by Sarah Alessandrini

A startling realization for any newly turned 21-year-old: most bars don’t serve only straight shots. In fact, most bars’ “house shots” are just as flavorful as a mixed drink. So if you’re someone who hates the taste of alcohol, you’re not alone. We compiled a list of five easy and fun shot recipes that you’ll be able to throw back like a champ. 

Measurements for these drinks are approximate, so don’t worry if you can’t get an exact amount. If you’re not sure what a liquid measurement looks like, a standard shot glass is about 1.5 ounces!

Purple Gatorade Shot

Shockingly enough, this shot doesn’t actually contain any purple gatorade — but it certainly tastes like it. 

You’ll need:

• 1.5 oz. raspberry vodka
• 1 oz. blue curacao
• 1 oz. cranberry juice
• 1 oz. grenadine

(Some recipes call for sweet and sour mix, but we feel like it’s optional, and definitely less sweet!)

Throw all the ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake well. If you mix it just right, it should turn out to be a purple color. If it’s too blue, you might want to add some more grenadine. 

Green Tea Shot

Once again, no real tea or matcha is required for this one. Hence the name, this drink tastes just like a classic cafe favorite, although you won’t be sipping this one slowly. 

You’ll need:

• 1.5 oz. whiskey
• 1 oz. peach schnapps
• 1 oz. sour mix
• 1 oz. lemonade/lime juice

Grab your shaker and mix up all the ingredients together. Your shots should look like green tea. 

Blonde Headed Shots

Who knew pineapple juice and Jäger could go so well together? Another popular bar selection, these classic shots require little ingredients and little effort, but are sure to be a hit at your next pregame. Just mix together and serve.

You’ll need: 

• 1 oz. Jägermeister
• 1 oz. peach schnapps
• splash of pineapple juice

Syracuse Shots

Perfect for any tailgate or game day event, we made this colorful shot special to show off your school spirit. 

You’ll need:

• 1.5 oz. Malibu 
• 1 oz. orange juice
• 1 oz. blue curacao 

This one’s a little trickier. First, mix up the orange juice and Malibu in your shaker. Since this is the denser mixture, we’ll put it on the bottom. 

Then, you’re going to layer the blue caraco on top to create an ombré effect. Flip a teaspoon upside down and place over the orange mixture in the shot glass. Then, pour the blue caraco over to float it on top. 

Apple Cider Shot

Finally, a twist on a fall favorite and an upstate New York staple. We wanted to create a shot that, like the green tea and purple gatorade shots, tastes just like a favorite drink, without actually containing any (unless you want it too!). 

You’ll need: 

• 1.5 oz. Green Apple Vodka
• 1 oz. peach schnapps
• 1 oz. ginger beer or ginger ale
• a dash of lime juice

(Feel free to add real apple cider to this if you’d like!)

With these fun and flavorful shots, your pre-games and party toasts don’t have to be ruined by straight alcohol shots. Don’t be afraid to mix it up with new flavors and ingredients. Take new shots and drink responsibly!