The jellyfish shot is a gorgeous layered shooter that creates an ombre effect which looks like the ocean! Add in a “jellyfish” to the drink with a dropper for an impressive vodka-based shot that’s perfect for Shark Week, pool parties, beach themes, and more.
What is a Blue Jellyfish Shot?
A blue jellyfish shot is a beautiful layered shot made to resemble a jellyfish floating in water. It combines blue curaçao, sambuca, vodka, and a bit of heavy cream or a cream-based liqueur carefully dropped in to create a “jellyfish” tentacles effect.
In fairness, unless you happen to like the flavor of licorice, it’s not the best flavored shot. The jellyfish shot is made to look great, impress guests, and be consumed quickly!
The ocean theme makes this party shooter perfect for Shark Week, pool parties, beach days, or other themed occasions where it will fit in!
Quick + Easy Recipes
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Ingredients List
- ½ ounce blue curacao
- 1 ounce plain vodka
- ½ ounce Sambuca
- 1 dropper DiSaronno Velvet (see other options below)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- For easier layering, chill your liquors in advance. It works fine at room temperature too, but you’ll just have to be a little more slow and methodical
- Instead of the DisSaronno Velvet, you can use Bailey’s or another Irish cream, or just regular half and half or heavy cream
- I know a lot of people don’t like Sambuca because of the licorice flavor, but it’s really the best choice to get the right look (it’s all about the specific gravity of the different components). You can use a clear peach schnapps instead, but the jellyfish don’t form quite as well
Equipment Notes
You’ll need a food grade eye dropper or pipette for this recipe to achieve the correct jellyfish effect! They’re also great for filling candy molds, so you can use them for other things too.
I use the tall 2-ounce capacity shooter glasses for this recipe. If you use a smaller 1.5-ounce shot glass, then you’ll want to adjust the quantities of alcohols down accordingly (honestly just eyeballing it is probably easier than a specific measurement).
Step By Step Instructions
- Measure and pour the blue curacao into the base of your shot glass
- Then, measure out the vodka, and slowly pour it over the back of a spoon placed over the shot glass so that it layers on top of the blue curacao
- Finally, measure out the Sambuca, then pour it over the back of a spoon again to add the final layer (it should actually sink as you pour it – this is normal)
- Use an eye dropper to suck up a small amount of the DiSaronno Velvet, then squeeze just one drop over the center of the top of the shot to make the jellyfish tentacles. Enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions and Serving Tips
Snacks & Appetizers
- Salty Bar Snacks: pretzels, mixed nuts, or popcorn to balance the sweet, slightly herbal flavors
- Seafood Bites: shrimp cocktail, smoked salmon canapés, or mini crab cakes to play off the ocean theme. Try my Air Fryer Shrimp Cocktail for an easy compliment!
- Cheese Platter: mild cheeses like mozzarella or havarti that won’t compete with the shot’s strong flavors
Additional Drinks
- Light Beer or Crisp Lager to wash down the sweetness and cleanse your palate
- Sparkling Water With Lemon helps refresh between rounds!
Presentation Ideas
- Serve alongside a platter of blue and white candies or rock candy for a playful ocean vibe!
- Try pairing them with a tropical cocktail (like my Tipsy Mermaid Drink) to keep the colorful, beachy theme going!
Recipe FAQs
What’s In A Jellyfish Shot?
A jellyfish shot can be made with white creme de cacao, amaretto, and Bailey’s Irish cream, carefully layered, then topped with a few drops of grenadine.
The blue version (which is more ocean-like) is made with blue curacao, vodka or another clean liquor, Sambuca, and a cream-based liqueur. It’s known for its striking look!
What Is Sambuca?
Sambuca is an Italian anise-flavored liqueur, most commonly clear (though a black version exists as well), that tastes strongly of licorice. In cocktails or shots like the jellyfish, sambuca brings a distinctive herbal sweetness that pairs well with creamy or citrus notes.
Tips For the Best Jellyfish Shot
- The layers don’t need to be perfect for this shot, so don’t worry if you get a little bleeding with the first two – when you add the Sambuca it should (purposefully) make it more ombre with less distinct lines!
Make Ahead
- You can prepare the shots in advance except for the final drop of the “jellyfish”. Store on a platter in the fridge for up to 24 hours until ready, then add the drop and serve!
- Swedish Fish Shot
Final Thoughts
This jellyfish shot is such a fun, whimsical shooter that’s perfect for your ocean or nautical-themed events. I always serve them for Shark Week, but they’re great for pool parties, beach days, and more.
Just remember, it’s more about the cool layering and the jellyfish tentacles versus the taste – if you don’t like anise your taste buds won’t enjoy the drink’s flavor (though if you do like anise as I do, it’s actually quite nice)!
It’s an exquisite drink that’s sure to impress, and perfect for wowing your guests at your next beach or nautically themed party!
Blue Jellyfish Shot
Equipment
- Shot glass (tall shooter variety; can sub standard as well)
- Spoon (standard cutlery; for layering)
Ingredients
- ½ ounce blue curacao
- 1 ounce vodka (plain)
- ½ ounce sambuca
- 1 dropper DiSaronno Velvet (see other options in notes)
Instructions
- Measure and pour the blue curacao into the base of your shot glass½ ounce blue curacao
- Next, measure out the vodka, and slowly pour it over the back of a spoon placed over the shot glass so that it layers on top of the blue curacao1 ounce vodka
- Finally, measure out the Sambuca, then pour it over the back of a spoon again to add the final layer (it should actually sink as you pour it – this is normal and creates the ombre look)½ ounce sambuca
- Use an eye dropper to suck up a small amount of the DiSaronno Velvet, then squeeze just one drop over the center of the top of the shot to make the jellyfish tentacles. Enjoy!1 dropper DiSaronno Velvet
Notes
- Instead of the DisSaronno Velvet, you can use Baileys or another Irish cream, or just regular half and half or heavy cream
- Many people don’t like Sambuca because of the licorice flavor, but it’s really the best choice to get the right look (it’s all about the specific gravity of the different components). You can use a clear peach schnapps instead; just note that the jellyfish don’t form quite as well
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any additions or modifications, size of glasses, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
