Cactus Cooler Shot Recipe
Fruity, tangy and super refreshing, the Cactus Cooler Shot is perfect for getting any party started!
The origins of the Cactus Cooler Shot are quite unclear.
One might think that it is inspired by the Cactus Cooler soda, the popular orange and pineapple flavored soda found in Southwestern California and other Southwestern states.
What does the Cactus Cooler Shot Taste Like?
Although the Cactus Cooler Shot isn’t based on the similarly named soda, they both boast tropical flavors.
It’s super sweet, fruity, tangy, and well-balanced.
It’s the perfect shot to get the party started.
There are many variations to the Cactus Cooler Shot.
Some add a touch of energy drink, some add peach liquor, melon liquor, or other fruits and citrus-infused vodkas.
All and all, every variation is tropical and refreshing.
What Ingredients Go Inside the Cactus Cooler Shot?
Vodka — The base liquor. You can use plain regular vodka (as we did) or incorporate other citrus-flavored vodkas like lemon vodka or orange vodka.
Peach schnapps
Fresh tangerine and lime juice mix — For the citrus component.
Lemon-lime soda — For the bubbly, tangy, and sweet finish.
Looking for other fun and fruity shots? Check out the Mexican Candy Shot, Lemon Drop Shot, and Sweet and Sour Kamikaze Shot.
How to Make a Cactus Cooler Shot
1 — Start by juicing your tangerines and limes. Set aside the juice.
2 — In a cocktail shaker with ice, add the vodka, peach schnapps, and tangerine-lime juice mix. Shake well until chilled.
3 — Serve in the shot glass, leaving enough room to top up with the lemon-lime soda.
4 — Top up each glass with a dash of lemon-lime soda. Garnish with a wedge of lime.
Recipe Notes and Tips
What if you can’t find tangerines?
Substitute them with oranges.
Type of shot glass to use:
Use a tall shot glass instead of the wider ones. This way, the bubbles will not disappear as quickly.
How to make the Cactus Cooler Shot into a Cactus Cooler Drink:
To turn this shot into a mixed drink cocktail, add 2 ounces of vodka, 1 ½ ounces of peach schnapps, and 4 ounces of the tangerine and lime juice mix.
Top up your tall glass with the lemon-lime soda.
Ways to experiment with this recipe:
Instead of topping the shot with lemon-lime soda, some versions call for an energy drink like Red Bull.
Or you can take this shot as a shooter like the Vegas Bomb Shooter. Simply drop the shot in a large pint glass of Red Bull.
More Easy Shot Recipes to Try
- Cotton Candy Ice Cream Shots
- Green Tea Shot
- Fireball Jello Shots
- Dark Chocolate Espresso Milkshake Shots
Cactus Cooler Shot Recipe
Equipment
- Citrus juicer
- Cutting board and a knife
- Shot glass
Ingredients
- 1/2 oz vodka
- 1/2 oz peach schnapps
- 1/2 oz tangerine and lime juice mix 2 tangerines and 1 lime ratio
- dash Lemon-lime soda
- 1 lime wedge for garnish
- Ice
Nutrition
Instructions
- To make your tangerine and lime juice mix. Juice your tangerines and lime. Set aside the juice mix.
- In a cocktail shaker with ice, add the vodka, peach schnapps, and tangerine-lime juice mix. Shake well until chilled.
- Serve in the shot glass, leaving enough room to top up with the lemon-lime soda.
- Top up each glass with a dash of lemon-lime soda. Garnish with a wedge of lime.
Don’t forget to share your Cactus Cooler Shot with us on Instagram using the hashtag #sugarandclothloves. We always love seeing all of your creations! Looking for more quick and delicious recipes? You can find them all right here with a few desserts to go along with them.
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