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Starburst Shot

A fruity, sweet shot that tastes like liquid candy with beautiful layered colors. Quick to make with vodka, fruit schnapps, and cranberry juice for a smooth drinking experience.
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Prep Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings: 4 shots
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: American
Calories: 85
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 ounces vodka 0.5 ounce per shot
  • 2 ounces fruit schnapps 0.5 ounce per shot, use strawberry, peach, or watermelon
  • 4 ounces cranberry juice 1 ounce per shot
  • Ice as needed for chilling

Equipment

  • Shot glasses (4 standard 1.5-ounce glasses)
  • Jigger or measuring spoon
  • Bar spoon or long thin spoon for layering
  • Mixing glass or small bowl
  • Ice bucket or freezer

Method
 

  1. Place your shot glasses in the freezer for at least 10 minutes before you start mixing. Cold glasses keep the shot properly chilled and improve the overall taste.
  2. Pour 0.5 ounces of vodka into each shot glass using your jigger for accuracy. Vodka goes in first because it's the heaviest ingredient and forms the base layer.
  3. Fill a separate mixing glass or small bowl with ice to keep your ingredients cold while you work.
  4. Pour the fruit schnapps into the ice-filled mixing glass and let it sit for about 30 seconds.
  5. Using a bar spoon held just above the vodka layer, carefully pour 0.5 ounces of chilled schnapps over the back of the spoon so it floats on top of the vodka.
  6. Add the cranberry juice to your mixing glass with ice for about 30 seconds while you let the schnapps layer settle.
  7. Pour 1 ounce of chilled cranberry juice over the back of your bar spoon onto the schnapps layer. You should now see three distinct color layers: clear vodka on bottom, fruity schnapps in the middle, and red cranberry juice on top.
  8. Serve immediately before the ingredients start to naturally combine.

Notes

The key to perfect layering is using a bar spoon and pouring slowly over the back of it. Chill all ingredients before mixing. Serve within a minute of making for the best separation. Experiment with different schnapps flavors like peach, watermelon, or apple for variety.