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    Home » Recipes » Halloween

    Halloween Shooters

    Published: Aug 4, 2022

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    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Halloween Shooters are fun to make, cool to look at, & tasty to drink! These Halloween Shot Recipes are a great addition to any Halloween party spread.

    The Bloody eyeball Halloween shot. A bright green Halloween shooter, with red on the bottom. A lychee - filled with red jam and a blueberry - garnishes the top of the shot.

    Originally published October 23, 2012. Updated on 8/4/22

    Halloween is coming - Yay!

    I love this time of year ... the fall weather, the changing color of the leaves, and the fun of Halloween.

    ... and I love how *wild* one can get with party planning for Halloween, as there are so many directions that one can go.

    Do you go for gory? Campy? Elegant goth?

    Each spooky season option has an entire world of possibilities for decor and food.

    For our part, my husband and I recently* decided to craft up some Halloween-themed shots. We love developing new recipes, after all - and this was a fun challenge!

    We decided to go fairly random on Halloween subthemes, while designing.... colors, flavors, and.. well, a couple that we were just aiming for "gross".

    With candy being such a huge part of Halloween season, I wanted dessert shots - sweet flavors, maybe even designed around some Halloween treats.

    * “Recently” being in 2012, when this post was originally published!

    A row of 4 different Halloween shooters, each with layers of colors.

    Sweet Shots

    Brainstorming included a lot of Jello shot ideas: should we do a pumpkin pie Jello shot? What about an apple cider Fireball Jello shot? Dark Jello shots - maybe as Halloween rum shots?

    Something themed around poison apples, maybe?

    So many possibilities!

    In the end, we narrowed down the possibilities and came up with 5 excellent Halloween shots, with each festive shot featuring a slightly different Halloween theme.

    ... and no Halloween Jello shots ended up being made. Whoops! (We didn’t feel like waiting for them to set).

    We have a classic Candy Corn themed shot, a pretty Witches’s Stockings shot, one that tastes like Candy, a gross brain shot, and a bloody eyeball shot.

    So much fun!

    Any of these make a great Halloween cocktail option for your holiday monster bash, and are sure to be a huge hit with your party guests!

    A Halloween Candy shot next to a Witches Stocking Halloween Shot.

    Shots vs Shooters

    Updating this post in 2020, I guess it’s time to address some semantics with my original post!

    Did you know that there’s a bit of ... maybe not full out “controversy”, but definitely some disagreement over the terms “shot” and “shooter”?

    Both refer to small servings of alcoholic drinks - up to a maximum of 3 oz. They are generally meant to be downed in one go - shot - rather than sipped.

    Shot vs Shooter, As I Learned It

    As I learned it, a shot is a single pour, of a single spirit - generally 1 oz. A shooter is a bit larger - usually 1.5 oz - and involves more than one spirit and/or liqueur.

    By this definition, none of my Halloween shooters are actually SHOTS. They’re all shooters - and that’s why this post was originally called “Halloween Themed Shooters”!

    Shot vs Shooter Definition #2

    To some, a shot is a small serving of alcohol, whether it involves one more varieties, it doesn’t matter. A shooter is a small serving of both alcoholic AND non alcoholic items in one glass.

    By this definition, my Halloween Candy Shot (below) would be a shot, as it’s Orange Curacao and Anisette - both alcoholic beverages.

    Conversely, my Zombie Brain Hemorrhage would be a shooter, as it contains grenadine - a non alcohol addition.

    Yet Another Shot vs Shooter Definition

    Finally, there’s the grey area definition that sort of combines the other two.

    ... That shots are straight alcohol or a mix of alcoholic beverages - with the emphasis on mixed - while shooters are either unmixed alcoholic beverages, and/or include non-alcoholic elements.

    By this definition, none of my Halloween Shooter Recipes are actually shots, though for a different reason than the one I learned it: the ones that don’t involve non-alcoholic additions are all layered, not mixed.

    SO in this case, they’re all shooters, but Halloween Candy, Witches’ Stocking, and Candy Corn *could* be shots, if you mixed rather than layered.

    The Popular Definition

    “If it involves alcohol at all and it’s in a shot glass, it’s a shot”.

    This appears to be the definition Google goes with, so - as I’d like you guys to be able to find this post - we’re going with “Halloween Shots” now!

    Glassware for your Halloween Shots

    Being someone who wrote an entire cookbook about cooking and baking with spirits and liqueurs (*Cough* The Spirited Baker, can be ordered here on my website, through Amazon, or through any major bookseller.*cough).. I have a pretty varied collection of glassware to choose from.

    If you’re looking to purchase shot glasses to make these Halloween Shots - or other shots / shooters - for your next halloween party, here are a few recommendations:

    Shot Glass Treasure Hunt

    I love looking through the selection at thrift stores. Sometimes you can find some really interesting shot glasses - stemmed, fluted, etc.

    The downside is that it’s a bit of a shot (hah!) in the dark. You may find nothing but kitschy tourist shot glasses, or not be able to find sets, and/or the ones you find may be scuffed, chipped, etc.

    The *ahem* Sure Shot

    When I need a full set of something - especially for photos - I just order from Amazon.

    There are many, many options for shot glasses available on the site, but a few stand out to me. This shot glass set is a good basic option, and These rectangular shot glasses are very cool in general.

    This Tall shot glass set is very similar to what I used for the tall shot glasses, but These shot glasses are another nice option for the tall shot glasses.

    Either of the tall shot glass options can be used for any of my Halloween Shots, but are especially necessary for the Zombie Brain Hemorrhage Shots.

    Other Options

    If you feel like getting your mad scientist on, 2 oz Glass Test Tubes are a fun way to serve Halloween shots.

    Skull Shot Glasses are always fun, but take away from the presentation of these particular shot recipes, IMHO.

    How To Make These Halloween Shooerts

    As most of these ended up utilizing layering techniques, I'd suggest reading my earlier blog entry, "Shot Tectonics: The Science of Layered Shooters" before getting started.

    No worries, it's really not that difficult - all you’ll need is a small spoon. (And a pour spout, if you’re feeling fancy!)

    As a note: I generally eyeball these as I make them, rather than measure. Exact measurement is unnecessary for these kind of cocktails, IMHO.

    That said, I’ve included measurements in the recipe card at the end of this post.

    The Science of Layered Shots

    Halloween Shot Recipes

    Halloween Candy Shot Recipe

    The "Halloween Candy" Shot recipe. A shot glass is shown with clear liquid on the bottom. The top orange layer is seeping into the clear, creating a pretty gradient effect.

    To me, Black Licorice + Orange is an epic flavor combination. I grew up on it with Tiger Tail Ice Cream, and have played with it in other recipes, such as my Tiger Tail Cake Recipe.

    Orange Curaçao
    Anisette

    Pour Orange Curacao into a shot glass, filling it about halfway. Gently pour Anisette into the middle of the glass, filling it almost to the top.

    The Anisette is "heavier" than the Curacao, and will sink to the bottom - creating a pretty gradient effect as it does.

    Witches' Stockings Shot Recipe

    The "Witches Stocking" Halloween Shot recipe. A shot glass is pictured with orange, green, and purple layers.

    I've got to admit - on its own, I really don't like Creme de Violette. In this drink, though? It works! Monumentally more palatable, IMHO!

    Creme de Violette
    Sour Apple Pucker Liqueur
    Orange Curacao

    Layer liqueurs in order of mention above - First the Creme de Violette, then Apple Pucker, topping off with Orange Curacao.

    Be VERY gentle as you layer these liqueurs - They're fairly close in specific gravity, so they require a bit of extra attention to not mix them!

    Candy Corn Shot Recipe

    The Candy Corn Halloween Shot recipe. A shot glass is pictured with layers of orange, white, and yellow liqueurs.

    This one may not taste anything like Candy Corn specifically (We were going for layered colors, more than anything...), but it DOES taste like candy!

    Creme de Banane
    White Chocolate Creme Liqueur (We used Merry's)
    Orange Curacao

    Layer liqueurs in order of mention above - First the Creme de Banane, then White Chocolate Creme, topping off with Orange Curacao.

    The Bloody Eyeball Shot Recipe

    The Bloody eyeball Halloween shot. A bright green Halloween shooter, with red on the bottom. A lychee - filled with red jam and a blueberry - garnishes the top of the shot.

    This one is a super easy Halloween party cocktail - the eyes can be made ahead, covered, and kept in the fridge!

    I'm not going to lie, the actual shot part of this drink was a bit of an afterthought.

    The idea of making an edible bloody eyeball came to me in a dream, and was what inspired this whole blog entry.

    Then I woke up, googled, and found that I wasn't the first to think of it. BOO.

    Canned Lychee
    Red colored seedless jam (We used Lingonberry)
    Large blueberries
    Sour Apple Pucker liqueur
    Grenadine

    Use a small spoon to carefully fill each lychee with jam. Place a large blueberry in the opening of the lychee, pressing in gently to secure the berry / cause a bit of gushing.

    Fill shot glasses about ¾ full with Sour Apple Pucker, then pour a bit of grenadine right in the middle. It'll sink to the bottom, with a bit of swirl.

    Set a lychee eyeball on top of the shot, using a toothpick if necessary.

    Zombie Brain Hemorrhage Shots

    A gross looking Halloween Shooter is pictured in front of a white background. The bottom of the glass has grenadine, which has dragged the top layer - Irish cream - through the middle, green layer.

    This next one.. I can't even tell you what it tastes like! We went for appearance first, looking to employ pouring and curdling techniques to create something that just looked disgusting.

    ... and this shot looks pretty disgusting!

    Anyway, I can't handle drinking curdled drinks... but my husband loved this!

    We used a tall shot glass for effect, but these are usually done with normal shot glasses... whatever floats your boat will work just fine.

    Peach Schnapps
    Creme de Menthe (Green, not clear!)
    Bailey's Irish Cream
    Grenadine

    Pour the Peach Schnapps into a shot glass, about ½ full. Pour a splash of Creme de Menthe in next - it'll sink to the bottom.

    Next, pour on the Bailey's. I like to do a clean layer - using my layering technique from the "Layered Shots" post - you may prefer to gently pour it - freehand - down the side for more of a mixed "brain" effect.

    Just before serving, pour a splash of grenadine into the middle of the shot glass. It'll drag some Bailey's down, causing a curdling effect. It's kind of mesmerizing to watch - here's a progression:




    We DID take a video of it, on the night we designed these cocktails. You'll have to excuse us, it was at the END of the cocktail design session...

    More Halloween Ideas

    If you're still considering ideas for Halloween recipes and other ideas, be sure to check out my:

    3D Halloween Bat Cupcakes
    Bacon Wrapped Mummy Meatloaf
    Black Velvet Cupcakes
    Bloody Eyeball Cupcakes
    Bloody Eyeball Halloween Punch
    Breakfast Mummy Pastries
    Candy Apples
    Easy Halloween Bat Cupcakes
    Easy Spider Web Cookies
    Fudgy Halloween Brownies
    Glazed Halloween Popcorn
    Gluten Free Mummy Dogs
    Gluten-Free Mummy Jalapeno Poppers
    Halloween Spider Web Cupcakes
    How to Carve a Pumpkin Like a Pro
    Lychee "Bloody Eyeball" Pancakes
    Lychee Bloody Eyeball Halloween Pavlova
    Mummy Dogs
    Mummy Jalapeno Poppers
    Nightmare Before Christmas Cookies
    Spider Bread Bowl

    ... and check out our Holiday Recipes section for easy recipes to suit any holiday!

    Share the Love!

    Whichever shots you do, consider taking some pics of your work! If you Instagram it, be sure to tag me - @CelebrationGenerationCA - or post it to My Facebook Page - so I can cheer you on!

    Also, be sure to subscribe to my free monthly email newsletter, so you never miss out on any of my nonsense. Well, the published nonsense, anyway!

    Finally, if you love this recipe, please consider sharing it on social media, and leaving a star rating and/or a comment below!

    A row of 4 different Halloween shooters, each with layers of colors.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    5 from 1 vote

    Halloween Shooters

    Halloween Shooters are fun to make, cool to look at, & tasty to drink! These Halloween Shot Recipes will elevate any Halloween Party
    Prep Time5 mins
    Total Time5 mins
    Course: Beverage
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free
    Servings: 5 Drinks (1 drink per recipe)
    Calories: 109kcal
    Author: Marie Porter

    Equipment

    5 Shot Glasses

    Ingredients

    Halloween Candy Shot

    • .75 oz Orange Curacao
    • .75 oz Anisette

    Witches' Stockings Shot

    • .5 oz Creme de Violette
    • .5 oz Sour Apple Pucker Liqueur
    • .5 oz Orange Curacao

    Candy Corn Shot

    • .5 oz Creme de Banane
    • .5 oz White Chocolate Creme Liqueur We used Merry's
    • .5 oz Orange Curacao

    The Bloody Eyeball Shot

    • 1 Lychee
    • ¼ teaspoon Red colored seedless jam
    • 1 Large blueberry
    • 1.25 oz Sour Apple Pucker liqueur
    • splash Grenadine

    Zombie Brain Hemorrhage

    • ¾ oz Peach Schnapps
    • splash Creme de Menthe Green, not clear!
    • ½ oz Bailey's Irish Cream
    • Splash Grenadine

    Instructions

    Halloween Candy Shot

    • Pour Orange Curacao into a shot glass, filling it about halfway. Gently pour Anisette into the middle of the glass, filling it almost to the top.
    • The Anisette is "heavier" than the Curacao, and will sink to the bottom - creating a pretty gradient effect as it does.

    Witches' Stockings Shot

    • Layer liqueurs in order of mention above - First the Creme de Violette, then Apple Pucker, topping off with Orange Curacao.
    • Be VERY gentle as you layer these liqueurs - They're fairly close in specific gravity, so they require a bit of extra attention to not mix them!

    Candy Corn Shot

    • Layer liqueurs in order of mention above - First the Creme de Banane, then White Chocolate Creme, topping off with Orange Curacao.

    The Bloody Eyeball Shot

    • Use a small spoon to carefully fill each lychee with jam. Place a large blueberry in the opening of the lychee, pressing in gently to secure the berry / cause a bit of gushing.
    • Fill shot glasses about ¾ full with Sour Apple Pucker, then pour a bit of grenadine right in the middle. It'll sink to the bottom, with a bit of swirl.
    • Top each glass with a lychee eyeball, using a toothpick if necessary.

    Zombie Brain Hemorrhage

    • Pour the Peach Schnapps into a shot glass, about ½ full. Pour a splash of Creme de Menthe in next - it'll sink to the bottom.
    • Next, pour on the Bailey's. I like to do a clean layer - using my layering technique from the "Layered Shots" post - you may prefer to gently pour it - freehand - down the side for more of a mixed "brain" effect.
    • Just before serving, pour a splash of grenadine into the middle of the shot glass. It'll drag some Bailey's down, causing a curdling effect.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 109kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.004g | Cholesterol: 0.004mg | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 7mg | Fiber: 0.04g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 0.1IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 0.3mg | Iron: 0.02mg

    Related posts:

    A line of multicoloured layered shooters in stemmed shot glasses. The Science of Layered Shots Two Candy Apple Martinis - large martini glasses are filled with a red liquid, and garnished with apple slices. Candy Apple Martini Recipe Two Martini cocktails - a Red drink in a martini glass. One is rimmed with crushed green candy, the other is rimmed with a red crushed candy. Jolly Rancher Martinis The Drinking In LA - a light pink fizzy cocktail in a hotel room disposable coffee cup. It is garnished with a slice of lime. "Drinking in LA" Cocktail Recipe
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Laura

      October 23, 2012 at 9:30 am

      Those look like a lot of fun! I wonder if you could use a vanilla flavored liquor on the Candy Corn shot to get more of a Candy Corn flavor?

      Reply
    2. Uber Gardener

      April 05, 2013 at 7:00 pm

      WoW I totally love the bloody eyeball. I'm trying this at our next get together. Great blog, glad I found it. I love food, desert and drinks 🙂

      Reply
    3. Sue Reinbold

      October 10, 2019 at 4:56 pm

      Back in a day when I bartended I made a drink called test tube baby... it’s 100 proof peppermint schnapps ... Baileys Irish cream n grenadine in a test tube.... went over real big n tastes great!!!

      Reply

    Trackbacks

    1. 15 Halloween Themed Cocktail Recipes | Cool Drink Martinis- Shots & More says:
      December 26, 2020 at 11:43 am

      […] Celebration Generation – 5 different Halloween themed shooters.  […]

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