Bright, bold, and impossible to ignore—Twisted Candy Apple Shots are the ultimate party starter. With the sharp tang of sour apple schnapps, the tart zip of cranberry juice, and a smooth vodka base, this shot is like biting into a sour candy apple with a boozy twist. Topped with red and green sugar rims and a cherry pop of color, it’s a visual and flavor bomb perfect for Halloween, birthday bashes, or any night that calls for something cheeky and candy-inspired.
Ingredients
- 1 oz Sour Apple Schnapps
- 1 oz Cranberry Juice
- ½ oz Vodka
- ½ oz Grenadine
- Green & Red Sugar, for rimming
- Maraschino Cherries, for garnish
- Ice Cubes
Instructions
1. Rim the Glass
- Lightly moisten the rim of a shot glass with lemon juice or water.
- Dip into green sugar, red sugar, or a mix for a festive, candy-colored rim.
2. Mix the Drink
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine:
- 1 oz sour apple schnapps
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- ½ oz vodka
- ½ oz grenadine
3. Shake It Up
- Shake well—about 15 seconds, until chilled and slightly frothy.
4. Strain & Garnish
- Strain into your prepared shot glasses.
- Top with a maraschino cherry on a cocktail pick or drop it right in for a sweet finish.
Notes
- Make sure your shaker is ice-cold to chill the shot thoroughly.
- For extra flair, use layered red and green sugar rims for that signature twisted effect.
- These can also be poured into mini martini glasses and served as sassy sippers.
Helpful Tips
- Make it sparkle: Add a pinch of edible glitter to the mix for a candy-shop shimmer.
- Prep the rimmed glasses in advance and store in the fridge for quick service at parties.
- Batch-ready: Multiply the recipe and pre-mix in a shaker or pitcher. Shake individual servings fresh.
Conservation and Storage
- Best when shaken fresh.
- You can pre-mix the liquid ingredients (without ice) and store in the fridge up to 1 day in an airtight container.
- Shake with fresh ice before pouring for best texture and chill.
Substitutions and Variations
- No sour apple schnapps? Use apple juice and a splash of lemon, or try green apple vodka.
- Swap vodka for cinnamon whiskey to add a spicy candy apple twist.
- Want it sweeter? Add a splash of apple cider or reduce the cranberry.
Storage Instructions
- Store pre-mixed liquid (no ice) in a sealed bottle or shaker in the refrigerator.
- Rim and garnish glasses fresh for best presentation.
- Do not store once shaken with ice—dilution will flatten the flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
Absolutely! Sub:
- Apple juice for sour schnapps
- Cranberry juice remains
- Club soda or lemon-lime soda for vodka
- Grenadine stays the same
Still gorgeous, still fun!
Q: How many shots does this recipe make?
This makes about 2–3 standard shots, depending on the size of your shot glasses.
Q: Can I serve this in a cocktail glass instead of a shot?
Yes! Just double the recipe and serve in a chilled martini glass with a sugared rim for a twisted candy apple martini.
Conclusion
These Twisted Candy Apple Shots bring everything you love about a candy store into a chic little glass—sweet, sour, colorful, and totally crave-worthy. Whether you’re mixing for Halloween, a neon-themed party, or your next girls’ night in, this shot guarantees flavor and flair.
💬 Made it? Show off your twisted creation with #TwistedCandyAppleShot and tag me—I want to see your sugar-rimmed masterpieces!
Details
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Shake Time: 1 minute
Total Time: 6 minutes
Yield: 2–3 shots
Category: Cocktails / Shots
Method: Shaken
Cuisine: Modern Fusion / Party Drinks
Diet: Vegetarian
Keywords: candy apple cocktail, sour apple shot, Halloween drink, colorful shot, cranberry vodka shot
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Shot glasses
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Bar spoon or garnish pick
- Ice
- Small dish for rimming
Nutrition (Per Shot – Approximate)
Calories: 110
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 5mg
Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: 0g
Alcohol Content: ~1.5 oz per shot
Twisted Candy Apple Shots
Description
Bright, bold, and impossible to ignore—Twisted Candy Apple Shots are the ultimate party starter. With the sharp tang of sour apple schnapps, the tart zip of cranberry juice, and a smooth vodka base, this shot is like biting into a sour candy apple with a boozy twist. Topped with red and green sugar rims and a cherry pop of color, it’s a visual and flavor bomb perfect for Halloween, birthday bashes, or any night that calls for something cheeky and candy-inspired.
Ingredients
-
1 oz Sour Apple Schnapps
-
1 oz Cranberry Juice
-
½ oz Vodka
-
½ oz Grenadine
-
Green & Red Sugar, for rimming
-
Maraschino Cherries, for garnish
-
Ice Cubes
Instructions
1. Rim the Glass
-
Lightly moisten the rim of a shot glass with lemon juice or water.
-
Dip into green sugar, red sugar, or a mix for a festive, candy-colored rim.
2. Mix the Drink
-
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine:
-
1 oz sour apple schnapps
-
1 oz cranberry juice
-
½ oz vodka
-
½ oz grenadine
-
3. Shake It Up
-
Shake well—about 15 seconds, until chilled and slightly frothy.
4. Strain & Garnish
-
Strain into your prepared shot glasses.
-
Top with a maraschino cherry on a cocktail pick or drop it right in for a sweet finish.
Notes
Make sure your shaker is ice-cold to chill the shot thoroughly.
For extra flair, use layered red and green sugar rims for that signature twisted effect.
These can also be poured into mini martini glasses and served as sassy sippers.