I’ll be honest. At this point in my life, I’ve had my fair share of shots.
Some I’ve loved, some I’ve regretted. I think we all know how that goes.
Summer is right around the corner, and there’s something about a hot Newport summer day that has us in the mood to party.
We’ve always got a full crowd at the bar and are blasting good tunes.
Many of our members live in Newport just for the summer and they’re always ready to celebrate with friends.
At Newport Protective Club, we’re big fans of making the best night even better with a round of easy shots that go down smooth and keep the party going.
Whether you’re hanging out on the patio or taking over the late-night bar scene with us, I’ve got you covered with simple ingredients, fun flavors, and a few of my personal favorite recipes to mix up.
Today I’m sharing some of the easiest, tastiest summer shot recipes, plus tips, tricks, and even a few TikTok-inspired combos that’ll impress your friends.
Quick Tips Before You Start Pouring
- Chill your shot glasses in the freezer ahead of time. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.
- A cocktail shaker is your best bet for getting that good shake, especially with recipes that include juice or simple syrup.
- Keep an airtight container of lime wedges, lime rinds, or even gummi bears ready to garnish…or snack on.
- If you’re using sticky ingredients like peach schnapps or pineapple juice, rinse your tools between shots to avoid mixing flavors.
The Classics, But Make Them Summer
1. Lemon Drop Shot
What you need:
- 1 oz vodka
- 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.25 oz simple syrup
- Optional: salt rim and sugar
It’s tart, crisp, and one of those classic shot recipes everyone knows. It’s even better with a lime wedge chaser if you like a little tang.
2. Classic Green Tea Shot
What you need:
- 0.5 oz Irish whiskey
- 0.5 oz peach schnapps
- 0.5 oz sour mix
- Splash of lemon-lime soda
This one is always a hit. Despite the name, there’s no actual green tea in it—it just tastes that smooth.
3. Gummy Bear Shot
What you need:
- 0.5 oz raspberry vodka or cherry vodka
- 0.5 oz peach schnapps
- Splash of cranberry juice
This tastes exactly like the gummy bears we all know and love. This shot is great for those who love a sweet shot with fruity flavors.
TikTok-Inspired Shots You’ll Want to Make Tonight
Some of the best party shots I’ve tried recently came from scrolling TikTok. I love testing combos that look a little wild but actually just work. Here are a few of my new favorites:
4. White Tea Shot
What you need:
- 1 oz vodka
- 0.5 oz peach schnapps
- 0.5 oz sour mix
- Splash of lemon-lime soda
This twist on the green tea shot is clean, bright, and super easy to batch in a large glass or pitcher.
5. Mexican Candy Shot
What you need:
- 1 oz tequila
- 0.5 oz watermelon pucker
- Dash of hot sauce
- Rim with Tajin or salt
This one has a little extra kick, thanks to the hot sauce, but it’s seriously addictive. If you’re feeling bold, garnish with a lime wedge or a mini jolly rancher.
Jell-O & Fun Shots
Nothing says summer party quite like a tray of jello shots. They’re easy to make ahead and you can customize the flavors to match your vibe.
Jell-O Shot Basics:
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 box of flavored jell-o
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1/2 cup alcohol (vodka, coconut rum, or flavored vanilla vodka all work)
Optional ingredients: fruit garnishes, whipped cream, or even a splash of energy drink for an early 2000s throwback.
Try blue raspberry with coconut rum, or pineapple with banana liqueur for tropical vibes.
Favorites for Dessert Lovers
Feeling indulgent? These dessert shots are the best part of any celebration:
Chocolate Cake Shot
- 1 oz hazelnut liqueur
- 1 oz vanilla vodka
- Sugar rim + lemon wedge
Chocoholics will love this one. It sounds strange, but tastes exactly like chocolate cake.
Oatmeal Cookie Shot
- 1/3 oz Irish cream liqueur
- 1/3 oz butterscotch schnapps
- 1/3 oz cinnamon liqueur or gold rum
Warm, spiced, and totally nostalgic—like dessert in a glass.
Frequently Asked Questions: Summer Shots Edition
Q: Can I make shots ahead of time?
A: Definitely. Mix them in a large glass or pitcher, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give everything a good shake before pouring to revive the flavors.
Q: What’s the best way to batch shots for a group?
A: Multiply your ingredient amounts and use a cocktail shaker or pitcher with a spout. Pour into shot glasses right before serving for maximum chill and minimal mess.
Q: Any non-alcoholic options for shots?
A: Absolutely! Try mixing cranberry juice, pineapple juice, and a dash of simple syrup or sour mix for something fun and booze-free.
At the end of the day, easy shots are all about having fun.
Keep your bar stocked with simple ingredients, a few good spirits, and be ready to improvise.
Whether you’re whipping up a round of white tea shots, pouring margarita shots with a salt rim, or getting fancy with chocolate cake shooters, the goal is the same: keep it fun, keep it refreshing, and celebrate summer your way.