Ingredients
- 0.5 oz Sour Apple Schnapps
- 0.5 oz Cinnamon Schnapps
Instructions
Stir it up:
- In a shot glass, stir together the sour apple schnapps and cinnamon schnapps.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy this sweet and spicy flavor burst!
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
Like many popular party shots, the exact origin of the Apple Pie Shot 3 is a bit hazy. It likely emerged in American bars and home settings during the late 20th or early 21st century, a product of creative bartenders mixing readily available liqueurs to mimic beloved dessert flavors. It is a modern classic, born from a desire for easy-drinking, themed shots.
This shot belongs to the broad category of dessert or 'candy' shots, designed for flavor and quick enjoyment rather than complex sipping. Its relatives include other sweet, flavored shots like the Kamikaze or the Lemon Drop. What sets the Apple Pie Shot 3 apart is its specific combination of fruit and baking spice, giving it a distinct seasonal appeal.
You would typically find or serve the Apple Pie Shot 3 at casual bars, house parties, or holiday gatherings. It is a fantastic choice for autumn events, Thanksgiving, or any time you want a fun, festive drink that offers a taste of comfort. It is not a cocktail for a quiet, contemplative evening, but rather for kicking off a good time.
What it tastes like
Expect a sweet, rich flavor profile dominated by cooked apple and warm baking spices. The primary notes are crisp apple, often from apple schnapps or liqueur, backed by a strong presence of cinnamon, sometimes with hints of vanilla or pie crust. It genuinely tastes like a liquid slice of apple pie, making it a highly approachable and enjoyable shot.
A typical Apple Pie Shot 3, made with a mix of schnapps and vodka, will land around 25% ABV. This means a single 2-ounce shot packs about five times the alcohol content of a standard 12-ounce beer. It goes down easy, so be mindful of the cumulative effect. It is a potent little number, designed for enjoyment, not for chugging.
The technique
Building an Apple Pie Shot 3 is straightforward. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake hard for about 10-15 seconds until well chilled. Strain the mixture into a chilled shot glass. A cinnamon sugar rim is a common and welcome garnish, adding both visual appeal and an extra layer of flavor. Serve immediately.
The most crucial technique for any shot is proper chilling. Do not skimp on the ice in your shaker, and make sure you shake until the shaker is frosty cold. A well-chilled shot improves the texture, mutes the harshness of the alcohol, and makes the flavors pop. Lukewarm shots are a rookie mistake and kill the experience.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Apple Schnapps
- Use
- DeKuyper Apple Pucker, Bols Sour Apple, or any quality apple liqueur. For a less sweet, more authentic apple flavor, consider a small measure of Calvados or Laird's Applejack.
- Skip
- Cheap apple-flavored vodka that lacks depth, or apple brandy if you are looking for a distinctly sweet, dessert-like shot. Too dry will throw off the balance.
- Why
- This is the primary flavor driver for the 'apple' in Apple Pie. It brings the fruity sweetness and often a tart edge that brightens the drink.
Cinnamon Liqueur
- Use
- Goldschlager, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, or a dedicated cinnamon schnapps. For a milder spice, a cinnamon simple syrup can be used in a pinch.
- Skip
- Plain whiskey or bourbon, unless you are specifically aiming for a less sweet, more spirit-forward profile. It will lack the distinct, sweet cinnamon kick.
- Why
- The cinnamon is what brings the 'pie spice' element, providing warmth, depth, and that unmistakable holiday flavor that defines an Apple Pie Shot 3.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Creamy Apple Pie
- Dessert in a glass
- Add 0.5 oz of Irish cream or a vanilla cream liqueur to the original recipe. Shake with ice and strain for a richer, smoother, and more decadent shot.
Hot Apple Pie
- Warm and comforting
- Skip the ice. Combine ingredients with hot apple cider or juice in a mug. Garnish with a cinnamon stick for a delightful cold-weather warmer.
Apple Pie Martini
- A sippable cocktail
- Serve the standard Apple Pie Shot 3 recipe in a chilled coupe or martini glass, perhaps with a touch more apple juice for dilution. Garnish with a thin apple slice.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Use a good quality apple juice or cider with a splash of vodka or white rum for the alcoholic kick. Adjust sweetness to taste.
Muddle a small piece of cinnamon stick with a dash of simple syrup, or use a few drops of cinnamon extract if available. Cinnamon simple syrup is also an option.
Plain vodka with a tiny drop of vanilla extract or a splash of vanilla syrup will do the trick.
A small cordial glass, a mini rocks glass, or even a small espresso cup can serve as a suitable vessel for your Apple Pie Shot 3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Apple Pie Shot 3?
A typical Apple Pie Shot 3 includes apple schnapps or liqueur, cinnamon schnapps or whiskey, and often a touch of vanilla vodka, sometimes with apple juice.
How do you make an Apple Pie Shot 3?
Combine apple schnapps, cinnamon schnapps, and vanilla vodka in a shaker with ice. Shake until very cold, then strain into a shot glass.
Is the Apple Pie Shot 3 strong?
Yes, an Apple Pie Shot 3 typically contains a significant amount of alcohol, often around 25% ABV, making it considerably stronger than a standard beer.
What does an Apple Pie Shot 3 taste like?
It tastes like a liquid apple pie, with dominant flavors of sweet cooked apple and warm, spicy cinnamon, often with hints of vanilla.
What is the best garnish for an Apple Pie Shot 3?
A cinnamon sugar rim is a classic and highly recommended garnish. A thin apple slice or a tiny sprinkle of ground cinnamon also works.
Can I make a non-alcoholic Apple Pie Shot 3?
Yes, combine apple juice or cider with non-alcoholic cinnamon syrup and a dash of vanilla extract. Serve chilled in a shot glass.
When is the best time to serve an Apple Pie Shot 3?
It is particularly popular during autumn, holidays like Thanksgiving, or any festive occasion where a sweet, comforting shot is desired.
Are there different versions of Apple Pie Shots?
Yes, many variations exist, including creamy versions, hot versions, and those using different apple or cinnamon spirits. The '3' in the name might denote a specific recipe from a given bar or source.
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