16 Delicious Christmas Shots to Make Your Holiday Party Unforgettable

Posted on September 24, 2025 by Maryann Desmond

Unlock the magic of the holiday season with Christmas shots that will make your festivities even more unforgettable! Whether you view Christmas as a deeply spiritual and meaningful time, or simply as an excuse to let loose and have fun with loved ones, these festive drinks are sure to bring some much-needed cheer. For those who prefer to get their party started with a bang, Christmas shots offer the perfect combination of flavor, excitement, and holiday spirit.

Tart Cranberry Kamikaze Cocktail Shots

Tart Cranberry Kamikaze Cocktail Shots

For those who enjoy the complex, bittersweet flavor profile of a cosmo shot but prefer a more subtle kick, kamikaze shots are an excellent alternative. Similar to their cosmo counterparts, these potent little drinks rely on a combination of triple sec, cranberry juice, and vodka as primary ingredients. However, one key distinction between the two lies in the ratio of liquor to fruit juice – the kamikaze shot boasts significantly less alcohol and more fruity goodness.

One notable difference that sets the kamikaze apart is its pronounced tartness, courtesy of an abundance of lime juice. As a result, this refreshing cocktail is sure to leave you with a lasting impression (whether it’s ‘wow’ or ‘whoa’ is up to personal interpretation)

Creamy Eggnog Shots with a Kick

Creamy Eggnog Shots with a Kick

Savoring the creamy goodness of eggnog pudding shots is a treat for those who dare to indulge in the adult version. Since these shooters contain rum or bourbon, they’re strictly 21 and up only, making them a fun but responsible choice for those who want to add some excitement to their gatherings. The flavor profile is spot on, with notes of vanilla eggnog perfectly balanced by the warmth of nutmeg and cinnamon.

The whipped cream topping adds an extra layer of indulgence, elevating these shots from a simple dessert to a rich and decadent treat. While they may be slightly thicker than traditional Jello shots, their texture only adds to their appeal, making them a hit with anyone who tries them.

Festive Santa Shots

Festive Santa Shots

Just like Santa’s infamous wardrobe, these layered shots have a fun and playful twist on traditional holiday drinks. With their feisty red bottom and creamy white top, they’re sure to bring a smile to your face and a hint of festive cheer. Each shot is carefully crafted with Kahlua, RumChata, and grenadine, combining fruity flavors with a touch of rich, spiced decadence – perfect for those who love the warm, comforting taste of cinnamon.

Easy Mistletoe Cocktails in Minutes

Easy Mistletoe Cocktails in Minutes

Visually stunning, these mistletoe shots are as delightful to look at as they are to drink. While the bright green color is certainly eye-catching, it’s the combination of whipped cream, sanding sugar, leaves, and Red Hots that really makes them stand out. With a little practice, you’ll be able to get the presentation just right – after the first couple of attempts, you’ll be churning out these festive drinks in no time. The best part?

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Decorating the rims of the glasses with Red Hots or adding a mint leaf garnish is incredibly easy and adds a professional touch. If you’re looking for a tray of easy-to-make drinks that’s sure to impress your guests, look no further – these mistletoe shots are the perfect choice.

Tropical Shots: A Festive Twist

Tropical Shots: A Festive Twist

Filling the void left by traditional holiday cocktails, these vibrant green drinks are a refreshing twist on classic party beverages. The simplicity of their ingredients is what makes them truly appealing – just two main components: Hawaiian Punch and coconut rum. For an added touch of whimsy, consider topping the rim with corn syrup and sprinkles to create a festive look that’s sure to impress your guests.

Not only do they offer a burst of flavor, but also a decent kick, making them perfect for those who want to spice up their holiday gatherings.

Cosmo Shots with a Twist

Cosmo Shots with a Twist

Breezy social gatherings or intimate nights in, there’s one classic cocktail that always shines: the Cosmopolitan. However, on certain occasions, we all crave something smaller and stronger than its signature drink form.

Festive Strawberry Santa Hats

Festive Strawberry Santa Hats

Wrapped in a festive spirit, these adorable Santa hat Jell-O shots capture the essence of the holiday season perfectly! They’re almost too cute to resist, with their miniature Santa hats resembling the real deal. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a few simple ingredients like strawberry Jell-O, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream. The combination of bright colors and fruity flavors makes them an ideal treat for any holiday gathering or party. In fact, if Mrs.

Claus were in charge of the holiday entertaining, these Christmas shots would be her go-to recipe.

Cinnamon Christmas Shots in Santa’s Pants

Cinnamon Christmas Shots in Santa

Zeroing in on the festive cocktail scene, these shooters may bear a striking resemblance to Santa’s Panties, but they’re a distinct variation. Unlike their sweet and coffee-flavored counterpart, Tipsy Santa shooters eschew the Kahlua for a brighter, more cinnamon-forward taste. Despite this modification, they remain just as easy to prepare and just as delicious. What’s more, they can be ready in under 5 minutes, making them a perfect addition to any holiday gathering.

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Tri-Colored Minty Christmas Shots

Tri-Colored Minty Christmas Shots

Vibrant and refreshing, the Santa Christmas shot is a tri-colored drink made up of red, green, and clear liquids. When preparing this festive cocktail, it’s essential to start with grenadine at the bottom of the glass, allowing it to set before adding the next layers. The crème de menthe should be carefully poured over the grenadine, creating a distinct layering effect.

Finally, top off the shot with clear peppermint schnapps, which doesn’t contribute to the drink’s color but adds an abundance of flavor. Each Santa Christmas shot is meticulously crafted to pack a powerful punch of minty freshness into every sip. In fact, they’re one of the few cocktails that can even make your breath feel fresher after consumption.

Easy Minty Jell-O Candy Cane Shots

Easy Minty Jell-O Candy Cane Shots

Gone are the days of boring, plain Jell-O shots – these sweet, minty treats look like candy canes in a glass and taste just as good. Given their adorable appearance, you might think they’d be tricky to prepare, but don’t worry, it’s surprisingly easy to make them. In fact, you can whip up 16 of them in under an hour with minimal effort. The key is simply tilting your glasses slightly while the Jell-O is setting – that’s all there is to it.

Give these treats a try and enjoy, even if they don’t turn out perfectly – after all, they still taste amazing! However, be careful not to mess up too many of them, or you might find yourself knocking back a few too many and getting drunk in no time. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

Santa’s Jolly Chocolate Chip Treats

Santa

Bringing a twist to traditional holiday treats, these non-alcoholic shooters offer a fun activity for the whole family to enjoy together. Believing that Santa’s cheer is derived from within rather than external influences, I propose that his festive shots are made with wholesome ingredients. A shot glass filled with milk and melted buttery chocolate chip cookie ingredients would be a clever alternative to the classic cookies and milk combination.

This creative way of indulging in holiday favorites also allows kids to participate in the fun.

Chocolatey Cake Batter Shots with Holiday Cheer

Chocolatey Cake Batter Shots with Holiday Cheer

You can’t go wrong with these cake batter shots that are bursting with sweet, spiced, and rich chocolatey goodness. Each one is thick and creamy, thanks in part to the addition of Marshmallow Fluff. They may look similar to shot glasses full of milk, but trust us when we say they taste far superior. To add an extra touch of festivity, be sure to sprinkle some green and red sprinkles along the rim of each glass.

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The option to top with decadent whipped cream is also a great way to elevate these treats. However you choose to dress them up, your guests are certain to appreciate their deliciousness.

Cranberry Vodka Shots with a Twist

Cranberry Vodka Shots with a Twist

Yearning for something refreshing and low in added sugar? You might love these cranberry Jell-O shots. They capture the essence of traditional cranberry Jell-O with their tart and tangy flavor profile. In reality, they’re essentially miniature versions of the dessert itself, infused with a generous pour of vodka to add an adult twist. Although the vodka does alter the flavor slightly, it remains largely true to its cranberry roots.

To elevate their visual appeal, consider topping each shot with sugared cranberries, which not only adds a touch of sweetness but also gives them a festive look reminiscent of Christmas celebrations. Even without this added garnish, these shots remain a crowd-pleaser at any gathering or party.

Peppermint Chocolate Shooter Delights

Peppermint Chocolate Shooter Delights

Rounding out the list are snowball shooters, which may not be as visually impressive as other holiday drinks. However, their taste is truly reminiscent of a festive winter wonderland. To make these shooters, you’ll need three classic Christmas flavors: brandy, peppermint schnapps, and white crème de cacao. The resulting flavor is rich, warm, and packed with the perfect balance of mint and chocolate.

It’s essentially a Peppermint Patty in a glass, and it’s hard to find a more satisfying holiday treat.

Pumpkin Pie Pudding Shots

Pumpkin Pie Pudding Shots

Gather around the dinner table with a delicious and festive twist on traditional desserts – these creamy pumpkin pie shots are perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s Christmas, Thanksgiving, or even Halloween, these bite-sized treats are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Packed with the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin spice, they’re a seasonal dessert drink that’s both easy to make and utterly delicious. The best part?

You can whip up 50 of them in just 10 minutes – although be warned, you’ll need to let them chill before serving. So go ahead, break out this recipe any time you want to add some spectacular seasonal flair to your gatherings.

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