Thoughtfully Cocktails, Mix and Match Mini Sampler Cocktail Mixer Set
Buy Now →This Nerds Candy Shot is a sweet, tangy, and fun drink that tastes just like the classic candy! Made with vodka, watermelon schnapps, and sweet & sour mix, then topped with a fizzy splash of lemon-lime soda, this vibrant shot is perfect for parties. The rim is coated in crunchy Nerds candy for a playful and colorful twist!
Ingredients
For the Shot:
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz watermelon schnapps (or sour apple schnapps for a tangy twist!)
- ½ oz sweet & sour mix
- Splash of lemon-lime soda (like Sprite or 7UP)
For the Rim & Garnish:
- Nerds candy (for rimming & garnish)
- Honey or simple syrup (to help Nerds stick to the glass)
Instructions
1. Rim the Glass with Nerds
- Lightly coat the rim of a shot glass with honey or simple syrup.
- Dip the rim into Nerds candy and press lightly to stick.
2. Mix the Shot Ingredients
- In a cocktail shaker, combine:
1 oz vodka
1 oz watermelon schnapps
½ oz sweet & sour mix
3. Shake It Up
- Add ice to the shaker.
- Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds until well chilled.
4. Strain & Serve
- Strain the mixture into your Nerds-rimmed shot glass.
5. Add the Final Touch
- Top with a splash of lemon-lime soda for a fizzy kick.
- Drop a few Nerds into the shot for extra fun and crunch!
Notes
- For extra chill, freeze the shot glasses for a few minutes before serving.
- Make it sweeter or tangier by adjusting the sweet & sour mix.
- Experiment with different schnapps flavors like sour apple, peach, or blue raspberry.
Helpful Tips for the Best Nerds Shot
Chill Your Ingredients & Glasses – A colder shot is always better! Freeze your shot glasses for a few minutes before serving.
Use Flavored Vodka – Try watermelon, citrus, or berry vodka to enhance the fruity flavors.
Adjust the Sweetness – If you prefer a tangier shot, add more sweet & sour mix. If you like it sweeter, add extra lemon-lime soda.
Make a Big Batch for Parties – Multiply the ingredients and shake up a large batch in a pitcher for easy serving.
Shake Well – Shaking with ice ensures the drink is well-mixed and ice-cold before serving.
Don’t Let the Nerds Sit Too Long – If left in the drink too long, Nerds candy can dissolve. Add them right before serving for that crunchy effect.
Switch Up the Flavors – Try different schnapps flavors like sour apple, peach, or blue raspberry for fun variations!
Use a Sticky Rim Coating – Honey or simple syrup works best to help the Nerds stick to the glass—avoid water, as it won’t hold the candy as well.
Balance the Alcohol – If you want a lighter shot, reduce the vodka slightly and add more soda for a smoother taste.
Conservation and Storage
Can You Store Nerds Shots?
This shot is best served fresh to enjoy the fizzy soda and crunchy Nerds candy. However, you can prep parts of it ahead of time!
Refrigeration
- Pre-mix the alcohol: Combine the vodka, schnapps, and sweet & sour mix in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- Shake before serving: Always shake with ice before pouring to ensure it’s cold and well-mixed.
- Green Nerds rim: Only prepare the Nerds rim just before serving, as the candy can dissolve over time.
Freezing
- Not recommended! The carbonation from the soda will go flat, and the texture of the Nerds candy will change.
Reheating
- Not applicable – This is a chilled drink and should not be heated.
How to Store Leftover Nerds Candy
- Keep any unused Nerds candy in a sealed container to prevent moisture from making them sticky.
Substitutions and Variations
Sour Apple Nerds Shot – Swap watermelon schnapps for sour apple schnapps for a tart kick.
Blue Raspberry Nerds Shot – Use blue curaçao instead of watermelon schnapps for a bright blue drink!
Strawberry Lemonade Nerds Shot – Use strawberry vodka and pink lemonade instead of sweet & sour mix.
Non-Alcoholic Version – Replace vodka with lemon-lime soda and schnapps with watermelon or apple-flavored syrup.
Storage Instructions
Best Served Fresh!
This Nerds Candy Shot is meant to be enjoyed immediately for the best taste and texture. The carbonation from the soda and the crunch of the Nerds candy don’t hold up well over time.
Make-Ahead Option
- Pre-mix the Alcohol Base: Combine vodka, schnapps, and sweet & sour mix in a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- Shake Before Serving: When ready, shake the pre-mixed ingredients with ice and strain into a shot glass.
Avoid Storing These Components
Lemon-lime soda: Loses carbonation if stored.
Nerds candy on the rim: Can dissolve over time, so prepare the rim just before serving.
Fully mixed shot: The soda will go flat, and the drink won’t taste as fresh.
Leftover Nerds Candy?
Keep any unused Nerds in a sealed container to prevent moisture from making them sticky.
Pro Tip: If making a batch for a party, prepare the alcohol mix ahead of time and add soda + Nerds just before serving!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make this as a cocktail instead of a shot?
Yes! Just double the ingredients, serve in a cocktail glass over ice, and top with extra lemon-lime soda.
2. Can I use a different schnapps flavor?
Absolutely! Try sour apple, peach, or blue raspberry schnapps for a fun twist.
3. Is there a way to make it less sweet?
Yes! Reduce the sweet & sour mix and use more lemon-lime soda for a lighter taste.
4. What if I don’t have a cocktail shaker?
You can mix the ingredients in a jar with a lid and shake well, or stir them with ice in a glass before straining.
Conclusion – A Shot Worth Celebrating!
This Nerds Candy Shot is the ultimate sweet, fruity, and fun party drink! With a delicious blend of vodka, schnapps, and a tangy soda finish, plus the playful Nerds candy rim, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Tried this shot? Drop a comment below and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to share your photos on Pinterest or Instagram.
Cheers to fun, colorful, and delicious drinks
Print
Nerds Candy Shot – A Fun & Fruity Party Drink!
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 shot 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Nerds Candy Shot is a sweet, tangy, and fun drink that tastes just like the classic candy! Made with vodka, watermelon schnapps, and sweet & sour mix, then topped with a fizzy splash of lemon-lime soda, this vibrant shot is perfect for parties. The rim is coated in crunchy Nerds candy for a playful and colorful twist!
Ingredients
For the Shot:
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz watermelon schnapps (or sour apple schnapps for a tangy twist!)
- ½ oz sweet & sour mix
- Splash of lemon-lime soda (like Sprite or 7UP)
For the Rim & Garnish:
- Nerds candy (for rimming & garnish)
- Honey or simple syrup (to help Nerds stick to the glass)
Instructions
1. Rim the Glass with Nerds
- Lightly coat the rim of a shot glass with honey or simple syrup.
- Dip the rim into Nerds candy and press lightly to stick.
2. Mix the Shot Ingredients
- In a cocktail shaker, combine:
✅ 1 oz vodka
✅ 1 oz watermelon schnapps
✅ ½ oz sweet & sour mix
3. Shake It Up
- Add ice to the shaker.
- Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds until well chilled.
4. Strain & Serve
- Strain the mixture into your Nerds-rimmed shot glass.
5. Add the Final Touch
- Top with a splash of lemon-lime soda for a fizzy kick.
- Drop a few Nerds into the shot for extra fun and crunch!
Notes
- For extra chill, freeze the shot glasses for a few minutes before serving.
- Make it sweeter or tangier by adjusting the sweet & sour mix.
- Experiment with different schnapps flavors like sour apple, peach, or blue raspberry.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks, Cocktails
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Nerds shot, candy shot, watermelon shot, party drink