If you’re looking to bring extra sweetness, a lot of fun, and just the right amount of buzz to your next celebration, you’ve landed in the right place. These Strawberry Shortcake Shots are everything you want in a dessert cocktail—fruity, creamy, incredibly cute, and guaranteed to be the first thing gone at any gathering. Whether you’re planning a summer soirée, a festive girls’ night, or a themed birthday bash, these tiny dessert drinks deliver big flavor and maximum charm.
Strawberry Shortcake Shots combine the nostalgic flavor of your favorite childhood dessert with an adult-friendly kick. Think strawberry shortcake in liquid form—with cake and vanilla vodka, strawberry liqueur, and a swirl of whipped cream to finish it all off. They’re just as delicious as they are delightful to look at, and they come together in a matter of minutes.
What Are Strawberry Shortcake Shots?
Strawberry Shortcake Shots are dessert-style shooters that mix cake vodka, vanilla vodka, and strawberry pucker (or schnapps) with a touch of strawberry extract. Topped with whipped cream and garnished with cute extras like crushed shortcake crumbs, sprinkles, or a halved strawberry, these shots bring a full dessert experience in a tiny glass.
They’re a playful spin on traditional cocktails, offering a blend of visual appeal and indulgent flavor. No baking, no blending—just mix, pour, and top. It’s the kind of recipe that’s ideal for beginner mixologists or anyone who wants maximum wow factor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Shortcake Shots
There are plenty of reasons to adore these little treats, whether you’re the one making them or just enjoying the results.
- Perfect for Parties: They’re showstoppers. The vibrant color, festive garnishes, and creamy topping make them the life of the party.
- Easy to Make: No advanced bartending skills required. If you can shake and pour, you can make these.
- Quick Prep Time: Ready in 10–15 minutes, so you can whip them up right before guests arrive.
- Customizable: Want to swap ingredients or try a non-alcoholic version? You’ve got options.
- Versatile: Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, a bachelorette party, or just a Friday night hangout, these shots fit the vibe.
How Do Strawberry Shortcake Shots Taste?
Strawberry Shortcake Shots taste like dessert in a glass. The strawberry pucker gives a burst of fruity sweetness, while cake vodka adds a soft, vanilla-sponge flavor. Vanilla vodka rounds it out with smooth warmth, and just a dash of strawberry extract intensifies the berry note. Add the whipped cream on top and you get that creamy, dreamy mouthfeel that mimics the topping on a real shortcake.
Each sip (or shot) is perfectly balanced between sweet and spirited. It’s playful, indulgent, and totally satisfying—like a boozy strawberry milkshake but far more elegant and celebratory.
Benefits of Making Dessert Shots
If you’re still on the fence, here are some practical benefits of adding dessert shots like this one to your recipe rotation:
- Saves Time: No need to bake or chill for hours.
- Portion Control: Each guest gets just the right amount.
- Easy Cleanup: Fewer dishes than full cocktails or desserts.
- Great for Batch Prep: You can scale the recipe for a crowd in just minutes.
- Versatile Presentation: Serve them in clear shot glasses, disposable minis, or even hollowed-out strawberries for a twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Strawberry Shortcake Shots
To make 6–8 shots, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Red candy melts (for rimming)
- A dash of strawberry extract
- 1 oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz cake vodka
- 1 oz strawberry pucker (or strawberry schnapps)
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Optional garnishes:
- Crushed shortcake crumbs
- Pink or red sprinkles
- Halved fresh strawberries
Tools Required
- Shot glasses (clear glasses work best for presentation)
- Microwave-safe bowl (for melting candy melts)
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring shot glass
- Spoon or piping bag for whipped cream
- Small plates for setting up rimming station
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
I promised you versatility—and here’s where you can let your creativity shine.
- Whipped Cream Vodka Substitute: If you can’t find cake vodka, whipped cream vodka works great and adds another layer of sweetness.
- No Strawberry Extract?: You can skip it if your pucker is flavorful enough, or add a bit of strawberry syrup instead.
- Dairy-Free Whipped Cream: Great for guests with lactose intolerance.
- Decorative Rims: Try colored sugar, edible glitter, or white chocolate shavings for extra flair.
- Fresh Fruit Swaps: Replace strawberries with raspberries or even peaches for a twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Shots
Step 1: Rim the Glasses
Begin by melting your red candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Use short 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth.
Once melted, dip the rims of your shot glasses into the candy. While the rims are still tacky, dip them into a shallow plate filled with crushed shortcake crumbs or colored sprinkles. Set aside for 5–10 minutes so the rims can set properly.
Step 2: Mix the Shot
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine:
- 1 oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz cake vodka
- 1 oz strawberry pucker (or schnapps)
- A dash of strawberry extract
Shake well for 10 to 15 seconds until thoroughly chilled.
Step 3: Pour the Shot
Strain the mixture evenly into the rimmed shot glasses. Aim to fill each glass about three-quarters full to leave space for the whipped cream topping.
Step 4: Add the Toppings
Top each shot with a swirl of whipped cream. You can use a piping bag for precision or a spoon for a more casual look. Garnish each shot with a halved fresh strawberry, a sprinkle of pink sugar, or a tiny heart-shaped candy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Strawberry Shortcake Shots immediately while the cream is still fluffy and fresh. These are best enjoyed cold and right after preparation.
Serving Suggestions
These dessert shots pair perfectly with other sweet or fruity party snacks. Consider creating a mini dessert bar with complementary recipes like:
- Mini strawberry cheesecakes
- White chocolate dipped strawberries
- Vanilla cupcakes with strawberry frosting
- Sugar cookies with pink royal icing
- Rosé sangria or strawberry lemonade mocktails
Want to explore more creative and fun shot recipes? Don’t miss these party favorites:
Each one offers a unique spin on the traditional shot and adds personality and flavor to any gathering.
Tips for Making the Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Shots
- Don’t Overfill: Leave room for whipped cream so the presentation stays neat and inviting.
- Chill the Glasses: Pop them in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before filling to help keep the shots cold longer.
- Batch the Mix: Double or triple the recipe in advance and store in the fridge in a pitcher until ready to pour.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Choose a vodka brand you like—flavors really shine through in small pours like this.
- Presentation Matters: Use clear glasses to show off the layering, and go wild with toppings for visual impact.
Storage Instructions
While these are best made and served fresh, you can prep some elements in advance:
- Rim the shot glasses up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in a cool, dry area.
- Mix the shot liquid and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 48 hours.
- Whipped cream and garnishes should always be added right before serving.
Leftover liquid mixture (without cream) can be used in a fruity cocktail or blended with ice cream for a boozy shake.
General Info About Dessert Shots
Dessert shots are a fantastic option for anyone looking to serve something unexpected, fun, and festive without committing to a full-sized drink or dessert. They combine the best of both worlds—a little bit of cocktail and a little bit of sweet indulgence.
They’re also inherently fun to make, allowing for tons of creativity in presentation. You can layer colors, play with flavors, and match them to almost any holiday or theme. From a bartender’s perspective, they offer high visual impact with low prep stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these non-alcoholic?
Yes, absolutely. Replace the alcohol with a mix of strawberry syrup, a splash of vanilla extract, and cream soda. It won’t be boozy, but it’ll still taste like a strawberry shortcake in drink form.
Do I need a cocktail shaker?
While it’s not strictly required, it does help blend the ingredients thoroughly and chill them. If you don’t have one, a mason jar with a tight lid will do the trick.
What’s the difference between strawberry pucker and schnapps?
Strawberry pucker is typically more tart and syrupy, while schnapps tends to be a bit sweeter and smoother. You can use either depending on your taste preference.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free whipped topping, and make sure your candy melts and sprinkles are dairy-free as well.
How strong are these shots?
Each shot contains about 1 oz of alcohol, making them moderate in strength. The whipped cream and fruity flavors soften the bite, but they’re still strong enough to count as a cocktail.
Conclusion: A Sweet Ending to Any Occasion
Strawberry Shortcake Shots are the kind of crowd-pleaser that everyone remembers. They’re sweet, fun, and festive, with flavors that feel nostalgic and exciting all at once. Whether you’re toasting at a birthday bash or just indulging in a fun Friday night with friends, these shots bring joy to the table—no forks required.
Looking to explore more fun and fruity drink ideas? Try these next:
- Rum Cherry Cola Jello Shots – A fizzy, nostalgic treat with a grown-up twist.
- Turquoise Paradise Shots – Bright, tropical, and impossible to resist.
- Drunken Papa Smurf Jello Shots – Blue, bold, and packed with punchy flavor.
Share the Sweetness
Did you make these Strawberry Shortcake Shots? I’d love to see your creations! Leave a review below, tag your photos on Pinterest, or share your party spread. Your creativity inspires every new twist I come up with, and nothing makes me happier than seeing your versions come to life.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per shot)
- Calories: 110
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugars: 8g
- Fat: 3g (from whipped cream)
- Alcohol Content: 1 oz per serving
- Protein: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
Strawberry Shortcake Shots – The Sweetest Party Treat
Description
These Strawberry Shortcake Shots are the ultimate sweet party treat! Packed with fruity strawberry flavor, a boozy vanilla-cake twist, and topped with whipped cream, they’re fun, festive, and ready in minutes. Perfect for birthdays, girls’ nights, or any celebration that needs a little extra sparkle. A total crowd-pleaser in a glass!
Ingredients
Red candy melts (for rimming)
Crushed shortcake crumbs or pink sprinkles (for rimming, optional)
1 oz vanilla vodka
1 oz cake vodka
1 oz strawberry pucker or strawberry schnapps
A dash of strawberry extract
Whipped cream (for topping)
Optional garnish: fresh strawberries, mini heart sprinkles, or edible glitter
Instructions
Prep the Shot Glasses:
Melt red candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl using 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Dip the rims of your shot glasses in the melted candy, then press into crushed shortcake crumbs or pink sprinkles. Set aside to harden for a few minutes.Mix the Shots:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add vanilla vodka, cake vodka, strawberry pucker, and a dash of strawberry extract. Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until well chilled.Pour the Shots:
Strain the mixture evenly into the prepared shot glasses, filling about three-quarters of the way to leave space for toppings.Top and Garnish:
Add a swirl of whipped cream to each shot. Finish with a halved strawberry, a sprinkle of pink sugar, or a fun garnish of your choice.Serve Immediately:
These are best enjoyed fresh and cold—serve right after topping for the best flavor and texture!
Notes
No cake vodka? Use all vanilla vodka and add a few extra drops of strawberry extract for depth.
Make-ahead tip: You can rim the glasses and mix the shot liquid up to a day in advance. Just store separately and assemble before serving.
Non-alcoholic version: Replace the vodka and pucker with strawberry syrup, cream soda, and a dash of vanilla extract.
Want more party shots? Try Rum Cherry Cola Jello Shots, Turquoise Paradise Shots, or Drunken Papa Smurf Jello Shots for more fun ideas!