Thank you so much for joining me here today. I’m beyond excited to share a recipe that has quickly become a party favorite in my circle. Whether you’re planning a birthday bash, a girls’ night, or just want to surprise your friends with something unique, this recipe will absolutely deliver. It’s indulgent, showy, and incredibly delicious—everything a memorable dessert shot should be.

Today, we’re diving into the whimsical and oh-so-pretty Sugar Lips Shot. It’s a candy-inspired layered dessert shot that tastes like a grown-up strawberry milkshake with hints of vanilla and tropical fruit. And let me tell you—the look alone is enough to get the cameras clicking. But it’s not all show; the flavor and texture will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why the Sugar Lips Shot Deserves a Spot at Your Next Celebration

Let’s be real: party shots can sometimes be harsh, overly boozy, or one-dimensional. But not this one. The Sugar Lips Shot is layered with flavor and visual appeal. Each layer has its own taste and texture, and when they combine in your mouth, it’s a little burst of creamy bliss. It’s sweet but balanced, rich without being heavy, and ridiculously fun to make.

There are several reasons this shot has become one of my go-to party treats:

It looks stunning in the glass, with layered pink and yellow slushy textures.
Each ingredient is chosen for its flavor harmony and color contrast.
It’s easy to customize—whether you want to switch up the flavors or make it non-alcoholic.
It works for so many occasions: think birthdays, bridal showers, summer barbecues, or even a cozy night in when you want something special.

The Flavor Profile of the Sugar Lips Shot

So what does it taste like? Imagine this:

The first sip is all strawberry cream—soft, velvety, with a nostalgic milkshake vibe.
Then the vanilla and pineapple or cream soda kick in, offering warmth and a delicate lift of citrusy brightness.
The top layer brings everything full circle, reinforcing that strawberry note and capping it with a creamy, dreamy texture.

Add whipped cream and a sprinkle of pink sugar, and the whole thing becomes a dessert in liquid form—lush, fun, and just a little bit flirtatious.

What Makes This Shot Recipe Stand Out

Here’s why I keep coming back to this shot recipe again and again:

It’s visually stunning and guaranteed to impress guests.
It’s easy to scale up or down.
The layering technique adds elegance and a bit of culinary theater.
You can tweak the flavor profile to match the occasion or your mood.
It’s light enough to enjoy more than one, but satisfying enough to serve as a sweet treat on its own.

Ingredients List

To make 4–6 shots (about 2 ounces each), you’ll need the following:

Pink Layer (Base)

1 oz strawberry cream liqueur (Tequila Rose or similar)
½ oz heavy cream or milk
½ cup crushed ice

Yellow Layer (Middle)

1 oz vanilla liqueur (Licor 43 or vanilla vodka)
½ oz pineapple juice or cream soda
½ cup crushed ice

Pink Layer (Top)

1 oz strawberry milk or strawberry cream liqueur
Splash of grenadine (optional, for deeper color)
½ cup crushed ice

Garnish

Whipped cream
Pink sanding sugar or cotton candy sprinkles

Tools and Equipment You’ll Need

Blender or personal smoothie maker
Shot glasses (preferably clear to show off the layers)
Measuring jigger
Spoon (for controlled pouring)
Freezer space for chilling the layers between steps

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas if you want to experiment:

Fruit-forward twist: Replace the pineapple juice with mango nectar for a tropical vibe.
Chocolate note: Add a splash of white chocolate liqueur to the vanilla layer.
Boozy boost: If you’re serving these at a party, feel free to add a half-ounce of flavored vodka to any layer.
Dairy-free version: Use coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk in place of cream. Just note that texture may vary slightly.
Color play: A drop or two of pink or yellow food coloring will intensify the pastel shades if needed.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Blend the Base Pink Layer

In your blender, combine 1 oz strawberry cream liqueur, ½ oz heavy cream or milk, and ½ cup crushed ice. Blend until smooth and slushy. Pour evenly into your shot glasses. Place the glasses in the freezer for 3–4 minutes to firm up the first layer. This is crucial for keeping the layers clean and separated.

Step 2: Blend the Yellow Middle Layer

Rinse your blender, then blend 1 oz vanilla liqueur, ½ oz pineapple juice or cream soda, and ½ cup crushed ice. Blend to a smooth slushy consistency. Remove the shot glasses from the freezer and carefully spoon the yellow layer over the first pink layer. Use the back of a spoon to slow the pour and prevent the layers from mixing. Chill again for another 3–4 minutes.

Step 3: Blend the Final Pink Top Layer

Repeat the blending process with 1 oz strawberry milk or cream liqueur, a splash of grenadine if using, and ½ cup crushed ice. Gently layer this on top of the yellow layer using the same spoon technique. The color contrast is absolutely beautiful here—soft pink atop creamy yellow.

Step 4: Garnish Like a Dessert

Top each shot with a generous swirl of whipped cream. For the final touch, sprinkle pink sanding sugar, edible glitter, or cotton candy sprinkles. This not only makes the shot beautiful but adds a fun texture to the experience.

What to Serve with the Sugar Lips Shot

If you’re building a full dessert or cocktail table, consider pairing these with:

Mini cupcakes or petit fours
Strawberry or vanilla macarons
White chocolate bark
Dipped strawberries
Cheesecake bites

The flavor profile of the shot is soft and sweet, so anything creamy or fruity will pair beautifully.

Tips for Perfecting Your Shots

Always chill between each layer. Don’t rush this part. The firmer each layer is, the better your final result will look.
Use crushed ice to get a slushy consistency. Ice cubes will result in a too-thick blend.
Pour slowly over the back of a spoon to prevent mixing.
Keep shot glasses in the freezer while you work on the next layer—it helps maintain shape and texture.

How to Store or Prep Ahead

These shots are best enjoyed fresh, but if you’re hosting a party and want to prep in advance, here’s what you can do:

Blend each layer separately and store them in jars in the freezer.
Right before serving, re-blend for a slushy texture and assemble the shots.
Garnish only at the last moment for the best whipped cream texture.

Avoid freezing fully assembled shots, as the whipped cream and top layer can degrade in texture.

About Dessert Shots and Why They’re Popular

Layered dessert shots are all about combining bold presentation with indulgent flavor. Unlike high-proof party shots, these are made to sip and savor. They’re low-alcohol, meaning they work well as a treat between courses or after a meal. And because they’re so visually striking, they’re often the highlight of a drinks table.

They also invite creativity. You can layer by color, flavor, or theme, and the ingredients are often interchangeable depending on your pantry. That’s the beauty of drinks like the Sugar Lips Shot—it becomes a canvas for your imagination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Sugar Lips Shots alcohol-free?

Yes, absolutely. Swap the liqueurs for flavored syrups or milk-based drinks. Use strawberry milk, vanilla-flavored almond milk, and pineapple juice. The look and flavor will still be deliciously fun.

Can I make a large batch of this recipe for a crowd?

Definitely. You can blend each layer in larger quantities and use small dessert cups instead of shot glasses for a layered cocktail dessert. Just make sure to keep layering slowly and chill between steps.

What if I don’t have grenadine?

The grenadine is optional—it’s there mostly for color. You can omit it or replace it with a drop of red food coloring or even a bit of raspberry syrup.

What type of liqueur should I use?

For the pink layers, strawberry cream liqueurs like Tequila Rose are ideal. For the yellow layer, Licor 43 is my go-to for its vanilla-forward flavor, but vanilla vodka or white chocolate liqueur also work beautifully.

Conclusion

The Sugar Lips Shot isn’t just a drink—it’s a whole mood. It’s playful, nostalgic, romantic, and just a little bit over the top—in the best way possible. With creamy strawberry and vanilla layers, icy textures, and a sky-high swirl of whipped cream, this shot turns any moment into a celebration.

Whether you’re hosting your best friend’s bachelorette, celebrating a milestone birthday, or just want something a little magical for your Saturday night, this shot is a guaranteed hit.

If you’re ready to take your dessert shot game even further, I highly recommend exploring some more party-perfect, flavor-packed recipes like these:

Hawaiian Lava Flow Jello Shots: a tropical twist with coconut and strawberry layers.
Peachy Quickie Shot Recipe: sweet, fruity, and perfectly peachy—ideal for a summer party.
Miami Vice Jello Shots Recipe: half strawberry daiquiri, half piña colada, and 100% fun.

If you try the Sugar Lips Shot, I’d love to hear about it. Leave a review, tag me on social, or share your photos on Pinterest. Let’s spread the sweetness, one layered shot at a time.

Nutritional Information (Per 2 oz shot, approx.)

Calories: 130
Total Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Sugar: 9g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 1g
Alcohol content: ~6% ABV (varies depending on brand used)

Sugar Lips Shot: A Candy-Colored, Creamy, Layered Dessert Shot Everyone Will Love

Author: Sam

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy, candy-colored layered shot that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious! The Sugar Lips Shot blends strawberry, vanilla, and tropical notes into a velvety slushy treat, topped with whipped cream and sparkly pink sugar. Perfect for birthdays, girls’ night, or anytime you want to wow your guests with a drink that’s equal parts fun and fancy.

Ingredients

Scale

Pink Layer (Base)

1 oz strawberry cream liqueur (like Tequila Rose)
½ oz heavy cream or milk
½ cup crushed ice

Yellow Layer (Middle)

1 oz vanilla liqueur (such as Licor 43 or vanilla vodka)
½ oz pineapple juice or cream soda
½ cup crushed ice

Pink Layer (Top)

1 oz strawberry milk or strawberry cream liqueur
Splash of grenadine (optional, for deeper pink color)
½ cup crushed ice

Garnish

Whipped cream
Pink sanding sugar or cotton candy sprinkles

Instructions

Blend the base pink layer: In a blender, combine strawberry cream liqueur, cream or milk, and crushed ice. Blend until smooth and slushy. Divide evenly between 4–6 shot glasses. Place in the freezer for 3–4 minutes to set.
Prepare the yellow layer: Rinse your blender, then blend vanilla liqueur, pineapple juice or cream soda, and crushed ice. Gently spoon this layer over the pink base using the back of a spoon. Chill again for 3–4 minutes.
Finish with the top pink layer: Blend the strawberry milk or liqueur, optional grenadine, and crushed ice. Carefully layer on top of the yellow section, again using a spoon for control.

Garnish and serve: Top each shot with a swirl of whipped cream and a generous sprinkle of pink sugar or edible glitter. Serve immediately and enjoy the compliments!

Notes

Don’t skip the chilling time between layers—this keeps your colors crisp and your layers beautifully defined.
Crushed ice works best for the slushy texture. Avoid using ice cubes unless they’re very small.
Make it dairy-free by using coconut milk or oat milk instead of heavy cream.
To prep ahead, blend each layer and store separately in the freezer. Assemble and garnish just before serving.
Want a bigger version? Triple the recipe and pour into cocktail or dessert glasses for a layered cocktail!