Jolly Rancher Shot

The Jolly Rancher Shot is a simple yet popular concoction designed to replicate the sweet and sour taste of its namesake candy. Typically made with a combination of vodka, a fruit liqueur like green apple schnapps, and a tart juice, it's a vibrant and flavorful drink. It is served chilled and consumed in one gulp. Its easy-to-drink nature and nostalgic flavor make it a favorite for parties and casual social settings.
Jolly Rancher Shot

Preparation

Preparation time: 2 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Jolly Rancher is a type of alcoholic shot, meaning it's a small drink intended to be consumed quickly. It falls into the modern category, as it was likely created in the late 20th century to mimic the taste of a popular candy. It is a staple in many casual bars and for parties.

Serving

Served cold in a standard shot glass, this small drink packs a sweet and sour punch with a moderate alcohol content. Chilling the glass beforehand enhances the experience.
Serving size
Approx. 60 ml / 2 oz
Alcohol content
15-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Shot glass
Glass treatment
Chilled glass (optional)

Backstory

There is no definitive origin story for the Jolly Rancher shot, as it's a simple recipe that likely emerged organically in various bars in the 1980s or 1990s. Its creation was driven by the trend of crafting sweet, candy-like shooters that appeal to a broad audience. The goal was simple: to create a liquid version of the famous hard candy, and its success is a testament to its remarkably accurate flavor profile.
Origin
United States, 1980s-1990s.

Jolly Rancher Shot

The drink is named after the popular hard candy, Jolly Rancher, because its sweet and fruity flavor profile is very similar. The "Green Jolly Rancher Shot" is a common alternative name, referring to the most popular version made with green apple liqueur, which gives it a characteristic green color and sour apple taste.
Original name
Jolly Rancher Shot
Alternative name
Green Jolly Rancher Shot

Characteristics overview

This shot is characterized by a vibrant green color and a strong, sweet aroma of green apple. The flavor is a balanced dance of sweet and sour, mimicking a Jolly Rancher candy, with a smooth texture and a short, clean finish.
Flavor
sweet, sour, fruity, green apple, candy-like
Aroma
fruity, apple, sweet
Taste balance
sweet, sour
Aftertaste
short, sweet, clean
Fizziness
none, still
Color appearance
vibrant green, clear
Texture
smooth, thin
Seasonality
refreshing, all-season

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is intensely fruity and sweet, balanced by a pleasant sour kick. The alcohol presence is moderate and well-integrated into the candy-like profile.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This simple shot requires just three ingredients: green apple schnapps for the signature candy flavor, vodka for the base, and a splash of cranberry juice for tartness.
  • Green Apple Schnapps30 ml / 1 oz
    This provides the signature sweet and sour apple flavor.
  • Vodka15 ml / 0.5 oz
    A neutral vodka adds alcoholic strength without altering the flavor.
  • Cranberry Juice15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Adds a balancing tartness and enhances the fruity profile.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a cocktail shaker filled with ice to combine and chill the ingredients thoroughly. A strainer is also necessary to pour the shot into the glass.
  • Cocktail shaker - for chilling and combining the ingredients.
  • Strainer - to pour the chilled liquid without ice.

Instructions

To make the shot, combine all ingredients in an ice-filled cocktail shaker, shake well until chilled, and strain into a shot glass.
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with cubed ice.
2. Add the green apple schnapps, vodka, and cranberry juice to the shaker.
3. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds until well-chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into a shot glass.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy responsibly.

Garnishing

The Jolly Rancher shot is simple and straightforward, typically served without any garnish. Its vibrant color is the main visual appeal.
  • None - Typically served without a garnish.

Dietary Information

This shot is typically free of common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. It can be made gluten-free by using appropriate spirits, and is generally vegan-friendly, though it is always best to check specific liqueur brands.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

A single Jolly Rancher shot contains roughly 100-130 calories, primarily from the sugar in the schnapps and juice. It is high in sugar content for its small size.
Calories
Averagely 100-130 kcal / 418-544 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 10-14 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 9-13 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This shot is perfect for high-energy social events like parties, nights out with friends, and celebrations. It's a fun, easy-drinking shot that serves as a great icebreaker or a way to kick off an evening.
  • Party
  • Night Out
  • Social Gathering
  • Celebration

Pairing suggestions

As a shot, the Jolly Rancher is not traditionally paired with food. It is best enjoyed on its own or alongside other party drinks. If desired, the sweetness can be contrasted with salty snacks like pretzels or chips.
  • Not typically paired with food
  • Salty snacks

The Jolly Rancher Shot: A Liquid Candy Delight

The Jolly Rancher Shot is a fun, vibrant, and sweet alcoholic drink designed to taste just like the famous green apple candy. It's incredibly easy to make, requiring just green apple schnapps, vodka, and cranberry juice shaken with ice. Served as a chilled shot, its candy-like flavor makes it a popular choice for parties and social gatherings, especially among those who prefer sweeter drinks. While simple and un-garnished, its bright green color and nostalgic taste are its defining features.

Similar cocktails

Appletini

A full-sized cocktail with a similar green apple flavor profile, but typically stronger and served in a martini glass.

Similar shots

Green Tea Shot

Also a popular sweet and sour shot, but made with Irish whiskey, peach schnapps, and sour mix.

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