We’ve always been fans of the Cherry Pie Shot, a fun twist on the classic dessert that packs a punch of sweet, tart flavors into a single sip. Originating from creative cocktail culture, it’s a nod to that comforting homemade pie we all crave, making it a hit at gatherings or cozy evenings.
In our kitchen experiments, this recipe delivers a simple yet irresistible blend that mimics the juicy cherries and buttery crust in liquid form. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself, we’ll show you how to whip it up effortlessly.
Ingredients
To capture the sweet, tart essence of our Cherry Pie Shot—evoking juicy cherries and a buttery crust in every sip—we’ve curated this list of essential ingredients. We’ve organized them in the order they’ll be used, with precise measurements and prep notes for effortless preparation.
- Cherry vodka: 1 cup – Use a high-quality brand for the bold, fruity base that mimics fresh cherries.
- Fireball whisky: ½ cup – This adds a warm, cinnamon-spiced warmth to replicate the pie’s flaky crust.
- Grenadine: ¼ cup – Opt for pure grenadine to intensify the sweet-tart cherry notes without artificial flavors.
- Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed – Provides a bright, zesty acidity to balance the sweetness; squeeze it just before use for maximum freshness.
- Ice cubes: 1 cup – Crushed or cubed, as needed for chilling and shaking to achieve that perfect, refreshing chill.
Tools and Equipment
Having gathered our essential ingredients like cherry vodka and grenadine, we now turn to the tools and equipment that make preparing our Cherry Pie Shot a seamless and enjoyable process. These items ensure precise measurements, smooth mixing, and perfect presentation, allowing us to capture the sweet-tart essence of this cocktail with confidence.
To keep things organized, we’ve listed the key tools below in the order we typically use them during preparation. Each one plays a vital role in achieving that refreshing, chilled shot ready for any gathering.
- Cocktail Shaker: We start with a sturdy 16-ounce cocktail shaker to vigorously mix our ingredients. This tool helps blend the cherry vodka, Fireball whisky, and other components for a uniform flavor profile.
- Jigger or Measuring Cup: For accurate pours, we rely on a 1-ounce and 2-ounce jigger. It ensures we measure out the exact amounts of grenadine and lemon juice without guesswork, maintaining the drink’s balanced taste.
- Fine Mesh Strainer: Once mixed, we use this to strain the shot into glasses, removing any pulp or ice fragments from the freshly squeezed lemon juice for a smooth, silky texture.
- Shot Glasses: We recommend using 1.5-ounce shot glasses—ideally made of clear glass—to serve our Cherry Pie Shot. This allows the vibrant red color of the drink to shine, enhancing its visual appeal and making it perfect for parties.
- Juicer or Citrus Reamer: For extracting juice from fresh lemons, we opt for a handheld juicer. It quickly yields the zesty acidity needed, ensuring our shot has that authentic, tart cherry pie vibe.
- Bar Spoon or Stirrer: We use a long-handled bar spoon to gently stir ingredients if needed before shaking, promoting even distribution of flavors like the warm cinnamon notes from Fireball.
- Ice Cube Tray or Bucket: To chill our mixture effectively, we need a way to have plenty of ice cubes on hand. This keeps the shot refreshingly cold, mimicking the cool bite of a fresh pie slice.
With these tools at the ready, we’re set to move forward and mix up our Cherry Pie Shot with precision and ease.
Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients and tools lined up, we’ll walk you through crafting the irresistible Cherry Pie Shot with simple, precise steps. Our method ensures a balanced blend of sweet cherry flavors and spicy warmth for a crowd-pleasing treat.
Prepare Ingredients
Before mixing, we prepare our ingredients in the order they’ll be used to streamline the process and maximize flavor. Start by gathering everything from the previous section—cherry vodka, Fireball whisky, grenadine, lemon juice, and ice cubes—and follow these steps:
- Measure the liquids: Using a jigger for accuracy, pour 1 ounce of cherry vodka into a small prep bowl to capture its bold, fruity essence.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice: With a juicer, extract ½ ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice to add zesty acidity that brightens the shot—aim for a vibrant, tangy aroma that complements the sweetness.
- Portion grenadine and whisky: Measure ½ ounce of pure grenadine for its sweet-tart cherry notes, and ½ ounce of Fireball whisky to introduce warm, cinnamon-spiced depth.
- Prepare ice: Fill an ice cube tray with fresh water and freeze if needed, or simply grab 4-6 ice cubes to chill the mixture effectively.
This preparation sets the stage for a smooth assembly, ensuring each component shines in our Cherry Pie Shot.
Mix the Shots
With ingredients prepped, we move to mixing for a perfectly blended Cherry Pie Shot that mimics the comforting taste of homemade pie. Grab your cocktail shaker and follow these steps in sequence:
- Add the base liquids to the cocktail shaker: Pour in the measured cherry vodka and Fireball whisky, then add the grenadine and freshly squeezed lemon juice for a harmonious mix of flavors.
- Include ice for chilling: Drop in 4-6 ice cubes to cool the mixture, shaking vigorously for 10-15 seconds until the shaker feels frosty—this creates a refreshing, velvety texture with a hint of cinnamon spice that evokes a warm pie crust.
- Strain for smoothness: Using a fine mesh strainer, pour the shaken mixture into a separate container to remove any ice fragments, resulting in a crystal-clear shot with vivid cherry hues and a tantalizing aroma.
Our technique guarantees a well-mixed Cherry Pie Shot that’s ready to impress at any gathering.
Serve
- Divide the mixture: Fill 4 shot glasses with the prepared liquid, allocating about 1-2 ounces per glass for perfect portions.
- Garnish optionally: Add a fresh cherry on the rim for visual appeal, enhancing the dessert-like allure with a glossy, red pop of color.
- Serve right away: Hand out the shots while they’re ice-cold, allowing guests to savor the sweet-tart burst and spicy finish that makes our Cherry Pie Shot a standout cocktail.
Make-Ahead Instructions
We understand that preparing cocktails like our Cherry Pie Shot can be a time-saver for busy gatherings, allowing us to focus on enjoying the moment rather than last-minute mixing. By prepping components ahead, we preserve the drink’s vibrant cherry sweetness and spicy warmth without compromising flavor.
Preparing Ingredients in Advance
To get started, we recommend measuring and combining certain elements up to 24 hours before serving. Follow these steps for optimal results:
- Measure the liquids: In a clean container, combine 2 ounces cherry vodka, 1 ounce Fireball whisky, and 1 ounce grenadine. This mixture captures the bold, fruity essence of our Cherry Pie Shot and can be stored in the refrigerator to maintain its fresh, tart profile.
- Juice the lemons: Squeeze ½ ounce lemon juice from fresh lemons and store it separately in a sealed jar in the fridge. Fresh lemon juice adds that zesty acidity, so we keep it chilled to prevent oxidation and ensure it remains bright and invigorating.
- Prep garnishes: If we’re garnishing with fresh cherries, wash and pit them ahead of time, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This step enhances the visual appeal and adds a juicy, dessert-like finish when we serve.
Storing and Assembling
For the best experience, we store everything properly to lock in flavors. Use these guidelines to avoid any dilution or loss of sparkle:
- Storage tips: Keep the pre-measured liquid mixture in a sealed bottle in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Always add ice cubes fresh during mixing to chill the drink without watering it down prematurely, ensuring our Cherry Pie Shot stays frosty and full-flavored.
- Final assembly: When ready to serve, shake the prepped liquids with ice in a cocktail shaker for about 15 seconds, then strain into shot glasses. This quick step guarantees a smooth, velvety texture and the comforting blend of sweet cherries and cinnamon spice we all crave.
By following these make-ahead strategies, we make our Cherry Pie Shot gatherings effortless and delicious every time.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this Cherry Pie Shot recipe and hope it’s become your go-to for fun gatherings. It’s a simple way to bring that cozy pie flavor into every sip, making memories with friends effortless. We’re confident you’ll enjoy experimenting with it, so grab your ingredients and mix one up today—it’s sure to impress!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cherry Pie Shot?
A Cherry Pie Shot is a fun, easy cocktail that mimics the sweet and tart flavors of cherry pie in a shot glass. It’s popular for parties or relaxed evenings, blending cherry vodka, Fireball whisky, grenadine, and lemon juice for a dessert-like taste that’s both comforting and refreshing.
What ingredients are needed for a Cherry Pie Shot?
The key ingredients include cherry vodka for a fruity base, Fireball whisky for cinnamon warmth, grenadine for sweet-tart cherry notes, freshly squeezed lemon juice for acidity, and ice cubes for chilling. Use precise measurements like 1 oz of each liquor and a dash of grenadine for the best flavor balance.
What tools are required to make a Cherry Pie Shot?
You’ll need a cocktail shaker for mixing, a jigger for accurate pours, a fine mesh strainer for smooth texture, shot glasses for serving, a juicer for lemon juice, a bar spoon for stirring, and an ice cube tray. These tools ensure precise preparation and professional results with minimal effort.
How do I prepare a Cherry Pie Shot?
Start by combining 1 oz cherry vodka, 1 oz Fireball whisky, 0.5 oz grenadine, and 0.5 oz lemon juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well, strain into shot glasses, and serve immediately. This simple process takes under 5 minutes and delivers a perfectly balanced flavor.
Can I make Cherry Pie Shots ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the mixture of cherry vodka, Fireball whisky, and grenadine up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container, and add lemon juice and ice just before serving to keep flavors fresh. This makes it ideal for gatherings without last-minute hassle.
Are there any tips for serving Cherry Pie Shots?
Serve them chilled in shot glasses for a fun presentation, and garnish with a cherry or lemon twist for extra appeal. They’re great for social events, but enjoy responsibly—limit to one or two per person. Pair with desserts to enhance the pie-like experience.