Vampire Kiss Shot: The Bloody Sweet Halloween Treat That Disappears Fast

If there’s one thing a successful Halloween party needs, it’s a killer drink menu. And when I say killer, I mean something that looks terrifyingly good and tastes even better. Enter the Vampire Kiss Shot.

This three-ingredient wonder is bold, sweet, and has a hauntingly beautiful red hue that makes it look like it belongs in the hands of the undead. As a professional food writer, I’ve mixed up my fair share of cocktails, but this one never fails to bring a little dark magic to the evening. It’s quick to make, easy to scale for a crowd, and provides that perfect boozy-sweet start to a night of ghoulish fun. Trust me, once your guests see that dramatic red sugar rim, they’ll be lining up for a taste of this “bloody sweet” treat.

— Jason Griffith, Chef Maniac

💘 Why I Love This Recipe

This isn’t just a shot; it’s a statement. Here’s why the Vampire Kiss shot is my go-to for any spooky soirée:

• Bloody Good Look: The combination of the deep red liquids and the optional, but highly recommended, red sugar rim creates an incredible visual impact that perfectly fits the theme.
• Simple Ingredients: You only need three main ingredients—vodka, a red berry liqueur, and grenadine—which means no complicated shopping list.
• Sweet and Balanced: It’s sweet, thanks to the grenadine and liqueur, but the vodka keeps it from being cloyingly so. It’s got a little “bite,” just like a real vampire!
• Crowd-Pleaser: It’s much sweeter than most cocktails, making it universally appealing, especially for those who prefer a dessert-inspired sipper. For another sweet, fun drink, check out my recipe for The Slippery Drank is My Favorite Sweet Sipper for Dessert-Inspired Vibes.

🔪 Vampire Kiss Shot Ingredients

This recipe is designed for one shot, but the measurements are easy to scale up for a large batch shaker.

Ingredient	Quantity (Per Shot)	Notes
Vodka	1 oz	Use a mid-shelf vodka for the best balance of quality and cost.
Red Berry Liqueur	1 oz	Chambord (raspberry) or a quality strawberry liqueur works best for flavor and color.
Grenadine	1/2 oz	Used for color, sweetness, and that signature ‘bloody’ look.
Red Sugar	2 Tbsp	Optional, for the spooky rim.
Ice		For shaking and chilling.

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Swaps and Notes

• Red Berry Liqueur: If you don’t have Chambord, any red fruit liqueur like a strawberry, cherry, or even a raspberry vodka could work in a pinch, but the flavor profile will change slightly.
• Vodka: Can be substituted with white rum or even a silver tequila for a different kind of kick, though vodka is traditional.
• Non-Alcoholic Version: For a fun mocktail shot, mix cranberry juice, raspberry syrup, and a splash of sparkling water.
• The Rim: You can find red decorating sugar at any major grocery store. If you can’t find red, mix a few drops of red food coloring into regular granulated sugar and let it dry.

⚰️ How to Make the Vampire Kiss Shot

This drink comes together in just a few quick steps.

Step 1: Prep the Glass (The Blood Drip Effect)

Pour the red sugar onto a small saucer. Run a lime wedge or lemon wedge around the rim of your shot glass. Dip the rim of the glass into the red sugar, rotating until the rim is fully coated. Set the glass aside.

Step 2: Combine and Chill

Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add the vodka (1 oz), the red berry liqueur (1 oz), and the grenadine (1/2 oz) to the shaker.

Step 3: Shake It Up

Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for about 15–20 seconds. You want the outside of the shaker to feel frosty cold. This ensures the liquids are perfectly chilled and properly mixed.

Step 4: Strain and Serve

Strain the chilled mixture into your prepped, sugar-rimmed shot glass. Serve immediately while cold and enjoy the eerie red glow!

👻 Tips for Success

1. Chill Your Ingredients: For the absolute coldest, smoothest shot, consider keeping your vodka and berry liqueur in the freezer a few hours before you plan to mix. Less dilution from the ice means a better taste.
2. The Perfect Shake: Don’t skimp on the shaking time. Shaking the ingredients with ice is crucial for dilution and proper chilling. A well-shaken drink is always superior.
3. Use a Jigger: Since the measurements are small, using a proper jigger or measuring tool is essential for maintaining the correct balance of sweet to strong. Eyeballing it can result in an overly sweet drink.
4. Batching for a Party: To make a pitcher for a party, multiply all the ingredient amounts by the number of shots you want to make. Store the mixture in the fridge, and pour into a shaker with ice to chill just before serving.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This shot is a powerhouse of flavor and best paired with savory, cheesy, or salty appetizers to balance the sweetness.

• Salty & Savory: Serve alongside hearty snacks like a batch of cheesy tater tot nachos (Totchos) or some baked brie.
• Cheesy Dips: A warm, savory dip is the perfect contrast. Try pairing it with my Beer Cheese Dip or Crockpot Nacho Dip for maximum crowd-pleasing effect.
• Other Themed Drinks: Offer guests a variety of themed options. A Classic Margarita Recipe or a Refreshing Strawberry Mojito Recipe provides lighter, tangier options next to the Vampire Kiss.
• Non-Alcoholic Option: Have a batch of Blueberry Lemonade ready for designated drivers and non-drinking guests.

📊 Nutritional Information Per Serving

Disclaimer: This is an estimation and will vary based on brands and exact measurements.

Component	Value (Estimated)
Calories	150–180 kcal
Carbohydrates	10–15g
Sugar	10–15g
Alcohol Content	Approx. 2.5 standard drinks

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📦 Storage and Leftover Tips

Because this is a cocktail mixed with ice, it is best consumed immediately.

• Mixed Cocktail: Do not store leftover shaken mixture. The melted ice will dilute the flavor significantly.
• Unmixed Ingredients: The vodka, berry liqueur, and grenadine can all be stored indefinitely at room temperature (or in the case of vodka, in the freezer).
• Pre-Batching: If you are preparing for a large event, mix the vodka, liqueur, and grenadine together without ice and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When guests arrive, simply pour the pre-mixed liquid into a shaker with ice, shake, and serve.

🎃 More Recipes You Will Love

If you’re looking to round out your party menu with more delicious food and drinks, try these chef-maniac favorites:

• This Beer Cheese Dip is My Favorite Party Starter That Disappears in Minutes
• Classic Margarita Recipe Easy and Delicious
• Refreshing Strawberry Mojito Recipe Perfect For
• This Blueberry Lemonade is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days
• The Slippery Drank is My Favorite Sweet Sipper for Dessert-Inspired Vibes

📝 Final Thoughts

The Vampire Kiss Shot is everything a party drink should be: bold, memorable, and a little bit dangerous. It’s the perfect way to embrace the spooky season with a flourish of sweet, boozy red. Mix up a batch, invite your favorite ghouls, and let the party begin.

Did you try this recipe? Let me know what you thought in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and TikTok for more killer party recipes.