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📌 Pin

Tapeworm Shot

Vodka, a teaspoon of mayonnaise, a dash of Tabasco and black pepper. Looks like a parasite, tastes like one too if you do it wrong. The bet shot. The drink your mate dares you to drink. Built in a shot glass, served cold.

Tapeworm Shot Recipe: Daring Vodka and Hot Sauce Cocktail
4.50 from 6 votes
Calories: 84kcal
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Spice up your night with the Tapeworm Shot, a daring and adventurous blend of vodka, hot sauce, mayonnaise, and black pepper. This bold shot is perfect for those looking to try something different and make a memorable impression at any party.

Ingredients

Instructions

Pour Vodka:

  • Pour 1 oz of vodka into a shot glass.

Add Tabasco:

  • Add a few drops of Tabasco sauce into the shot glass with the vodka.

Dash of Pepper:

  • Sprinkle a dash of black pepper on top of the vodka and Tabasco mixture.

Top with Mayonnaise:

  • Add a squeeze of mayonnaise on top of the mixture in the shot glass

Notes

The Tapeworm Shot is a bold and unusual drink that’s sure to be a conversation starter. It’s perfect for adventurous drinkers who are looking to try something different or for adding a bit of excitement to a night out. The combination of vodka, hot sauce, and mayonnaise creates a unique texture and flavor experience.

Similar Shots to Explore

  1. Dirty Mexican Shot:
    • A tequila shot with a teaspoon of mayonnaise for a surprising twist.
  2. Cement Mixer Shot:
    • A prank shot with Irish cream and lime juice that curdles when mixed.
  3. Prairie Oyster:
    • A classic hangover cure with a raw egg, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.

Conclusion

The Tapeworm Shot is a daring and adventurous drink that’s perfect for those looking to spice up their night. Whether you’re looking to try something new or to add a bit of excitement to a party, this shot is sure to make an impression. Enjoy responsibly and embrace the adventure!

Estimated Nutrition:

Calories: 84kcal (4%)Carbohydrates: 2g (1%)Saturated Fat: 3g (19%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 13gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 12mg (4%)Potassium: 6mgSugar: 2g (2%)Vitamin A: 18IUCalcium: 2mgIron: 0.1mg (1%)
CourseBeverage, Drinks, Shot
CuisineBeverage, Drinks, Shot
KeywordBeverage Recipe, Drink Recipe, Shot Recipe

Where it came from

Pub gross-out shot tradition. The Tapeworm uses mayo because dropped into vodka the white blob looks like a worm in the glass. The Tabasco and pepper give it a swallowable burn so the joke does not stretch into actual nausea.

It is in the same family as the Cement Mixer, the Prairie Oyster and other shots designed to test the drinker rather than entertain them.

What it tastes like

Spicy, tangy, vinegary, with a vodka heat. The mayo never fully blends so there is a textural challenge halfway through. Whether you finish it is up to you.

Some bartenders skip the pepper. Some swap mayo for sour cream. The Tabasco is the only non-negotiable element.

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Ingredient Spotlight

The bottles that make or break this drink.

The vodka

Use
Plain unflavoured vodka, ice cold
Skip
Premium vodka, the mayo and Tabasco bury it

The mayo

Use
Hellmann or Heinz, full fat
Skip
Light mayo, falls apart in the glass

The Tabasco

Use
Original Tabasco, 3 to 5 dashes
Why
The vinegar in Tabasco helps the drink go down

Variations

Other drinks in the same family.

What if I don't have…

Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.

No mayo?

Sour cream. Looks similar, tastes less aggressive.

No Tabasco?

Cholula or any vinegar-based hot sauce.

Want it cleaner?

Skip the mayo. Now it is just a Bloody Caesar shot, far more palatable.

Want it visual?

Use a clear shot glass so the mayo blob is on display.

Want a chaser?

Cold beer is the standard chase for this shot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.

Is this drinkable?
Technically yes. Pleasantly no. It is a dare shot.
Why mayo specifically?
It floats and stays in a blob shape, which is the whole visual joke.
Can I use Greek yogurt?
Yes. Same texture, less fat, looks less worm-like.
How strong is it?
Around 30 percent ABV. The vodka is the dominant ingredient.
Will I be sick?
Pace yourself. One Tapeworm is a gag. Three is a problem.
DL
From the Drink Lab catalogue

Drink Lab has been collecting cocktail recipes since 2013. Some we wrote ourselves, plenty came in from readers, and the rest got passed across a bar somewhere along the way.

Last updated April 26, 2026 · 1 min read

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