
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Vodka
- 0.75 oz Sour Apple Schnapps
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add vodka and sour apple schnapps to the shaker.
- Shake well until the mixture is thoroughly chilled.
- Strain into a double shot glass.
- Serve and enjoy your Absolut Asshole Shot.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
No one's quite sure who named this one or when exactly it first hit the bar scene. It feels like a product of the late 90s or early 2000s, born in a college town dive bar or a busy club where quick, potent, and sweet shots ruled the night. It's not a drink with a storied past, just a good time on demand.
This shot belongs to the broad family of 'fruit-flavored spirit and schnapps' concoctions that became popular when vodka was king and sweet drinks were all the rage. It's got the same DNA as other simple, high-impact shots, relying on a clear base spirit and a bold, artificial fruit flavor. Think of it as a cousin to the Lemon Drop, but with a green apple twist.
You're not ordering an Absolut Asshole at a quiet speakeasy. This is a pre-game shot, a party starter, or something you hand to a friend who just needs a quick, sweet jolt. It's right at home in a busy bar, a loud club, or anywhere the goal is fun and fast.
What it tastes like
The first thing that hits you is that unmistakable sour green apple candy flavor, quickly followed by a solid vodka presence. It's sweet, it's tart, and it goes down smooth, masking its strength surprisingly well. If you like those bright, artificial fruit notes from your childhood, but with an adult kick, this shot delivers.
At around 33% ABV, this shot packs a decent punch. To put that in perspective, a standard beer usually hovers around 5% ABV. So, one of these is like downing about six or seven beers in one go, if you're talking pure alcohol content. Treat it with respect, or it'll treat you like an Absolut Asshole.
The technique
Building an Absolut Asshole is about as complicated as making toast. Toss some ice into a shaker, pour in your vodka and sour apple schnapps. Lock it up, and give it a serious workout until that shaker is frosty cold. Strain the whole thing into a double shot glass. Serve it up and watch the good times roll.
The one trick here is to make sure it's absolutely, bone-chillingly cold. Don't just give it a few lazy shakes. Really go for it. A properly chilled shot makes all the difference, smoothing out the edges and making that sweet apple sing on the tongue.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Vodka
- Use
- Any decent, clean vodka works. Since it's in the name, Absolut is a natural fit, but don't feel locked in. Tito's or Smirnoff are solid choices.
- Skip
- Heavily flavored vodkas unless you're intentionally messing with the profile. Save the cheap rotgut for a worse decision.
- Why
- It provides the clean alcoholic backbone without getting in the way of the apple. It's the engine, not the flavor.
Sour Apple Schnapps
- Use
- DeKuyper Pucker Sour Apple is the standard. Any brand that delivers that bright, artificial green apple flavor will do the job.
- Skip
- Apple brandy, applejack, or natural apple liqueurs. They're too complex and will totally change the drink's character.
- Why
- This is where the "sour apple" in the Absolut Asshole comes from. It's the defining flavor.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Angry Asshole
- Add a touch of heat.
- A dash of Tabasco or a sliver of jalapeño in the shaker gives this shot an unexpected spicy kick.
Cranberry Asshole
- A splash of red for a different tartness.
- Add 0.25 oz of cranberry juice to the shaker for an extra layer of fruit and a slightly different sour note.
Long Asshole
- Turn it into a taller drink.
- Pour the strained shot over ice in a tall glass and top with soda water or lemon-lime soda for a refreshing, longer drink.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Try a light rum or even a clean gin if you're feeling adventurous.
A green apple liqueur with a tiny squeeze of lime juice can get you close, but it won't be quite the same.
Stir the ingredients vigorously with ice in a mixing glass or pint glass for at least 30 seconds, then strain.
A small rocks glass or even a cordial glass will do the trick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Absolut Asshole?
An Absolut Asshole contains 1.5 oz of vodka and 0.75 oz of sour apple schnapps.
Is the Absolut Asshole a strong drink?
It's a shot with a decent kick, coming in around 33% ABV. It's stronger than most beers, so sip carefully or prepare for a quick night.
What does an Absolut Asshole taste like?
It tastes like a sweet and tart green apple candy, backed by a clean vodka bite. It's bright, fruity, and goes down smooth.
What's the best way to serve an Absolut Asshole?
Serve it ice cold, strained into a double shot glass. It's meant to be a quick, potent shot.
Can I make an Absolut Asshole into a cocktail?
Absolutely. Strain it over ice in a tall glass and top it with soda water or lemon-lime soda to make a longer, more refreshing drink.
What kind of vodka should I use for an Absolut Asshole?
Any good quality, unflavored vodka works well. Absolut is in the name for a reason, but Tito's or Smirnoff will also do the job just fine.
Is this a shooter or a sipper?
It's designed as a shooter. Quick, cold, and to the point. While you can certainly sip it, most people just go for it.
Can I use fresh apple juice instead of schnapps?
Using fresh apple juice will give you a completely different drink. The sour apple schnapps is key for that distinct, sweet and tart candy apple flavor this shot is known for.
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Such a great combination of flavors!
I’m glad I tried this recipe!
The instructions were spot on!
This was a perfect recipe!
I never thought vodka and ginger beer could be so badass together! Cheers, Absolut Asshole!
Wow, Absolut Asshole is like a wild ride for my taste buds! Cheers to creativity!
Wow, the Absolut Asshole is a wild ride of flavors! Cheers to creativity!
Wow, this Absolut Asshole recipe is a wild ride of flavors! Cheers to that!
This Absolut Asshole cocktail is a wild ride of flavors—totally unexpected and delicious! Cheers!
This Absolut Asshole recipe is a quirky twist of flavors that surprisingly works! Cheers! 🍹