If you’re entertaining, especially during the fall, then you’re going to love this caramel apple shot, which requires just 2 ingredients! You can make it as simple or as fancy as you like, making it perfect for guests. From your next Halloween party to game day, these shooters are perfect for any fall occasion!
Intro to the Caramel Apple Shot
I mean, honestly, what’s not to love? This two-ingredient shot takes about a minute to measure and go (and that’s if you choose to even measure; sometimes I just eyeball it).
Of course, if you want to make it a little fancier, you can layer the shot to show off the pretty green and golden hues that give it that traditional caramel apple charm.
Feel free to add a rim of caramel and a slice of apple for garnish. If you’re making a platter of these for a party, it definitely adds visual appeal.
If you don’t like Crown (or can’t find it), no worries! There are a LOT of options you can substitute, and I’ll make sure to go over those below for you.
Katie’s tip
To use up any leftovers, also make sure to check out my Crown Salted Caramel and Coke, Salted Caramel Whiskey Hot Chocolate, and Salted Caramel Whiskey Sour recipes!
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What You’ll Need: Ingredients
- 1 ounce Crown salted caramel flavored whiskey
- 1 ounce Dekuyper sour apple pucker schnapps
- Optional garnishes, if desired
Ingredient Variation and Substitution Options
- For the Caramel. In place of Crown salted caramel, you can substitute caramel vodka (such as Smirnoff), Bailey’s salted caramel Irish cream, butterscotch schnapps, or any other caramel-flavored liquor
- Apple Liquor. Instead of the Dekuyper, use Crown apple flavored whiskey, apple cider, apple flavored vodka (such as Smirnoff green apple or New Amsterdam apple), or any other apple flavor liquor you like
Step By Step Instructions
- (Optional) To rim your shot glass, place some caramel syrup on a plate or other flat surface, and dip the top of the glass into it, spinning it around to form an even coating
- Pour the Crown salted caramel whiskey and sour apple schnapps into the shot glass, giving it a gentle stir with a straw or similar to combine. Alternatively, you can combine them in a cocktail shaker or mason jar first, then pour it in
- Garnish with a slice of apple if desired, and serve!
Optional Layering Directions
- Pour the apple schnapps into your shot glass
- Measure out the Crown apple whiskey
- Slowly and gently pour the Crown over the back of a spoon and into the shot glass. This will form a layer instead of combining the two alcohols
Crown has a lighter specific density than schnapps, so it will layer on top nicely. If you swap in other alcohols and thus change the specific density, you may end up with a different order or final look!
- Caramel Apple Jello Shots
- RumChata Peppermint Bark Shots
- Chocolate Covered Pretzel Shots
Recipe FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need to Make Caramel Apple Shots?
Caramel apple shots typically require a caramel liquor, and an apple liquor or cider.
Optional ingredients include garnishes, like apple slices or caramel sauce or candies.
Can I Make Non-Alcoholic Versions of Caramel Apple Shots?
Yes, you can prepare a kid friendly mocktail caramel apple shot by substituting the alcoholic ingredients with caramel-flavored syrup and non-alcoholic apple cider or apple juice.
Simply mix or shake and serve. You can use a shot glass as well, or a mocktail version could be served in a regular rocks or pint glass in a larger quantity.
Are There Variations to Enhance the Caramel Apple Shot Taste?
Absolutely! You can experiment with adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or other fall spices to intensify the flavor profile of your caramel apple shots.
This will give it more of a caramel apple pie flavor profile overall.
What Are the Best Occasions to Enjoy Caramel Apple Shots?
Caramel apple shots are perfect for fall gatherings, Halloween parties, or any festive event where you want to add a touch of seasonal flavors to your beverages.
You can also serve them for football games, and even around Thanksgiving when entertaining family and friends.
Tips and Tricks For the Best Caramel Apple Shot
- Glassware: You can use a regular shot glass, or the taller, thinner shooters. I prefer the latter, especially when layered, as I think they show off the colors of the liquors better
Serving Suggestions and Garnishes
- If you want to make a large batch in advance, scale the recipe up for the quantity of shots needed. Combine in a shaker or mason jar, then pour into individual servings when ready. Since it’s just alcohol it keeps well, so make it up to a week ahead of time and store at room temperature
- Garnishes. I usually garnish with a little caramel sauce rim and a slice of Granny Smith apple (add a little lemon juice to keep it from browning). You could also sprinkle some sea salt on the caramel, or dip it in green or gold sanding sugar for a festive twist!
More Caramel and Apple Drinks
- Easy Caramel Apple Mule
- Caramel Apple Hard Cider
- Salted Caramel Margarita
- Apple Pie Mimosas
Final Thoughts
Just two ingredients and under a minute, and you’ve got a festive caramel apple shot to enjoy! Whether you make it with Crown or another liquor combination of your choosing, it’s going to be delicious.
Make it your own with some festive garnishes like caramel sauce and an apple slice (which someone is going to use as a chaser, I’m sure).
This cocktail shooter is a great addition to your drink lineup for Halloween, Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving, football parties, or just your next fall party. Just, remember to enjoy in moderation and practice responsible drinking!
Katie’s tip
If you really love autumn desserts and fall flavors, then you don’t want to miss my Pecan Pie Shot recipe! Also, these Chocolate Covered Strawberry Shots made with the new Chocolate Crown Royal are sure to be a big hit!
Simple Caramel Apple Shot With Crown
Equipment
- Measuring cup (liquid)
- Shot glass (or taller shooter style glass)
Ingredients
- 1 Ounce Crown salted caramel flavored whiskey
- 1 Ounce Dekuyper pucker sour apple schnapps
- Caramel syrup for rim (optional)
Instructions
- (Optional) To rim your shot glass, place some caramel syrup on a plate or other flat surface, and dip the top of the glass into it, spinning it around to form an even coatingCaramel syrup for rim
- Pour the Crown salted caramel whiskey and sour apple schnapps into the shot glass, giving it a gentle stir with a straw or similar to combine. Alternatively, you can combine them in a shaker or mason jar first, then pour it in1 Ounce Crown salted caramel flavored whiskey, 1 Ounce Dekuyper pucker sour apple schnapps
- Garnish with a slice of apple if desired, and serve!
Notes
- To layer your shot (optional), pour the apple schnapps into your shot glass and measure out the Crown apple whiskey. Then, slowly and gently pour the Crown over the back of a spoon and into the shot glass. This will form a layer instead of combining the two alcohols. Note that if you swap other liquors in, the look will vary
- Substitutions for the caramel liquor. In place of Crown salted caramel whiskey, you can substitute caramel vodka (such as Smirnoff), Bailey’s salted caramel Irish cream, butterscotch (buttershots) schnapps, or any other caramel-flavored liquor
- Swaps for the apple liquor. Instead of the Dekuyper, use Crown apple flavored whiskey, apple cider, apple flavored vodka (such as Smirnoff green apple or New Amsterdam apple), or any other apple-flavored liquor you like
- If you want to make a large batch in advance, scale the recipe up for the quantity of shots needed. Combine in a shaker or mason jar, then pour into individual servings when ready. Prepare up to a week in advance and store at room temperature
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any decorations or garnishes added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
