What you need for Halloween drink shots
- A jigger, to measure each shot.
- Small shot glasses, or small clear plastic cups with lids for jello shots.
- A bar spoon for layering.
- A tray, so you can chill the shots before the party.
Chill every ingredient, and make Halloween drink shots in a batch rather than one at a time.
1. Bloody sunrise layers
Layered shots look impressive and take only a minute once you know the trick. Pour the heaviest, sweetest liquid first, then the lighter ones over the back of a spoon held against the glass.
- 15 ml grenadine, poured first, for the blood-red base
- 15 ml orange juice, floated slowly on top
- 15 ml vodka or white rum, floated last
Pour each layer very slowly. If the layers mix, chill the ingredients and try again, because cold liquids layer better.
2. Glowing green shot
Mix equal parts melon liqueur and pineapple juice with a little vodka, shake with ice and strain. The result is a bright, almost radioactive green. For a "slime" effect, add a few drops of lime juice, which makes it thicker looking and sharper to taste. Tonic water glows under a black light, so a splash of it makes the shot shine at a party with UV lights, though it will taste a little bitter.
3. Pumpkin pie shot
Combine 20 ml vanilla vodka, 10 ml cream liqueur and a teaspoon of pumpkin purée with a pinch of cinnamon, shake hard with ice and strain. Top with a pinch of cinnamon, or a little whipped cream. It tastes like dessert and is much sweeter than the other shots.
4. Blackberry "potion" shot
Muddle three blackberries with 10 ml of sugar syrup, add 25 ml of gin or vodka and 10 ml of lemon juice, shake with ice and strain through a fine strainer. The dark purple colour looks suitably magical.
5. Halloween jello shots
Jello shots are made in advance, which makes them perfect for a party.
- Dissolve a 85 g packet of orange or lime jelly (jello) in 240 ml of boiling water.
- Stir in 120 ml of cold vodka, and 120 ml of cold water.
- Pour into small cups, and chill for at least four hours, until firm.
Because the alcohol is hidden by the sweet flavour, people eat jello shots quickly and underestimate them, so serve fewer than you think you need, and label the tray clearly. Never serve them to children or leave them where children could reach them.
6. Alcohol-free "poison" shot
Everyone should have something to hold. Mix 100 ml of blackcurrant juice, 50 ml of lime juice and a spoonful of sugar syrup, top with soda, and serve it in the same shot glasses with the same garnish. It looks identical, and guests who are driving or not drinking will not stand out.
A note about syringes, test tubes and "blood bags"
Shots served in plastic syringes, test tubes or blood-bag pouches are popular at Halloween parties. If you use them, buy new, food-grade items made for the purpose, never real medical equipment, and never use a syringe with a needle. Plastic syringes without needles are easier to over-drink quickly, so use a small measure and tell guests what they contain.
How much is in a shot?
A standard shot of a 40 percent spirit is 25 to 40 ml, depending on the country, and it contains roughly one standard drink. Layered and flavoured shots often use less spirit and more liqueur or juice, but the alcohol still adds up quickly because shots are drunk fast and the sweet taste hides the strength. The World Health Organization gives background on alcohol and health if you want to know more.
Preparing shots in advance
Jello shots need four hours or more, so make them the day before and keep them covered in the fridge. Layered shots cannot wait: build them just before the party, and keep them on a tray in the fridge or freezer for no more than an hour. Shots with cream or fresh juice should be made on the day. Keep a small bowl of ice and a cloth nearby, because shot glasses sweat and slip.
Serving shots responsibly
- Count the shots: one measure is one standard serving, but a tray of shots disappears fast.
- Serve water and food with the shots, and put out something salty or starchy.
- Make sure no one drives after drinking.
- Do not pressure anyone to drink, and respect a "no, thank you".
- Never serve alcohol to anyone under the legal age.
Where to go next
One tray of Halloween drink shots is enough for most parties. If you would rather serve something longer, our collection of Halloween cocktails has 15 recipes, and our guide to Halloween punch ideas covers drinks for a crowd. For more ideas by spirit, see our Halloween drinks with alcohol and browse the vodka category.
