Ingredients
- .5 oz Apple Liqueur
- .5 oz Butterscotch Schnapps
- 1 dash Cinnamon
Instructions
Combine Ingredients:
- Pour 0.5 oz of apple liqueur and 0.5 oz of butterscotch schnapps into a shot glass.
Top with Cinnamon:
- Add a dash of cinnamon on top for a touch of spice.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
This particular Apple Pie Shot #2, like many dessert-themed shots, doesn’t have a single, documented origin story. It’s a product of modern bar culture, likely emerging from American party scenes looking to translate popular dessert flavors into quick, enjoyable drinks. Think of it as a creative riff on other sweet shooters, designed for ease and immediate gratification.
It sits squarely in the ‘dessert shot’ category, alongside drinks like the Cinnamon Roll Shot or the Buttery Nipple. What sets this version apart is its specific pairing of apple and butterscotch, which aims to evoke the classic pie experience. Unlike more complex cocktails, its charm lies in its simplicity and direct flavor profile, leaning heavily on sweet liqueurs.
You’d typically find or serve this shot at a house party, a casual bar with a rotating shot menu, or during holiday gatherings where themed drinks are appreciated. It’s perfect for a pre-dinner toast or as a dessert stand-in for those who prefer to drink their sweets. It’s not a craft cocktail bar staple, but a crowd-pleaser in the right setting.
What it tastes like
From the first sip, this shot delivers a wave of sweet, candied apple flavor, characteristic of apple liqueur. This quickly transitions into the rich, buttery, and slightly caramel notes of butterscotch schnapps, providing a creamy mid-palate. The finish is warm and subtly spiced, thanks to the cinnamon, which lingers and reinforces the ‘pie’ illusion without being overpowering.
Composed of 0.5 oz of apple liqueur (typically 15-25% ABV) and 0.5 oz of butterscotch schnapps (around 15% ABV), this 1 oz shot comes in at roughly 15-20% alcohol by volume. This puts it stronger than most beers, which average 4-6% ABV, but generally less potent than a standard 2-3 oz cocktail, which often hovers in the 20-25% ABV range. It’s a pleasant kick, not a knockout.
The technique
Building this shot is as simple as it gets. You’ll measure your apple liqueur directly into a shot glass, followed by the butterscotch schnapps. There’s no need for chilling or shaking with ice, as the liqueurs are typically served at room temperature or slightly chilled from bottle storage. A quick dusting of cinnamon on top is the final touch before serving immediately.
The most important technique here is the cinnamon application. A ‘dash’ means a light sprinkle. Too much cinnamon will create a gritty, powdery texture that overwhelms the sweet liquid flavors, making for an unpleasant drinking experience. Aim for a fine, even dusting that provides aromatic spice without becoming a mouthful of powder.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Apple Liqueur
- Use
- Look for a sweet or sour apple liqueur like DeKuyper Apple Pucker, Bols Sour Apple, or Hiram Walker Green Apple. These typically range from 15-25% ABV and provide the vibrant apple flavor needed.
- Skip
- Avoid using apple brandy or applejack. While apple-based, their higher ABV and drier, more complex profiles will completely change the sweet, dessert-like character of the shot. Apple juice is also too weak and lacks the required alcoholic kick.
- Why
- This ingredient is the primary source of the ‘apple’ in Apple Pie Shot #2. Its sweetness and distinct apple flavor are crucial for replicating the essence of a baked apple pie filling, providing the fruity backbone of the drink.
Butterscotch Schnapps
- Use
- Brands like DeKuyper Buttershots or Hiram Walker Butterscotch Schnapps are perfect. They offer a rich, creamy, and distinct butterscotch flavor, usually around 15% ABV.
- Skip
- Don’t substitute with caramel liqueur, as it has a different flavor profile that won’t quite hit the buttery notes. Butter extract is also a poor choice; it’s too concentrated and lacks the necessary sweetness and alcohol base.
- Why
- Butterscotch schnapps provides the rich, buttery, and slightly caramel notes that round out the ‘pie’ flavor. It adds a creamy mouthfeel and depth, mimicking the sweetness and richness of pie crust and a caramelized apple filling.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Warm Apple Pie Shot
- A cozy, heated version for cooler weather.
- Gently warm the apple liqueur and butterscotch schnapps in a saucepan or microwave until hot, but not boiling. Pour into a heat-safe shot glass and top with cinnamon.
Apple Pie Martini
- Scale it up for a sippable cocktail.
- Combine 1.5 oz apple liqueur, 1 oz butterscotch schnapps, and 0.5 oz vodka in a shaker with ice. Shake until well chilled, strain into a chilled martini glass, and garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon.
Creamy Apple Pie Shot
- Add a touch of dairy for extra richness.
- Add a small splash of Irish cream liqueur or heavy cream to the shot along with the apple liqueur and butterscotch schnapps before topping with cinnamon. This will soften the flavors and add a velvety texture.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Try apple schnapps or a clear apple brandy mixed with a touch of simple syrup to maintain sweetness, though the flavor profile will shift.
Caramel liqueur can work in a pinch, but expect a less buttery, more strictly caramel flavor.
A tiny pinch of nutmeg or an ‘apple pie spice’ blend can provide a similar warm spice note.
Any small cordial glass, a small measuring cup, or even a mini ceramic cup will do the trick for serving a shot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in an Apple Pie Shot #2?
The Apple Pie Shot #2 contains apple liqueur, butterscotch schnapps, and a dash of cinnamon.
Is the Apple Pie Shot #2 strong?
It’s a moderately strong shot, typically around 15-20% ABV, which is stronger than most beers but often less potent than a full-sized cocktail.
Can I make the Apple Pie Shot #2 in a batch?
Yes, you can easily scale up the recipe to make a batch. Just multiply the ingredients by the number of shots you want, mix them in a pitcher, and pour into shot glasses when ready to serve.
What kind of apple liqueur should I use?
A sweet or sour apple liqueur, like DeKuyper Apple Pucker or Bols Sour Apple, works best to achieve the intended dessert-like flavor.
Can I serve this shot warm?
Absolutely. Gently heat the liqueurs in a saucepan or microwave until warm to create a cozy, comforting drink, then add the cinnamon.
What’s the difference between Apple Pie Shot #1 and #2?
Recipe variations often get numbered. This #2 version specifically uses apple liqueur and butterscotch schnapps for its core flavor, distinguishing it from other recipes that might use different apple components or creamy additions.
Is this considered a dessert shot?
Yes, the Apple Pie Shot #2 is definitely a dessert shot. Its sweet, comforting flavors are designed to mimic a classic apple pie.
What’s the best way to serve this shot?
Serve it immediately after assembly. While it doesn’t need to be chilled, some prefer the liqueurs slightly cool from the bottle. A light dusting of fresh cinnamon is key for the aroma.
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