Ingredients
- .25 oz Canadian Whisky (Crown Royal)
- .25 oz Peach Schnapps
- .25 oz Pineapple Juice
- .25 oz Orange Juice
Instructions
Combine Ingredients:
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 0.25 oz peach schnapps, 0.25 oz Canadian whisky, 0.25 oz pineapple juice, and 0.25 oz orange juice.
Shake Well:
- Shake the mixture well until it is thoroughly chilled and combined.
Strain and Serve:
- Strain the mixture into a shot glass.
Enjoy:
- Serve immediately and enjoy your smooth and tasty Water Moccasin Shot #2.
Video
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
When did this fruity little number slither into the bar scene? No one's quite sure who put together the first Water Moccasin Shot #2. The trail goes cold around the 80s or 90s, an era when sweet, easy-drinking shots were having their moment in dive bars and college towns.
It's a cousin to many other sweet shots that rely on fruit liqueurs and juice to mask the spirit. Think of it in the same family as a Green Tea Shot or a Washington Apple, but with its own distinct peachy, citrus spin. What sets it apart is that specific blend of Canadian whisky and peach schnapps, giving it a smoother edge than some of its more aggressive relatives.
You'd find this one on a crowded bar rail, probably at a place where the music is loud and the lights are low. It's a party starter, a pre-game staple, or a 'just because' shot when you're out with friends. This isn't a drink you sip and contemplate, it's a quick hit for a good time.
What it tastes like
First sip hits with a burst of sweet peach, quickly followed by the bright, tangy notes of pineapple and orange. The Canadian whisky provides a smooth, almost caramel-like warmth that grounds the fruit without ever trying to steal the show. It's a sugary, refreshing gulp, tasting more like a fruit punch with a secret than a stiff drink.
At about 15-16% ABV for a 1-ounce pour, this shot isn't going to knock you sideways on its own, but it's no slouch either. To put it in perspective, one of these shots has roughly a quarter of the alcohol content of a standard 5-ounce glass of wine. Treat it with respect, because those sweet flavors can make you forget it's there.
The technique
Building a Water Moccasin Shot #2 is as simple as it gets. Grab your shaker, toss in some ice, then pour in your Canadian whisky, peach schnapps, pineapple juice, and orange juice. Give it a good, hard shake until the shaker is frosty cold to the touch. Then, just strain it neat into a shot glass. No fuss, no frills.
The key here is the shake. Don't just give it a few lazy jiggles. Really go for it. A proper shake chills and dilutes the ingredients perfectly, ensuring that smooth, integrated flavor. A lukewarm, poorly mixed shot is a waste of good booze and good fruit.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Canadian Whisky
- Use
- Crown Royal, Seagram's VO, or any other smooth, accessible Canadian whisky. The point is a clean, mellow spirit.
- Skip
- Anything heavily peated or overly spicy rye. You don't want to fight the fruit, you want to complement it.
- Why
- It provides a gentle boozy backbone without overwhelming the delicate fruit flavors. It's the quiet strength in the background.
Peach Schnapps
- Use
- Bols, DeKuyper, or any standard peach schnapps. Consistency is key here.
- Skip
- High-end peach liqueurs that are too thick or intensely flavored. Also skip artificial peach syrups.
- Why
- This is where the signature peach flavor comes from, and it brings a critical layer of sweetness and fruitiness that defines the shot.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Moccasin Kick
- For a spicy surprise
- Add a small dash of hot sauce or a tiny slice of jalapeño to the shaker for a sweet heat finish.
Green Moccasin
- Swap the peach for melon
- Replace the peach schnapps with Midori melon liqueur for a vibrant green color and a different fruity sweetness.
Tropical Moccasin
- A coconut twist
- Substitute the Canadian whisky with a good quality coconut rum for an even more pronounced tropical vibe.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Try a light, unaged rum or a smooth bourbon.
Apple schnapps or apricot liqueur can give a similar fruity, sweet profile.
Mango juice or white grape juice can work in a pinch for a different tropical note.
Stir all ingredients vigorously in a glass with plenty of ice for about 30 seconds, then strain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Water Moccasin Shot #2?
It contains Canadian whisky, peach schnapps, pineapple juice, and orange juice.
Why is it called Water Moccasin?
The name likely refers to the "bite" of the alcohol hidden by the smooth, sweet flavors, much like the snake's reputation.
Is it a strong shot?
It's moderately strong, around 15-16% ABV, meaning it has about a quarter of the alcohol of a standard glass of wine.
Can I make a batch?
Absolutely, just scale up all the ingredients proportionally and keep it chilled until serving.
What glass do I use?
This drink is specifically designed to be served in a standard shot glass.
Is it sweet?
Yes, it's definitely on the sweeter side, with prominent fruit flavors from the peach schnapps and juices.
What's the difference between Water Moccasin Shot #1 and #2?
The #1 typically uses Southern Comfort, apple schnapps, and pineapple juice. The #2 swaps those for Canadian whisky, peach schnapps, pineapple juice, and orange juice.
Can I drink it as a cocktail?
Sure, scale up the ingredients to 2 oz each, shake, and serve over ice in a rocks glass for a longer, sippable version.
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