If you’re hosting a Halloween party for the adults this year, then you’re going to love this ghost shot recipe. These simple shooters are made with vodka, and feature a creamy vanilla flavor that’s a crowd pleaser. Add that to glasses decorated to look like ghosts, and you have a great Halloween drink!
What is a Ghost Shot?
A ghost shot is a popular drink that typically combines a strong alcoholic base, like vodka or rum (I use vodka), with a flavored liqueur (usually white chocolate).
It’s white in color, giving it a “ghostly” appearance. This shot is often served as part of a Halloween-themed event, in shooter glasses decorated to add even more ghost characteristics.
The flavor profile is actually pretty adjustable based on personal tastes, but vanilla, caramel, and chocolate (or a combination thereof) are the most common. I’ll give you some options below, though, so you can customize it for your tastes!
Katie’s tip
If you’re ready for more party drink inspiration, then don’t miss out on my collection of Vodka Halloween Cocktails!
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What’s In a Ghost Shot?
- 1 ounce white chocolate liqueur (such as Godiva, Mozart, or Trader Vic’s)
- 1 ounce whipped vodka
- ½ ounce vanilla caramel coffee creamer
- Ice cubes
For Decorating:
- Black icing (in a tube works best for applying)
- Black sanding sugar or sprinkles
- Dry erase marker (black)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- You can swap the whipped vodka for vanilla, caramel, or chocolate flavored vodkas if preferred. Flavored vodkas should still be clear, so this will only affect the flavor, not the color of the drink. You can also substitute a clear rum if preferred
- Technically, you don’t have to use the coffee creamer. However, it adds color, flavor, creaminess, and helps to give the shot a little less “sting.” You can also use vanilla, caramel, or white chocolate flavor if preferred (though stay away from any chocolate flavor that isn’t white chocolate, since these creamers are usually brown in color and will throw off the overall look)
- For a variation option, substitute vanilla ice cream in place of the coffee creamer and blend your shots for a thicker, more milkshake-like version
- This recipe scales well for parties. If you double it, you can get about 3 shooters from it (feel free to scale more for larger groups as well)
How to Make a Ghost Shot
- Using your dry erase marker, draw two oval shaped eyeballs and a small circular mouth between the eyes onto your shot glass
- Rim the glass by spreading black icing around the outside edge of the glass, then dip it into a plate or shallow bowl with the black sanding sugar or sprinkles, turning until it’s evenly coated
- To a cocktail shaker, add the white chocolate liqueur, whipped vodka, and coffee creamer, along with a couple ice cubes
- Shake until well chilled and lightly frothy, about 20-30 seconds, and then strain into the prepared shot glass
- Enjoy!
- Candy Corn Shot
- Candy Apple Shots
Pairing Suggestions
Easy Dinners and Snacks
- Mini Mummy Hot Dogs – Wrapped in crescent roll dough and baked, they’re spooky, savory, and easy to eat with drinks! Try my Air Fryer Mummy Hot Dogs for a full sized version!
- “Graveyard” Taco Dip – Serve with tortilla chips shaped like tombstones for a shareable, creepy snack
- Buffalo Cauliflower Bites or Wings – Their bold flavor balances the sweetness of the ghost shots. Air Fryer Frozen Cauliflower Wings are a great quick option!
- Mozzarella Eyeballs – Mini mozzarella balls topped with olives to look like eyeballs, great for themed bites!
Desserts
- Poison Apple Fudge – Dark, rich, and perfectly eerie alongside ghost shots
- Marshmallow Ghosts or Ghost Strawberries – Cute and on-theme, these make for a fun visual and textural contrast
- Gummy Worm or Candy Spider Cupcakes – Spooky sweets pair well with the quick hit of a shot
- Eyeball Cake Pops – A little gruesome, a lot delicious!
Recipe FAQs
How Does A Ghost Shot Get Its Name?
The name “ghost shot” comes from its appearance, a translucent white color, which gives it a ghostly, eerie look.
The drink also plays on the idea of a “haunting” flavor combination.
What Ingredients Are Commonly Used In A Ghost Shot?
Ingredients for a ghost shot can be varied based on preferences, but typically include a clear spirit like vodka, rum, or gin, combined with flavored liqueurs.
Some versions also include cream-based ingredients for a more eerie visual effect.
Can You Customize A Ghost Shot?
Yes, ghost shots can be customized with different liqueurs or mixers to achieve your desired taste and appearance.
Some versions might include spooky garnishes like dry ice or edible glitter for extra flair.
Is A Ghost Shot Only For Halloween?
While ghost shots are especially popular during Halloween due to their spooky appearance, they can be enjoyed year-round.
Alter the decorations on your glass, and you could easily turn it into a shooter appropriate for Christmas or New Year’s as well!
Recipe Tips For the Best Ghost Shots
- I use the dry erase markers for decorating because they wipe off easily from your glassware, but you can also use frosting or other similar markers if preferred (just make sure you’ll be able to remove it after)!
Storage and Serving Tips
- You can mix your shots in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve (the glasses can also be decorated in advance and stored in the refrigerator), Make sure to stir the drink before pouring into individual glasses in case separation has occurred
- For serving, you can use either a standard shot glass or the taller shooter variety, but I prefer the latter because I find them easier to decorate (but it’s your choice)!
More Halloween Cocktails
Final Thoughts
Ghost shots are such a fun idea for Halloween, with a sweet flavor profile and spooky look which is perfect for your adult Halloween party!
They’re very easy to make, and scale well so you can easily whip up a batch for entertaining. Plus, you can swap in different flavors of liquor to tailor it just to your liking, which is always a win in my book.
Katie’s tip
If you’re looking for another ghost-themed drink that’s not a shot, make sure to check out my Drunk Ghost Cocktail or any of my other favorite Ghost Cocktails for alternative options!
Ghost Shot Halloween Drink Recipe
Equipment
- Shaker (or similar)
- Shot glass (or shooter)
- Dry erase marker (black)
Ingredients
- 1 ounce white chocolate liqueuur (such as Godiva, Mozart, or Trader Vic’s)
- 1 ounce whipped vodka
- ½ ounce vanilla caramel flavored coffee creamer
- Ice cubes
For the Rim
- Black icing (in a tube works best for applying)
- 1 Tbsp Black sanding sugar or sprinkles (amount approximate)
Instructions
- Using your dry erase marker, draw two oval shaped eyeballs and a small circular mouth between the eyes onto your shot glass
- Rim the glass by spreading black icing around the outside edge of the glass, then dip it into a plate or shallow bowl with the black sanding sugar or sprinkles, turning until it’s evenly coatedBlack icing, 1 Tbsp Black sanding sugar or sprinkles
- To a cocktail shaker, add the white chocolate liqueur, whipped vodka, and coffee creamer, along with a couple ice cubes1 ounce white chocolate liqueuur, 1 ounce whipped vodka, ½ ounce vanilla caramel flavored coffee creamer, Ice cubes
- Shake until well chilled and lightly frothy, about 20-30 seconds, and then strain into the prepared shot glass
- Enjoy!
Notes
- You can swap the whipped vodka for vanilla, caramel, or chocolate flavored vodkas if preferred. Flavored vodkas should still be clear, so this will only affect the flavor, not the color of the drink. You can also substitute a clear (flavored or plain) rum if preferred
- Technically, you don’t have to use the coffee creamer. However, it adds color, flavor, creaminess, and helps to give the shot a little less “sting.” You can also use vanilla, caramel, or white chocolate flavor if preferred (though stay away from any chocolate flavor that isn’t white chocolate, since these creamers are usually brown in color and will throw off the overall look)
- For a variation option, substitute vanilla ice cream in place of the coffee creamer and blend your shots for a thicker, more milkshake-like version
- This recipe scales well for parties. If you double it, you can get about 3 shooters from it (feel free to scale more for larger groups as well)
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, rim and decorations added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
