Ingredients
- 15 ml Midori melon liqueur
- 10 ml coconut rum Malibu
- 10 ml banana liqueur creme de banane
- 15 ml pineapple juice fresh if possible
- 10 ml cream or half and half
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice.
- Shake hard for 10 seconds (cream needs the work to emulsify).
- Strain into a tall chilled shot glass.
- Optional garnish: tiny pineapple wedge or a single maraschino cherry.
- Drink in one go.
Notes
Where it came from
The Scooby Snack came out of late-1980s American chain bar culture, named after the dog treats from the cartoon. It was part of a wave of tropical and dessert-flavoured shots that emerged with the Midori melon liqueur boom.
Several variations exist: some recipes drop the banana liqueur, others add vodka. The Midori, coconut rum, banana, pineapple and cream version is the most widely accepted “classic” build.
Why it works
Five ingredients sounds like overkill, but each one plays a role. Midori is the green colour and melon backbone. Coconut rum is tropical creaminess. Banana liqueur adds sweetness and depth. Pineapple juice cuts the cream. Cream rounds everything off. Shaken hard, the drink emulsifies into a smooth, creamy shot.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
The Midori
- Use
- Original Midori melon liqueur (the bright green Japanese liqueur)
- Try
- DeKuyper Sour Apple Pucker for a green apple version
- Skip
- Generic green melon syrup, no alcohol, watery drink
The coconut rum
- Use
- Malibu, the standard coconut rum
- Try
- Koko Kanu or Wray and Nephew Coconut for more rum character
- Skip
- Coconut-flavoured vodka, the rum is the right base
The banana liqueur
- Use
- Creme de banane (DeKuyper, Bols, Marie Brizard)
- Try
- Tempus Fugit Creme de Banane for a serious banana note
- Skip
- Banana schnapps, the flavour is too candy-style
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Sour apple pucker or any green melon liqueur. Same colour, slightly different fruit.
Skip it; the drink still works as a tropical creamy shot.
Coconut cream or even a splash of milk. The drink loses some richness.
Orange juice or mango juice. The drink takes on a different fruit profile.
Triple the recipe and serve over crushed ice in a hurricane glass. Now it is a tropical highball.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Scooby Snack shot?
Five ingredients: Midori melon liqueur, coconut rum (typically Malibu), banana liqueur (creme de banane), pineapple juice and cream. Standard build is a small pour of each, shaken hard with ice and strained into a tall shot glass.
Why is it called a Scooby Snack?
It is named after the dog treats from the Scooby-Doo cartoon. The shot was created in the late 1980s American bar scene, and the playful name fit the candy-tropical flavour profile. There is no link to actual dog food beyond the name.
What does a Scooby Snack taste like?
Like a tropical milkshake. Sweet melon and banana up front, coconut creaminess in the middle, pineapple tartness on the finish. The cream rounds everything off and gives the drink a smooth texture.
Can I make a Scooby Snack without cream?
Yes. The drink will be brighter and less rich. Replace the cream with extra pineapple juice for a “Skinny Scooby” or with coconut cream for a tropical-only version.
How strong is a Scooby Snack?
Around 14 to 18 percent ABV in the shot. The cream and pineapple juice dilute the spirits, making it one of the easier-drinking party shots.
Do you need a tall shot glass?
Yes. The drink is around 60ml total volume, which does not fit in a standard 30ml shot glass. Use a tall shot glass, a small rocks glass, or split it across two regular shot glasses.
Can I make a non-alcoholic Scooby Snack?
Yes. Use non-alc melon syrup, coconut milk and banana puree with the pineapple and cream. Shake hard and serve cold. The flavour profile holds up well without the alcohol.
What food goes with a Scooby Snack?
Light tropical or seafood dishes: ceviche, grilled prawns, fish tacos, fruit platters. Also works as a dessert shot after spicy food.
