Oyster Shooter Recipe
Spice up your next gathering with the ultimate party starter. Learn how to make unforgettable oyster shooter in just minutes.
Oyster shooters have become a popular and indulgent treat for seafood lovers around the world. This unique concoction combines the briny taste of fresh oysters with tangy cocktail sauce, and a splash of vodka.
Often served as an appetizer at upscale restaurants or enjoyed during festive adult gatherings, oyster shooters are tasty savory shots with a spicy and tangy kick.
Traditionally, oyster shooters are made by taking a freshly shucked oyster and placing it in a shot glass along with a mixture of vodka and tomato juice that is similar to a Bloody Mary. This classic drink has seen many variations of addtional ingredients.
Whether you’re a long-time aficionado or curious newcomer to this culinary delight, join us on this flavorful journey into the world of oyster shooters.
So grab a shucking knife and get ready for an unforgettable drink!
Oyster Shooter Ingredients
Fresh oysters — 1 per serving (shot glass)
Vodka — Any plain unflavored vodka of your choice
Tomato juice — Store bought or homemade. If making the tomato juice at home, blend the tomatoes in a food processor and strain. Set aside.
Worcestershire sauce — To amp up the shot’s flavor
Hot sauce — Such as Tabasco Sauce to add the much-needed spicy kick
Lime juice — For freshness and tanginess
Black pepper and sea salt flakes — To dress the shot and the oyster
How to Open an Oyster
Opening an oyster can seem a bit intimidating, but with the right tools and technique, it’s a skill you can easily master.
Before you start, check the oyster to make sure that it’s fresh and alive. To do so, tap the shell lightly and if it closes and retracts, it’s alive and good to open. Discard any oysters with open or damaged shells.
1 — Gather a oyster shucking knife (or a sturdy and pointy knife) and a towel (or protection gloves).
2 — Secure the oyster: Place the oyster on a stable surface, with the flat side (bottom shell) facing up. The rounded side (top shell) should be facing down.
3 — Find the hinge (where the two shells meet). This is where you’ll insert the knife.
4 — Hold the oyster firmly with your protected hand. Insert the tip of the oyster knife into the hinge at a slight angle, aiming for the small gap between the shells. Wiggle the knife to find the right angle.
5 — When you feel the hinge start to give, apply a bit more pressure and use a twisting motion to pop the hinge open. Be careful not to push the knife too far into the oyster; you want to keep the oyster intact.
6 — You’ll notice a muscle attaching the oyster to the bottom shell. Cut this muscle by sliding the knife under the oyster along the bottom shell. This will free the oyster completely. Remove the top shell.
To keep the oyster fresh, set aside on a plate with crushed ice.
How to Make Vodka Oyster Shooters
1 — In a cocktail shaker ice, add the tomato juice, vodka, a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Shake well until combined.
2 — Pour the vodka mix into a chilled shot glass.
3 — Serve the oyster with a sprinkle of flake salt and place on top of each shot glass. Or you gently place the oyster (without its shell) into the shot glass.
4 — Garnish with a few squeezes of lime juice.
How to Take an Oyster Shooter
Oyster shooters are best enjoyed immediately after assembling. They pair well with seafood salads.
To drink, first slurp the oyster, and while it’s in your mouth chug the shot and blend it in your mouth.
Or if the oyster is inside the glass, simply tilt the shot glass towards your mouth and slurp or chug up the oyster along with the sauce .
Recipe Notes and Tips
For the best oyster shooter:
Remember to use fresh and high-quality oysters to ensure the best taste and safety.
Can you add the oysters first?
Some oyster shooter recipe call for the oyster to be added in the shot glasses first and then the vodka mixture. It all is a matter of preference. If you choose to do so, add the lime juice to the mixture.
We prefer adding the oyster last since it allows you to taste the oyster on its own first, and then be highlighted with the rest of the ingredients, making it a delicious and more intense experience.
How to keep the oyster shooters fresh during a party:
Place some ice in a shallow serving dish or a tray. Arrange the shucked oysters on top of the ice to keep them cold.
Ingredient substitutes:
If you’re not a fan of the vodka, then substitute it with tequila or cocktail sauce. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to the cocktail sauce for some extra heat. Instead of lime juice, opt for lemon juice.
More garnish ideas:
Sprinkle some fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley on top for a burst of flavor and color.
More Fun Shot Recipes
Equipment
- Oyster shucking knife or a sturdy knife
- Gloves food grade and cut resistant
- Shot glass
Ingredients
- 1 fresh oyster
- 1/2 oz tomato juice
- 1/2 oz vodka plain and unflavored
- 2 drop Worcestershire sauce
- 2 drop hot sauce
- 1 lime wedge or lemon wedge
- Black pepper freshly cracked
- Sea salt flakes
Nutrition
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker ice, add the tomato juice, vodka, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Shake well until combined.
- Pour the vodka mix into a chilled shot glass.
- Serve the oyster with a sprinkle of flake salt and place on top of each shot glass. Or you gently place the oyster (without its shell) into the shot glass.
- Garnish with a few squeezes of lime juice.
Don’t forget to share your oyster shooter 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!
Please note that we may earn a commission for some of the above affiliate links. However, products featured are independently selected and personally well-loved by us!