An Apple Pie Shot is the ultimate fall party treat — sweet, spiced and endlessly sippable. With cozy flavors from cinnamon whiskey, apple cider and vanilla vodka, it tastes just like dessert in a miniature glass and comes together in seconds.
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About this Apple Pie Shot recipe
These Apple Pie Shots might be small, but they pack in everything I love about my favorite dessert: the warm spices, the sweet-tart apple and the buttery vanilla finish, all topped with fluffy whipped cream and a sprinkle of apple pie spice.
In my family, apple pie isn’t just for Thanksgiving — it’s a year-round celebration. We serve it for birthdays instead of cake, and baking one from scratch is my favorite weekend ritual. There’s something comforting and nostalgic about that cinnamon-scented filling and golden crust that feels like home!
This easy little shot captures all of that in a single sip. It’s perfect for fall parties, tailgates or anytime you want to toast with something sweet and a little unexpected.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Tastes just like apple pie, without the effort! These come together in minutes.
- They are easy to batch for a crowd. You can even make it ahead of time if you like.
- These shots bring the party to Thanksgiving, football parties or any fall occasion where you need a little kick of comfort.
Tools & glassware
Making these Apple Pie Shots is super simple. All you need is a cocktail shaker * and something to measure out ingredients. If you want to make a big batch, you can do it in a mixing bowl * or pitcher.
To serve, you’ll want 2-ounce shot glasses *, but these are also super fun in cocktail form. Double the recipe and serve it in a coupe glass or martini glass *.
favorite shot glasses
decorative shot glasses (1.75 ounces)
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Ingredients
These shots are easy to make with just a few ingredients. Apple cider, sour mix, vanilla vodka and cinnamon whiskey (like Fireball) make up the base. For the toping, a little spritz of whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon * or apple pie spice finish it off.
👇 For full measurements and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to the printable recipe card. It’s all there waiting for you!
Substitutions
Apple cider alternative: If needed, you can swap in apple juice instead of apple cider. (They’re essentially the same thing, but apple cider is unfiltered.)
Sour mix: Some recipes for apple pie shots don’t include it, but I found these shots to be too sweet without a little citrus for balance. You can use a squeeze of lemon juice or skip it altogether if you like.
Vanilla vodka variation: You can use regular vodka or you can follow my hack to making vanilla vodka with a little vanilla extract *.
Cinnamon whiskey swap: You can use regular bourbon whiskey, though it will lack spiced flavor, so you’ll find spiced rum is more similar. If you have a day or two, you can infuse your own cinnamon whiskey with cinnamon sticks at home.
Instructions
Ready to make a delicious apple pie shot? Here’s how:
First get out a cocktail shaker * and fill it halfway with ice. Add the apple cider and sour mix.
Next measure in the vanilla vodka and cinnamon whiskey.
Give it a good shake until it’s cold in your hands, then strain it into a shot glass.
Finally, top it off with a little whipped cream and a sprinkle of apple pie spice. Cinnamon or nutmeg work too!
Tips & tricks
- Chill your shot glasses * ahead of time! Stick them in the freezer about 15 to 30 minutes ahead of making the shots — they’re so much better ice cold.
- Don’t skip the sour mix. Though it’s not totally necessary, it makes these taste more balanced.
- Shake well to mix the ingredients but also to chill them.
Menu pairings
Apple pie shots go well with what else? Apple pie! Or at the very least some apple pie bars. The sweet, cinnamon flavor is also great with savory party snacks like Chex Mix or a seasonal charcuterie board.
Leftover apple cider? Try our apple cider mocktail for a no-booze treat. Apple cider sangria and apple cider mimosas are also great ways to use it up.
FAQ
Spiced rum is a great substitute for cinnamon whiskey. You can use regular bourbon or another flavored whiskey like apple whiskey, but it may not have the same cinnamon flavor.
Definitely! You can make a quick, homemade version by diluting 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in 1 cup vodka.
More apple cider recipes
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Apple Pie Shot
ingredients
- ¾ ounces apple cider
- ¼ ounce sour mix
- ½ ounce vanilla vodka
- ½ ounce cinnamon whiskey such as Fireball
- ¾ ounce whipped cream for garnish
- 1 pinch apple pie spice or ground cinnamon *, for garnish
instructions
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add apple cider, sour mix, vanilla vodka and cinnamon whiskey. Shake well, until cold.¾ ounces apple cider, ¼ ounce sour mix, ½ ounce vanilla vodka, ½ ounce cinnamon whiskey
- Strain into a chilled shot glass *. Garnish with whipped cream. Sprinkle ground cinnamon or apple pie spice on top.¾ ounce whipped cream, 1 pinch apple pie spice
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