
  • Red or green sugar (for rim garnish)
  • Apple slices or cinnamon sticks (for garnish, optional)

Directions

  1. Prepare the Shot Glasses – Dip the rims of shot glasses in caramel sauce, then into colored sugar.
  2. Mix the Shot – In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine apple schnapps, caramel vodka, cinnamon whiskey, and cranberry juice. Shake well.
  3. Pour & Serve – Strain into the prepared shot glasses.
  4. Garnish & Enjoy – Top with an apple slice or a small cinnamon stick for an extra touch!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4 shots
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes

Variations

  • Non-Alcoholic Version: Use apple cider, caramel syrup, and a splash of cinnamon extract.
  • Extra Cinnamon Kick: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or a dash of bitters.
  • Creamy Twist: Mix in a splash of Irish cream for a caramel apple latte vibe.
  • Spooky Version: Use black sugar for a Halloween-themed look.
  • Frozen Option: Blend with ice for a slushy-style shot.

Storage/Reheating

  • Make-Ahead: Mix the ingredients and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake before serving.
  • Freezing: Not recommended, but you can pre-chill the ingredients for an extra cold shot.

FAQs

Can I use regular vodka instead of caramel vodka?

Yes! Just add a drizzle of caramel syrup for the same effect.

What’s the best way to rim the glasses?

Use a thick caramel sauce so the sugar sticks well.

Can I make this into a full cocktail?

Absolutely! Pour over ice in a rocks glass and top with club soda.

How do I make it sweeter?

Add a bit of simple syrup or more caramel sauce.

What’s the best apple schnapps to use?

Sour Apple Pucker works great for a tart kick.

Can I serve this in a martini glass?

Yes! Just double the ingredients and serve as an apple martini.

What’s a good food pairing?

Goes great with caramel popcorn, candied nuts, or apple pie bites.

Can I skip the cranberry juice?

Yes! But it adds tartness and a rich color to the shot.

How do I make it extra festive?

Garnish with a mini caramel apple skewer or edible gold flakes.

Can I batch-make these for a party?

Yes! Mix everything in a pitcher and pour into shots when ready to serve.

Conclusion

These Twisted Candy Apple Shots are a fun, festive, and flavorful way to enjoy the nostalgic taste of caramel apples with a boozy twist. Whether for fall parties, Halloween, or just a fun weekend treat, these shots are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try them today and enjoy the perfect mix of sweet, tart, and spicy flavors!

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Twisted Candy Apple Shots

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These Twisted Candy Apple Shots are a sweet, tangy, and slightly sour drink inspired by classic candy apples! Made with sour apple liqueur, cinnamon schnapps, and a touch of caramel, these vibrant red and green shots are perfect for Halloween, fall parties, or any festive gathering.

  • Author: Beth
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 2 shots 1x
  • Category: Cocktails, Shots
  • Method: Shaken
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 oz sour apple liqueur (e.g., DeKuyper Sour Apple Pucker)
  • 1 oz cinnamon schnapps (e.g., Goldschläger or Fireball for extra warmth)
  • 1/2 oz caramel vodka (or butterscotch schnapps)
  • 1/2 oz cranberry juice (for color and tartness)
  • Ice (for shaking)

For Garnish:

  • Caramel sauce (for rimming)
  • Red sugar or crushed cinnamon candies (for the rim)
  • Apple slice or cinnamon stick (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Rim the Glasses

  1. Dip the rims of shot glasses into caramel sauce, then roll in red sugar or crushed cinnamon candies.

Step 2: Mix the Shot

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add sour apple liqueur, cinnamon schnapps, caramel vodka, and cranberry juice.
  3. Shake well for 10-15 seconds until chilled.

Step 3: Serve & Enjoy!

  1. Strain into the prepared shot glasses.
  2. Garnish with a thin apple slice or cinnamon stick for extra flair.
  3. Take the shot and enjoy the sweet, sour, and spicy twist!

Notes

  • Make it a Cocktail: Serve over ice in a rocks glass and top with ginger ale or sparkling apple cider.
  • Extra Candy Flavor: Use sour apple hard candies or Red Hots as stirrers.
  • Stronger Version: Swap cranberry juice for a splash of vodka for extra kick.


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