The final long weekend of summer means it’s time for Labor Day shots. Since it’s the holidays, you’re probably looking for a drink that’s a little out of the ordinary.
So, whether now is the time to pick up some premium rum or break out your world-famous hurricane recipe, here are our top Labor Day shots.
Top 10 Labor Day Shots 2023 You Must Try
With an estimated 148 million Americans traveling for the holiday, you’re sure to be in good company. Celebrate this time of togetherness with a selection of shots you can find downtown and at home.
Plus, you can also pair certain cocktails with an epic weed strain to take the party up a notch. In the meantime, here are our top ten picks for Labor Day shots.
1. Oyster Shooter (Young Twist)
Kick off the weekend with the Naren Young version of the classic oyster shooter. Although the traditional shot resembles a miniature version of the Bloody Mary, Young’s twist is slightly different.
Young uses a mixture of fresh green vegetables, including celery, tomatillos, and cucumber, blended with salt, pepper, and Green Tabasco. Use a premium mezcal as your base, and you have a hearty refreshment for your oyster platter.
2. Green Tea Shot
Where does the green tea shot come from? Nobody is quite sure how it got its name or where it comes from because it doesn’t contain any tea at all.
Instead, this shot combines peach schnapps, sweet-and-sour, lemon-lime soda, and Irish whiskey. Pre-drink with a family-size pitcher to put a zip in your step before heading out for the party.
3. B-52
Are you someone who loves your cocktails to be elaborate and eye-catching? Then, the B-52 shot is a three-layered shot that makes for a fun night.
It includes Grand Marnier, Irish cream liqueur, and coffee liqueur. And you don’t need to taste it to know this is a rich, sweet shot.
On a side note, if you’re making this flavor for the first time, use the back of an inverted spoon to improve the separation between each layer of alcohol.
4. B-53
Did you know that there is a B-53 shot? Many people don’t and assume that anything similar must be a twist on the B-52, but it’s actually a theme all its own.
So, what’s the difference?
The B-53 follows the same instructions as the B-52. The difference is that the Grand Marnier is replaced with vodka. Obviously, this will remove the orange flavor, leading to the Irish cream and coffee overwhelming the drink.
With these Labor Day shots, you can also opt for vodka on a budget, as this spirit isn’t the center of attention here.
5. Hot Shot
Some shots aren’t an introduction to the party. They are the party. And the Hot Shot is the ideal example of this. It’s more like a nightcap because it’s little more than a liquid dessert.
With 60% of U.S. adults drinking alcohol in 2021, beware of your sugar intake when making up this shot.
Any Hot Shot begins with Irish coffee and Galliano liqueur. This creates those delicious notes of cinnamon, anise, and vanilla. Add to hot espresso with whipped cream on top, and you have an elaborate shot that’ll make you feel like a million bucks.
6. Washington Apple Shots
Washington Apple shots are simply the miniature version of the full Washington Apple cocktail. While not a sophisticated shooter, it’s undoubtedly a guaranteed party in your mouth.
Grab the best cocktail shaker with a strong Canadian whisky before adding sour-apple schnapps, cranberry juice, and club soda. You can also switch to an apple-and-whisky shot if you love apple brandy.
We recommend these shots for beginner home mixologists as it’s tough to mess up with this shooter.
7. Kamikaze
Forget champagne cocktail recipes and how to drink gin with class because the kamikaze shot is a three-ingredient shot designed to get you drunk ASAP, which is where the name comes from.
To make this punchy shooter, begin with two parts vodka, one part Triple Sec and one part lemon juice. Shake the ingredients together and strain them into a shot glass, although some bars may even use a lowball glass and serve it as a cocktail.
On a side note, if you’re a fan of an absinthe cocktail because of the color, you can turn your kamikaze into a vibrant drink, too. Swap out the Triple Sec with blue curacao for a sweeter taste and a blue tinge.
8. Liquid Cocaine
Fun fact: This shot contains no illicit drugs whatsoever.
Instead, this impressive creation brings together 151 proof rum, cinnamon schnapps, and Jägermeister, all in equal parts. The presence of a high-quality rum makes this an intense shot people love.
Moreover, this is one of the best cocktail recipes because of its many variations. Some ideas could include switching out the cinnamon schnapps to a flavor of your choice. Peppermint schnapps is always a no-risk, all-reward move.
So, if you’re one of the 55% of Americans who intend to keep making cocktails at home since 2020, learning how to make liquid cocaine is an excellent addition to your arsenal.
9. Peppermint Patty
There are no prizes for guessing what the peppermint patty shot is supposed to taste like. This rich, dessert-like shot is the optimal choice if your party has a sweet tooth.
To achieve this unique flavor profile, take one part peppermint schnapps and dark crème de cacao alongside two parts half and half (or cream for a richer flavor), and there you have it.
10. Bazooka Joe
The bazooka Joe gains its name from a type of bubblegum, and it has the flavor profile to match. It’s also seen a renaissance as an ideal party choice because of how it looks and tastes.
In this case, you’ll be sticking with liqueurs only. So, add banana, curacao, and Irish crème liqueurs to your cocktail shaker and serve.
Conclusion
Labor Day shots are just a starting point for creating your own concoctions. But if you’re new to homemade cocktails and shots, it’s best to stick with the classics until you gain confidence in your technique.
At Flavor Fix, we’re the hub for teaching you about premium tequilas, rums, and other spirits. If you’re ready to explore the world of shooters and cocktails, check out our latest guides and recommendations now.
