Swedish Fish Shot Recipe: Candy Chaos in a Glass

Thank you so much for joining me here! Whether you’re planning your next get-together or simply in the mood for a little colorful cocktail fun, I’m thrilled to be sharing this delightfully nostalgic recipe with you. The Swedish Fish Shot recipe captures everything we love about those chewy, bright red candies from childhood—and transforms it into an irresistible party shooter that’s playful, punchy, and surprisingly simple to make.

This shot is sweet, vibrant, and full of fruity flavor that brings the whimsy of childhood straight into your glass—but with a grown-up twist. The color alone is enough to turn heads, but the flavor is what will keep your guests coming back for seconds. If you enjoy fun, candy-inspired cocktails that are as visually stunning as they are flavorful, this one absolutely belongs in your recipe box.

What Is a Swedish Fish Shot?

A Swedish Fish Shot is a bright red, sweet and fruity alcoholic shot that mimics the flavor of the famous gummy candy it’s named after. It’s made with flavored vodkas—strawberry and cherry—combined with fruit punch and a splash of grenadine. When shaken with ice and poured into a shot glass, it becomes a vibrant little glass of candy chaos that’s just as fun to serve as it is to drink.

This is the kind of recipe you make when you want to liven up the room. Whether it’s a girls’ night, a themed party, or a bachelorette weekend, these shots always get a reaction. From the color to the candy garnish, the entire presentation is a celebration of sweet indulgence.

Reasons to Love This Swedish Fish Shot Recipe

There are plenty of reasons this recipe is worth keeping in your back pocket. For starters:

• It’s fun. Plain and simple. There’s something about turning a favorite childhood candy into a grown-up treat that makes everyone smile.
• It’s easy. Just five ingredients, no complicated techniques, and minimal cleanup.
• It’s scalable. You can make two shots or twenty without breaking a sweat.
• It’s nostalgic. One sip, and you’re immediately transported back to penny candy aisles and summer afternoons.
• It’s highly customizable. Don’t have all the exact ingredients? No problem—you can make a few substitutions and still get great results.

What Does It Taste Like?

This shot truly tastes like a Swedish Fish in liquid form. It combines the juicy sweetness of cherry and strawberry vodka with the familiar fruity blend of red fruit punch and the rich, syrupy depth of grenadine. The result is a balanced, candy-like flavor that’s not cloyingly sweet but still undeniably dessert-y.

The shot finishes smooth, slightly tart, and incredibly satisfying. The ice-chilled preparation keeps it refreshing, while the candy garnish brings that extra layer of whimsy.

Benefits of This Recipe

Making your own Swedish Fish Shots at home isn’t just more cost-effective than buying similar drinks out at a bar—it’s also way more fun. Here’s why it’s worth the few minutes it takes to throw these together:

• Saves money on entertaining
• Perfect for themed parties or celebrations
• Makes you the bartender everyone talks about
• Great conversation starter
• Easy to batch for big groups

Whether you’re throwing a neon party or simply want to surprise your guests with a drink that makes them grin, this shot is a perfect pick.

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you need to make 2 Swedish Fish Shots. You can double, triple, or scale as needed for your party size.

• ½ ounce strawberry vodka
• ½ ounce cherry vodka
• 1 ounce fruit punch (store-bought is fine, or make your own)
• Splash of grenadine
• Ice, for shaking
• Swedish Fish candy, for garnish

Each of these ingredients plays a role in building the perfect flavor. The strawberry and cherry vodkas combine to give a layered berry flavor, while the fruit punch creates the body of the drink. The grenadine adds a bold red color and just a hint of tart-sweet syrup to round everything out.

Tools You’ll Need

• Cocktail shaker (or a mason jar with a secure lid if you don’t have one)
• Jigger or shot measure
• Strainer (optional, but helpful)
• Shot glasses
• Cocktail picks or garnish skewers (optional for candy decoration)

Ingredient Swaps and Variations

I always encourage readers to experiment with ingredients based on what they have on hand. This shot is forgiving and flexible, and you can make it your own with a few simple tweaks:

• If you can’t find strawberry vodka, try raspberry or a mixed berry version.
• Use cranberry or cherry juice instead of fruit punch for a slightly tarter version.
• A splash of lemon-lime soda after shaking adds a fizzy lift.
• Add a drop or two of lemon juice if you want a slightly tangier flavor profile.
• You can even freeze the Swedish Fish into mini ice cubes for garnish that slowly releases candy flavor.

How to Make Swedish Fish Shots: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Fill your cocktail shaker with ice. Add enough to chill the mixture thoroughly but not so much that you can’t shake it well.
2. Pour in the strawberry vodka, cherry vodka, fruit punch, and grenadine.
3. Seal the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds. You want everything to be very cold and fully mixed.
4. Strain the mixture evenly into two shot glasses.
5. Garnish each shot with a Swedish Fish candy. You can gently press it onto the rim, or spear it with a cocktail pick and place it over the glass for extra flair.

Serve immediately for the best flavor and visual impact.

What to Serve With These Shots

This shot pairs wonderfully with other sweet and fruity party snacks. Here are some pairing ideas that match its candy-forward vibe:

• Mini cupcakes or candy-dipped marshmallows
• Strawberry shortcake bites or fruit skewers
• Nachos or cheesy sliders to balance the sweetness
• A full gummy candy bar for guests to mix and match with their drinks
• Sweet popcorn or chocolate-covered pretzels for a sweet-salty combo

Tips for the Best Results

• Use chilled ingredients if you can. This helps the shot stay cold longer and makes shaking easier.
• Don’t overdo the grenadine. A splash is plenty for color and sweetness.
• Shake well to blend the flavors completely and achieve a smooth, chilled texture.
• If serving a crowd, pre-measure ingredients into a larger shaker or pitcher for quicker serving.

Storage Instructions

If you’ve made more than you need, you can refrigerate the un-garnished liquid mix in a sealed container for up to two days. Before serving, shake it again with ice and strain into glasses. Avoid adding candy until the moment of serving to prevent it from dissolving or getting soggy.

General Information

• Serves: 2 shots per batch
• Time: 2 minutes prep
• Difficulty: Easy
• Alcohol Content: Moderate (roughly 15-20% ABV depending on your vodka)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this into a full cocktail instead of a shot?
Yes. Simply increase the ingredient amounts proportionally (for example, use 1.5 oz of each vodka and 3 oz fruit punch) and pour over ice in a rocks glass. You can also top it with a splash of soda for added fizz.

What type of vodka should I use?
Flavored vodkas like Smirnoff or Pinnacle work well. Look for brands with natural fruit flavors for the best taste.

Is this recipe overly sweet?
It’s definitely on the sweeter side, but it’s designed that way to replicate candy flavor. If you prefer a slightly more balanced taste, try using tart cranberry juice instead of fruit punch or cutting the grenadine in half.

Can I make a big batch ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can combine all ingredients (minus the ice) in a pitcher, refrigerate, and shake individual servings with ice just before serving. Garnish right before pouring for the best presentation.

Are there non-alcoholic alternatives?
Yes. For a mocktail version, combine cherry juice, strawberry syrup or puree, fruit punch, and a splash of lemon-lime soda. Garnish the same way to keep the fun presentation.

Conclusion: A Sweet Shot Worth Repeating

If you’re looking to bring energy, color, and a dash of fun nostalgia to your next event, this Swedish Fish Shot recipe is your go-to drink. With its unmistakable candy-inspired flavor, quick prep time, and crowd-pleasing presentation, it’s a party in a glass—and a guaranteed hit with guests.

It’s the kind of shot that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but still delivers bold flavor and memorable moments. Keep this one in your back pocket for your next gathering—you won’t regret it.

Looking for more unique and vibrant shot recipes to liven up your bar cart? You’ll love these party-ready drinks:

• Jamaican Me Crazy Jello Shots – tropical, boozy, and bursting with beach vibes.
• Party Neon Lime Jello Shots – tangy, neon-bright, and ready to light up your night.
• Cherry Rose Mudslide Shots – a rich, creamy, and fruity indulgence that blends elegance with fun.

Join the Party

Tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments below. Better yet, share your shot setups or cocktail presentations with me on Pinterest—I love seeing your creativity in action. Your photos and reviews help others find their next favorite drink, so don’t be shy.

Nutritional Information (Per Shot Approximate)

• Calories: 95
• Sugar: 6 grams
• Carbohydrates: 7 grams
• Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 15–20% depending on the vodka used

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