Are you hosting Friendsgiving this year, or maybe spending the Thanksgiving holiday with the extended family you need a little help to tolerate? Then you’ll love my pecan pie shot, which is the classic dessert in a party shooter form! It’s simple, sweet, and perfectly delicious!
What is a Pecan Pie Shot?
A pecan pie shot is a sweet, dessert-like shooter inspired by the flavors of pecan pie. That’s what makes it ideal for Thanksgiving, fall, and other occasions where pecan pie would be on the menu!
It’s made with pecan-flavored liqueur (I use Ole Smoky butter pecan), vanilla or caramel vodka, and butterscotch schnapps. You could also use bourbon instead of vodka, or chocolate vodka to create different pecan pie flavor twists!
I’ll make sure to give you the details on some substitution options as well, so you can adjust depending on what you can find locally.
Katie’s Tip
Prefer a sippable cocktail to shots? Then try my Pecan Pie Martini instead for a similar flavor profile in a fall favorite mixed drink!
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Pecan Pie Shot Ingredients
- ½ ounce butterscotch schnapps
- ½ ounce vanilla vodka
- 1 ounce Ole Smoky butter pecan moonshine
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
- Instead of vanilla vodka, you can substitute caramel or pecan-flavored vodka instead. For a chocolate pecan pie variation, use chocolate vodka
- For a bourbon pecan pie twist, use bourbon instead of the vodka
- If you use pecan flavored liquor without a creamy element, then add ½ ounce of RumChata or Bailey’s to compensate
How to Make a Pecan Pie Shot
- Pour the butterscotch schnapps into your shot glass
- Measure out the butter pecan liqueur and then slowly pour it over the back of a spoon into the shot glass to layer it
- Lastly, measure out the vodka and repeat pouring it slowly over the spoon to create the third layer
- Garnish with a pecan half if desired, and enjoy!
Non Layering Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker (or mason jar) along with a couple ice cubes
- Shake until well mixed and chilled, 15-20 seconds, then strain into a shot glass
- Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream if desired, and enjoy
- Candy Apple Shots
- Cinnamon Apple Shot
Recipe FAQs
How Do You Serve A Pecan Pie Shot?
Pecan pie shots are typically served in shot (either regular or shooter style) glasses, chilled, and sometimes garnished with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a pecan half.
For an extra touch, you can rim the glass with crushed pecans or caramel syrup.
Can You Make A Dairy-Free Version Of A Pecan Pie Shot?
Yes! Use a pecan-flavored vodka or a similar non-dairy alcohol with pecan flavor instead of the butter pecan moonshine.
Then, add a small amount of your favorite non-dairy alternative like almond milk, coconut cream, or oat milk to give you the same creaminess without dairy.
What Are Some Variations Of The Pecan Pie Shot?
Some variations include adding bourbon for a stronger, more robust flavor, using chocolate vodka for a chocolate pecan pie, or trying a mix of cinnamon schnapps with the butterscotch schnapps to add a warm spice element.
You can also make a layered version by carefully pouring the liqueurs to create visually appealing layers.
What Foods Pair Well With A Pecan Pie Shot?
Foods that complement a pecan pie shot include pecan pie itself, caramel-flavored desserts, or even savory snacks like spiced nuts or cheese platters to balance out the sweetness of the shot.
Largely, anything with pecans, chocolate, caramel, or bourbon-based flavor profiles are a good option.
Recipe Pro Tips For the Best Pecan Pie Shots
- If you substitute other types, brands, and flavors of alcohol and plan to layer your shots, note that the order of the layers may change. The way alcohol layers is decided by specific gravity of each individual liquor, so yours could end up different (but still delicious)!
Pecan Pie Shot Serving Tips
- You can use regular shot glasses or the taller shooter style glasses. If you plan to layer your shots, I think the shooter glasses look much better visually
- Garnishes are completely optional for a shot, but you can add a dollop of whipped cream and a pecan half, or add a rim of crushed pecans using caramel or maple syrup if desired
- These shots can be prepared in advance and stored on a tray in the refrigerator until ready to serve. If you’re not layering them, you could also bulk mix everything in a pitcher and just pour into individual shot glasses when ready
Final Thoughts
This pecan pie shot is the perfect party shooter for your Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving celebration, though it honestly works for any fall gathering you might have. Game day is another great choice!
The sweet, creamy pecan flavor pairs well with salty snacks, chocolate, bourbon, caramel, and maple flavors, and even the classic pie that it gets its namesake from, so you can serve it for a variety of occasions.
Love pie-inspired drinks? Make sure to check out my Apple Pie Mimosa for another fall favorite that’s perfect for brunch!
Pecan Pie Shot (With Vodka)
Equipment
- Spoon (for layering)
Ingredients
- ½ ounce butterscotch schnapps
- ½ ounce vanilla vodka
- 1 ounce Ole Smoky butter pecan moonshine
Instructions
- Pour the butterscotch schnapps into your shot glass½ ounce butterscotch schnapps
- Measure out the butter pecan liqueur and then slowly pour it over the back of a spoon into the shot glass to layer it1 ounce Ole Smoky butter pecan moonshine
- Lastly, measure out the vodka and repeat pouring it slowly over the spoon to create the third layer½ ounce vanilla vodka
- Garnish with a pecan half if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
- Instead of vanilla vodka, you can substitute caramel or pecan-flavored vodka instead. For a chocolate pecan pie variation, use chocolate vodka
- For a bourbon pecan pie twist, use bourbon instead of the vodka
- If you use pecan flavored liquor without a creamy element, then add ½ ounce of RumChata or Bailey’s to compensate. The use of any different ingredients may cause the order of the layers to change
- Don’t want to layer your shot? Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker or mason jar with ice. Shake until chilled and strain into your shot glass
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any garnishes added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
