When it comes to fun and flavorful party shots, few can match the iconic appeal of the Jolly Rancher Shot. Inspired by the nostalgic hard candy we all know and love, this shot captures the essence of that sweet and tangy burst in a smooth, sippable format. Whether you’re hosting a party, pre-gaming with friends, or just looking to enjoy a vibrant little drink, this shot delivers a fruity punch with a playful kick.

The Jolly Rancher Shot is all about flavor and fun. It’s bright in color, bold in taste, and incredibly easy to prepare. This drink blends schnapps with cranberry juice for a sweet-tart flavor profile that’s as addictive as the candy itself. The best part? You can customize it easily by swapping flavors to replicate your favorite Jolly Rancher color.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making the perfect Jolly Rancher Shot—from ingredients and step-by-step preparation to variations, serving ideas, pro tips, and even cocktail alternatives. Let’s get started on this shot-sized treat that packs a whole lot of character.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Bursting with Nostalgic Candy Flavor

This shot captures the fruity, tangy sweetness of Jolly Rancher candies, making it a perfect adult twist on a childhood favorite.

2. Easy to Make in Seconds

With just three ingredients and a shaker, you can whip up a batch of these shots in under a minute. No complicated methods, no special equipment.

3. Great for Parties

These colorful shots are crowd-pleasers. They look festive, taste delicious, and can be made in large quantities with ease.

4. Versatile Flavor Options

You can replicate nearly any Jolly Rancher flavor just by switching up the schnapps. Apple, watermelon, cherry, and more—every variation is just as fun and tasty.

5. Affordable and Accessible Ingredients

You don’t need any rare liqueurs or expensive spirits to enjoy this shot. Everything is easily found at most liquor stores and supermarkets.

Ingredients (Per Shot)

To make one standard Jolly Rancher Shot, you’ll need:

1 oz apple schnapps
(or substitute with watermelon schnapps for a different flavor twist)
1 oz peach schnapps
1 oz cranberry juice
Ice – for shaking

These ingredients combine to create a vibrant red-pink shot with a crisp, juicy taste. The apple schnapps delivers a green apple candy flavor, while the peach schnapps adds a smooth, mellow sweetness. Cranberry juice ties it all together with tartness and color.

Preparation (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Making a Jolly Rancher Shot is quick and foolproof. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Chill Your Shot Glasses

For best results, place your shot glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving. This enhances the drinking experience and helps preserve the vibrant flavor.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to a Shaker

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine:

1 oz apple schnapps (or watermelon schnapps)
1 oz peach schnapps
1 oz cranberry juice

Step 3: Shake Well

Shake the mixture vigorously for about 10–15 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker feels frosty cold. This ensures the drink is well-mixed and perfectly chilled.

Step 4: Strain and Serve

Strain the mixture into a chilled shot glass. The color should be bright, translucent red-pink—similar to a classic red or green Jolly Rancher.

Serve immediately.

Flavor Variations

One of the best things about this shot is its versatility. Here’s how to mimic different Jolly Rancher flavors:

Green Apple Jolly Rancher

1 oz apple schnapps
1 oz peach schnapps
1 oz cranberry juice

This is the original and most popular variation.

Watermelon Jolly Rancher

1 oz watermelon schnapps
1 oz peach schnapps
1 oz cranberry juice

Sweet and mellow, with a summery watermelon twist.

Cherry Jolly Rancher

1 oz cherry schnapps
1 oz peach schnapps
1 oz cranberry juice or cherry juice

Richer and sweeter, great for those who love bold cherry flavor.

Grape Jolly Rancher

1 oz grape schnapps
1 oz peach schnapps
1 oz white cranberry juice or grape juice

Try using white cranberry juice to maintain the purple color clarity.

Blue Raspberry Jolly Rancher

1 oz blue curaçao
1 oz raspberry schnapps
1 oz lemon-lime soda or white cranberry juice

A vibrant, electric blue version for a fun twist.

Jolly Rancher Shot as a Cocktail

Want to enjoy this drink as a full cocktail instead of a shot? Simply increase the quantities:

2 oz apple or watermelon schnapps
2 oz peach schnapps
3 oz cranberry juice
Serve over ice in a rocks or highball glass.

Top with club soda or lemon-lime soda for a fizzy version.

Serving Suggestions

The Jolly Rancher Shot is perfect for:

Birthday parties
Bachelorette celebrations
Themed events (80s/90s parties)
Holiday get-togethers
New Year’s Eve

Presentation Tips

Serve in colorful or glitter-rimmed shot glasses
Garnish with a mini skewer of candy or fruit
Use color-themed trays for different flavor versions

Tips for Success

Use cold ingredients – Keep the schnapps and cranberry juice chilled to avoid dilution.
Shake with ice, don’t stir – This gives the drink its refreshing crispness.
Don’t overdo the cranberry – Too much will overpower the candy-like flavor.
Make a batch – Multiply the quantities and shake in batches for easier party prep.
Serve immediately – The flavors are best when freshly mixed and icy cold.

Prep Time

Prep time: 2 minutes
Total time: 3–4 minutes (including shaking and pouring)
Servings: 1 shot (easily scalable)

Nutritional Information (Approximate per shot)

Calories: 120–140
Carbohydrates: 14–18g
Sugars: 12–15g
Alcohol by Volume (ABV): Varies by brand, typically 15–18% per shot

Note: These values can vary depending on the schnapps and juice brands used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Jolly Rancher Shots ahead of time?

Yes, you can pre-mix the schnapps and cranberry juice and store it in the refrigerator. However, always shake with ice and pour fresh before serving to keep the texture crisp and cool.

Are Jolly Rancher Shots strong?

Not especially. Since schnapps is relatively low in alcohol content and the drink includes juice, these shots are on the milder side. They’re more about flavor than strength.

Can I make this drink non-alcoholic?

Yes! Just replace the schnapps with flavored syrups or juice concentrates. For example:

Apple juice + peach nectar + cranberry juice = a delicious mocktail shot.

What’s the best schnapps for this shot?

Brands like DeKuyper and Bols offer a wide range of flavored schnapps that are ideal for these shots. Choose based on your favorite Jolly Rancher flavor.

Conclusion

The Jolly Rancher Shot is more than just a quick burst of flavor—it’s a party in a glass. Easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and universally loved, this sweet and fruity shot brings nostalgic charm to modern celebrations. Whether you’re recreating a favorite childhood flavor or simply want a vibrant, fun drink for your next get-together, this shot is guaranteed to be a hit.

From green apple to blue raspberry, cherry to watermelon, the Jolly Rancher Shot adapts to your cravings and your creativity. Shake up a batch, raise your glass, and enjoy the sweet side of adulting—one flavorful shot at a time.