Hey there, Jason Griffith here! When it comes to party drinks, sometimes you want something that’s not just delicious, but also playful and visually appealing. And if you’re a fan of those colorful, chewy candies from your childhood, then the Gummy Bear Shot is about to become your new favorite. This vibrant little concoction is a delightful blend of sweet and tangy, with a fun garnish that makes it perfect for any celebration or a casual get-together with friends. It’s like your favorite candy, all grown up!

Why I Love This Recipe

I’m all about creating fun and memorable experiences, and this Gummy Bear Shot absolutely delivers on that front. What I love most about this recipe is how it perfectly captures the sweet, fruity essence of gummy bears in liquid form. The combination of cherry, peach, and pineapple is incredibly harmonious, and the splash of lemon-lime soda adds a delightful fizz that lightens everything up. Plus, it’s quick to shake up, and that adorable gummy bear garnish just brings a smile to everyone’s face. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fantastic way to kick off a night!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to shake up these vibrant Gummy Bear Shots:

• 1 ounce cherry vodka
• 1 ounce peach schnapps
• ¼ ounce pineapple juice
• ¼ ounce lemon-lime soda (like Sprite or 7UP)
• 1-2 gummy bears, for garnish (optional, but highly recommended!)

Swaps and Notes

• Vodka Flavor: While cherry vodka is classic for a “gummy bear” flavor, you could experiment with other fruit-flavored vodkas like raspberry or even regular vodka for a less intense fruit base.
• Schnapps: Peach schnapps adds a lovely sweetness and peach flavor. Apple or watermelon schnapps could offer interesting variations.
• Pineapple Juice: Fresh or canned pineapple juice works equally well.
• Lemon-Lime Soda: Any brand of clear lemon-lime soda will do the trick to add that essential fizz.
• Gummy Bears: Use your favorite colors and flavors! You can let them soak in the shot for a few minutes to get a slightly boozy gummy, or just pop them on top for garnish.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Gummy Bear Shot:

1. Gather Ingredients and Ice: Make sure you have all your liquid ingredients chilled and your cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Combine in Shaker: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the cherry vodka, peach schnapps, and pineapple juice.
3. Shake Vigorously: Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds, or until the shaker is well-chilled on the outside. This chills and slightly dilutes the liquids for a smoother shot.
4. Strain into Shot Glass: Strain the chilled mixture directly into a shot glass.
5. Top with Soda: Top the shot with a quick splash of lemon-lime soda. This adds a refreshing fizz and a little extra sweetness.
6. Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with 1-2 gummy bears if you like! And then enjoy them responsibly.

Tips for Success

• Chill Your Ingredients: The colder your spirits and mixers are to start, the less you’ll need to shake, preventing over-dilution.
• Fresh Gummy Bears: Use fresh, pliable gummy bears for garnishing. Stale ones won’t look as appealing.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet shot, you can slightly reduce the peach schnapps or add a tiny bit more pineapple juice.
• Serving Size: This recipe is for one shot. Easily scale up the liquid ingredients to make a batch in a pitcher for a party, then just pour into shot glasses and top with soda and gummies just before serving.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

The Gummy Bear Shot is designed to be a fun, standalone party drink. It’s perfect for celebrations, bachelorette parties, birthdays, or just a fun night in. Serve it alongside other playful cocktails or a spread of appetizers. For other sweet and fun drink ideas, you might love my The Slippery Drank Is My Favorite Sweet Sipper for Dessert-Inspired Vibes or a refreshing non-alcoholic option like my This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days.

Storage and Leftover Tips

This shot is best made fresh right before serving. You can pre-measure your different spirits and juices into separate containers if you’re making a large batch for a party, then just combine and shake when guests arrive. The gummy bears should only be added just before serving.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed the fun and fruity nature of this Gummy Bear Shot, here are a few more drink recipes that I think you’ll absolutely love:

• For another fun party drink with a twist, check out These Jolly Rancher Edible Shot Glasses Are My Favorite Party Treat With a Twist.
• If you’re into classic cocktails, you can’t go wrong with a Classic Margarita Recipe (Easy and Delicious!).
• And for a refreshing and vibrant cocktail perfect for warmer days, my Refreshing Strawberry Mojito Recipe (Perfect For!) is a fantastic choice.

Final Thoughts

The Gummy Bear Shot is more than just a drink; it’s a little burst of joy and nostalgia in a glass. It’s perfect for setting a fun, lighthearted mood at any gathering. Give it a shake, garnish, and enjoy the sweet, fruity magic responsibly!

What’s your go-to fun shot or party cocktail? Share your ideas in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delicious recipes and entertaining tips!