Food & Wine

21 Tasty, Unique Shot Recipes That Bartenders Swear By-and the 1 Not To Order

By Jessica Wrubel Parade - Food and Drink Stories

Updated April 28, 2026 4:19 PM

Shots tend to get a bad rap-they can be annoying, time-consuming and synonymous with a college crowd, but talk to bartenders, and you'll quickly realize they're a lot more nuanced than their party reputation suggests. Sure, there's still a time and place for a round of tequila, but if you stop thinking of shots simply as a reckless rush of alcohol and start seeing them as cute little mini cocktails, suddenly, they feel a lot more intentional and a lot more interesting. Let us explain.

As Chicago bartender Graham McClure puts it: "Shots are such a conundrum…[they 're] really just cocktails in 1 ounce form; mixed drinks rationed out by the ounce." In other words, even the smallest of drinks can still be thoughtfully made (and consumed), whether they're thrown back in celebration or used to kick off a long night.

At the same time, not all shot recipes are created equal. Some are built for speed and simplicity, while others are carefully balanced, layered or shaken with the same intention as that classic cocktail is. And while trends come and go, bartenders say the same few orders keep showing up night after night: straight tequila, whiskey and a handful of sweet-tart crowd favorites that are just as easy to drink as they are to make.

To back this up, we talked to bartenders across the U.S. who have some very strong opinions when it came to shots. We talked about the good, the bad and the industry secrets, and got them to give up some of their all-time favorite recipes in the process.

Here are the 21 best shots to order the next time a round is on you, straight from the pros.

What Is the Most Popular Shot?

If there's one thing bartenders agree on, it's that the simplicity mindset wins over complexity when it comes to their customers ordering at the bar.

"The most popular shot is probably…well tequila or Irish whiskey," says NYC bartender Ben Hopkins. Then comes the reality check: "But it depends on the night, the bar…or if Mercury is in retrograde or not."

Multiple bartenders agree and say that single pour shots dominated their orders on a regular night, especially during busy service (which is just fine with them).

"Can't beat the ease of a straight pour during a rush," says Michigan-based bartender Lorna Tramontini.

Of course, certain mixed shots still hold their ground. Remember Lemon Drops? Yeah, that's still a thing, as is the newer Green Tea shot, which repeatedly shows up in rounds across the country.

"The most popular shot at the bars I work at are pickleback shots (whiskey with a side shot of pickle juice)," says Chicago-based bartender Aaron Dias, who goes by "AD" behind the bar.

What Shot To Avoid Ordering

On the flip side, bartenders also have their strong opinions about what not to order.

"Ordering top-shelf tequila shots chilled is a very Chad thing to do," McClure says. "The end result: watered-down tequila…not delicious and not cost-effective…"

Plus, he points out that "if the producer of that tequila watched you do that," they'd likely be upset at it "disrespecting all the people and all the hard work that went into getting that bottle in front of you."

Is There a Difference Between Shots and Shooters?

The bartenders we talked to are split on this one. Some say that it's just semantics, and others have their stronger opinions.

Claudia Handel, bartender at The Bower in New Orleans, says there is definitely a difference in her experience: "A ‘shot' is your standard two-ounce pour," she tells Parade. "A ‘shooter,' on the other hand, is that slim, portable tube…made for sipping on the go while you're out exploring."

And David Padilla, bartender at Rose Cafe & Restaurant (also in New Orleans) agrees:

"A shot is a spirit, liqueur, or amaro served on its own. A shooter is a mini cocktail, like a Green Tea shot, for example."

And before you say, well, perhaps it's just a New Orleans thing, other bartenders agree with them.

"A shot is like a neat pour of a spirit while a ‘shooter' is usually a mixed drink…with or without juices and probably some absolutely insane name like baby Guinness," explains Hopkins.

McClure says that, in his opinion, the terminology is changing. "I would say the term ‘shooter' has faded out and the word ‘shot' now encompasses any 1oz beverage intended to be taken down in a single gulp." Fair enough.

What Shots Do Bartenders Like?

If bartenders are drinking, they're usually keeping it simple, much like the rest of us: tequila, mezcal, whiskey, amaro. In other words, no fuss.

"My favorite thing on earth to shoot is Japanese whisky from the freezer," says Hopkins. "Bartenders [also] like mezcal shots for sure," he adds. "I remember years ago I ordered so many 'Ilegal Mezcal' shots at a certain bar, they'd just give me one when I'd walk in."

And when it comes to being an insider, sometimes it gets even more niche.

"One of my favorite shots is a straight 1 oz. shot of Angostura bitters," says McClure. "If the Fernet shot is the secret handshake of the food service industry, then the Angostura shot is the Illuminati-level bartender secret," McClure says, noting that Best Intentions, a Chicago mainstay for the post-shift bartender crowd, has Angostura shots on tap.

What Makes a Great Shot?

"I think to a bartender, a great shot is either straight alcohol or something that they can make really quickly. A great shot to a bar patron very much depends on the mood, hour, day or what moon is rising in what house," says McClure.

Ross Nemec, of Brooklyn-based bar The Rockwell Place, says spirit quality is the most important when it comes to a great shot and adds: "A shot should wake you up and keep you going, not send you into oblivion."

Balance of flavors, of course, matters (even in one little ounce!). As Tramontini puts it, "Something with a little sugar and a lot of acidity! It doesn't have to be straight alcohol to get that post-shot pucker face."

Rensel Cabrera, bar manager at The Sylvester in Miami, agrees, telling Parade, "Even if it's something you're taking quickly, it should still taste good. I always think about whether I'd actually enjoy it as a full cocktail."

Handel has a more experience-driven approach and says it's less about what's in the glass, sharing, "Great company makes any shot better, and if you can enjoy it without any regrets the next day, that's a win in my book."

21 Best Shot Recipes, According to Bartenders

1. Root Beer Float

Time Commitment: 5 minutes
What Makes This Shot Special: Nostalgic, dessert-like flavors with a fizzy finish
Serves: 1
Ingredients: 1 part vanilla vodka, 1 part root beer vodka, splash of creamer, splash of cola

This playful shot from Chicago bartender AD tastes exactly like a root beer float. Shake the vodkas and creamer with ice, strain into a shot glass, and top with a splash of cola. It's creamy, fizzy and unexpectedly smooth–perfect for summer. Katie Vine from the blog Dinners Done Quickgave us a tip for making these: she says that while layered shots look fancy, they're actually simple. Use a small spoon inside the glass and pour slowly so the liquid gently settles into layers instead of mixing.

2. Vegas Bomb

Time Commitment: 5 minutes
What Makes This Shot Special: High-energy, party-ready classic
Serves: 1
Ingredients: 1 part whiskey, 1 part peach schnapps, 1 part cranberry juice, splash of Red Bull

This is another one of AD's faves. "It's been around for a while, but a good vibe shot," he says.

Combine all ingredients except the energy drink, shake with ice, and strain into a shot glass, then top with Red Bull. An alternative (and way more fun) way to make these, according to blogger Lindsay Moe of The Live-In Kitchen, is to pour your energy drink into a tall glass and then drop the shot of alcohol in. It's loud, fast, and fun and exactly what you'd expect from a shot designed to keep the night going.

3. M&M

Time Commitment: 2 minutes
What Makes This Shot Special: Smoky-sweet balance bartenders love
Serves: 1
Ingredients: 1 oz mezcal, 1 oz Montenegro

One of Handel's favorites, she says this one is totally balanced because of the smoky mezcal playing off the sweet Montenegro. And the directions couldn't be simpler: pour directly into a shot glass and serve.

4. Aperol & Grapefruit

Time Commitment: 2 minutes
What Makes This Shot Special: Bright, citrusy and low-ABV
Serves: 1
Ingredients: 1 oz Aperol, 1 oz grapefruit juice

Handel says this one is replacing shots of Fernet that have been common in the service industry. To make it, stir or lightly shake and serve. This one is refreshing, slightly bitter and a nice break from heavier, high-proof shots that leave you dizzy.

5. B-52

Time Commitment: 5 minutes
What Makes This Shot Special: A creamy layered pousse-café shot with rich coffee and citrus notes
Serves: 1
Ingredients: 0.5 oz coffee liqueur, 0.5 oz Irish cream, 0.5 oz orange liqueur

Padilla says to build this one in a shot glass by carefully pouring each ingredient over the back of a bar spoon in density order (coffee liqueur, Irish cream, then orange liqueur). The result is a clean, three-layered shot that looks striking and drinks smooth with a hint of sweetness and warmth.

6. White Tea Shot

Time Commitment: 5 minutes
What Makes This Shot Special: Smooth, citrusy and easy to drink
Serves: 1
Ingredients: 0.5 oz vodka, 0.5 oz peach schnapps, 0.5 oz lemon juice, 0.25 oz simple syrup

This variation of the Green Tea shot is another go-to of Padilla's. Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a shot glass. It's bright, balanced and dangerously easy to drink.

7. Kamikaze

Time Commitment: 5 minutes
What Makes This Shot Special: Crisp, tart and perfectly refreshing
Serves: 1
Ingredients: 0.75 oz vodka, 0.5 oz Cointreau, 0.25 oz lime juice

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain. Another favorite from Padilla, this one has a perfect citrusy, sweet, and tart balance. It's a classic for a reason!

8. Ben's Snaiquiri (Snack-Sized Daiquiri Shot)

Time Commitment: 5 minutes
What Makes This Shot Special: It's a full cocktail scaled down to shot size
Serves: 2–3
Ingredients: 2 oz rhum agricole, 1 oz lime juice, 0.75 oz simple syrup, 7 dashes Peychaud's bitters

Hopkins' favorite and better yet? It serves multiple people, making it perfect for a round with friends. Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into multiple shot glasses.

9. RyeNar

Time Commitment: 2 minutes
What Makes This Shot Special: Bold, bitter and spirit-forward
Serves: 1
Ingredients: 0.5 oz high-proof rye whiskey, 0.5 oz Cynar

If you've never heard of Cynar (pronounced chee-NAR) before, you're not the only one. But Hopkins thinks you're going to love it. this one. The artichoke-based herbal liqueur is layered with rye whiskey directly in the glass and served. Simple, punch, and, better yet, no cleanup required.

10. Ferrari

Time Commitment: 2 minutes
What Makes This Shot Special: Bitter, sweet, aromatic, low-ABV and aids in digestion
Serves: 1
Ingredients: 0.5 oz Fernet-Branca, 0.5 oz Campari

A shot mentioned by multiple bartenders, this one is a winner for a reason. Pour equal parts of Fernet and Campari into a shot glass and serve. A true industry staple.

11. El Camino

Time Commitment: 2 minutes
What Makes This Shot Special: Earthy, complex and unapologetically bold.
Serves: 1
Ingredients: 0.5 oz Laird's Applejack, 0.5 oz Cynar

Created by McClure and inspired by the popularity of the Ferrari, this one is equal parts Laird's Applejack and Cynar, which is also bartender-friendly since you just pour the two directly into the glass.

"Applejack is made from cider apples and is drier/sharper than apple brandy, and Cynar is a round, robust and earthy amaro made from artichoke," McClure says.

12. Cactus Cooler

Time Commitment: 5 minutes
What Makes This Shot Special: Bright, tropical and perfect for the warmer months
Serves: 2–3
Ingredients: 3 parts orange vodka, 1 part peach schnapps, 1 part orange juice, 1 part pineapple juice, splash of Sprite

Tramontini says this one is a crowd pleaser and totally easy to enjoy. To make it, shake ingredients (except the soda) with ice and strain into shot glasses, then top with Sprite. Fruity, sweet and wildly easy to drink.

13. White Spider

Time Commitment: 5 minutes
What Makes This Shot Special: Simple, minty and strong
Serves: 1
Ingredients: Equal parts vodka and peppermint schnapps

"Simple but effective, a boosted peppermint schnapps! May go down a little too easily, so be prepared," Tramontini warns. Shake both ingredients hard with ice and strain into a shot glass.

14. Sandy Shot

Time Commitment: 5 minutes
What Makes This Shot Special: Rich, creamy and dessert-like
Serves: 1
Ingredients: 2 parts Crown Royal, 1 part Baileys, splash butterscotch schnapps

Tramontini says this shot, created by one of her customers over a decade ago, is one your grandma would like, "And so will you! Best in winter before heading back out to ski," she says. Shake ingredients with ice and strain. Sweet, smooth and very easy to love.

15. Griffin Shot

Time Commitment: 2 minutes
What Makes This Shot Special: Bitter, simple and herb-forward
Serves: 1
Ingredients: Equal parts Cynar and bourbon

From Michigan bartender Allie Rhodes, this is another interesting one with Cynar, and it is super easy to make. Combine ingredients, shake with ice (or serve neat if that's your thing) and pour into a shot glass. "Herbaceous, bitter, boozy and an excellent post-bar shift reset (or primer, for the afterparty)," she says.

16. Discoteca

Time Commitment: 5 minutes
What Makes This Shot Special: Elevated, cocktail-style complexity
Serves: 1
Ingredients: 0.75 oz peach vodka, 0.25 oz St-Germain, 0.25 oz Cocchi Americano, 0.5 oz simple syrup, 0.5 oz acid solution

A favorite of Cabrera, this one is a variation on a white tea shot, which, according to him, "is a green tea shot's vodka-filled cousin. It's perfectly sweet and easy to drink, making it a crowd pleaser."

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a shot glass.

17. Gator's Kiss Shot

Time Commitment: 5 minutes
What Makes This Shot Special: Neon green, melon-forward and just plain fun
Serves: 1
Ingredients: 0.5 oz tequila blanco, 0.5 oz Midori, 0.5 oz acid solution, 0.5 oz simple syrup

Another pick from Cabrera, this shot tastes like a kiss of melon with a hint of Tequila. "It's also green, and who doesn't love a bright neon green shot?" he says. Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a shot glass.

18. Oyster Shooter

Time Commitment: 10 minutes
What Makes This Shot Special: Savory, briny and unexpectedly glam
Serves: 1
Ingredients: 1 fresh oyster, 1 oz vodka or tequila, 0.25 oz lemon juice, 2 dashes hot sauce, 1 dash fish sauce, horseradish (optional), 0.25 oz tomato juice (optional)

Nemec says oyster shooters are "one of life's great joys" and suggests serving this at a party to get your guests talking. "It's like eating an oyster and doing a shot at the same time."

To make one, add a carefully shucked oyster to a shot glass, then layer in the remaining ingredients and serve.

19. Whiskey Sour Shot

Time Commitment: 5 minutes
What Makes This Shot Special: Citrusy and versatile
Serves: 3–4
Ingredients: 1 oz whiskey, 0.75 oz lemon juice, 0.75 oz simple syrup, fruit (optional)

"Most mixed shots are just a mini whiskey sour," Nemec says. "The citrus and sugar balance out the booze and make for easy drinking. If you add some fruit to this, it'll take it to the next level. A slice of peach, a muddled strawberry, a handful of blueberries. Whatever is in season."

To make a batch for a small crowd, shake the ingredients with ice and strain into multiple shot glasses.

20. Green Tea Shot

Time Commitment: 5 minutes
What Makes This Shot Special: Sweet-tart and wildly popular
Serves: 1
Ingredients: 0.5 oz Jameson Irish Whiskey, 0.5 oz peach schnapps, 0.5 oz Sour Mix, splash of Sprite

A classic, mentioned by nearly all of the bartenders we talked to for one reason or another, and recreated beautifully by Chef Emily Laurae. Shake all ingredients (except soda) with ice and strain into a shot glass. It's everywhere for a reason–easy, balanced and always a crowd-pleaser!

21. Incredible Hulk

Time Commitment: 5 minutes
What Makes This Shot Special: An ATL staple, smooth with tropical notes from Hpnotiq
Serves: 1-2
Ingredients: Equal parts Hennessy and Hpnotiq

From Bar Manager McKenzie Nelson at Close Companyin Atlanta is a Southern staple that goes down a bit too easy. For this one, combine both ingredients in a shaker and chill. This one is best prepared ahead of time and kept in the freezer.

Up Next:

Sources:

Graham McClure, Chicago-based bartender
Ben Hopkins, NYC-based bartender
Lorna Tramontini, Michigan-based bartender
Aaron Dias, Chicago-based bartender
Claudia Handel, bartender at The Bower in New Orleans
David Padilla, bartender at Rose Cafe & Restaurant
Ross Nemec, of Brooklyn-based bar The Rockwell Place
Rensel Cabrera, bar manager at The Sylvester in Miami
Katie Vine from the blog Dinners Done Quick
Lindsay Moe of The Live-In Kitchen
Allie Rhodes, Michigan-based bartender
Chef Emily Laurae
McKenzie Nelson, bar manager at Close Company in Atlanta

This story was originally published April 28, 2026 at 3:06 PM.