These pistachio pudding shots are creamy, boozy, refreshing, and of course delicious! I make mine with amaretto, but they’re equally good with Rumchata, Baileys Irish cream, or similar. The color makes them great for St Patrick’s Day, but honestly they’re amazing year round!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy. These pudding shots have a smooth, dessert-like texture that’s hard to resist!
- Perfectly nutty. Pistachio pudding and amaretto create a delicious combination of sweet, nutty flavors
- Easy to make ahead. Prepare them in advance and keep them chilled until party time
- Great for entertaining. Individual servings make them easy to serve at parties
- A fun dessert cocktail alternative. They deliver the flavors of a dessert and a cocktail in one bite-sized treat
- Crowd-pleasing flavor. The sweet almond notes from the amaretto pair beautifully with the pistachio pudding
- No special bartending skills required. Just mix, chill, and serve!
- Perfect for holidays and celebrations. Their creamy texture and nutty flavor feel especially festive
- Easy to customize. Top them with whipped cream, crushed pistachios, maraschino cherries, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate for extra flair!
- They taste like a grown-up dessert. Rich, sweet, and indulgent, they’re perfect when you want something a little more special than a standard Jello shot
Quick + Easy Recipes
straight to your inbox
Ingredients List
- 3.4-ounce box pistachio instant pudding mix
- 1 cup cold milk (I use 2%)
- 1 cup amaretto liqueur (regular or cream)
- Crushed pistachios for topping (optional)
- 12 2-ounce Jello shot cups (or similar plastic shot glasses)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Make sure you grab instant pistachio pudding and not cook and serve, which will not set properly in this application
- Instead of amaretto liqueur, you can use Baileys Irish cream, RumChata, or a similar cream liqueur. You can use regular amaretto, or a cream amaretto like DiSaronno velvet. For a stronger shot, substitute vanilla or whipped cream vodka for half the alcohol
- For a creamier option, fold in a defrosted 8 ounce container of Cool Whip to the pudding mix (I don’t find it necessary, but it will make it fluffier and a bit more mousse-like if you enjoy that texture)
Step By Step Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add the pistachio pudding mix, milk, and amaretto, then whisk or mix with a hand mixer until smooth (free of lumps); usually about 2 minutes
- Transfer the pudding mixture into your portion cups (you can use a spoon, ladle, cookie scoop, or even pour it in using a pitcher or measuring cup with a spout). I put a cookie sheet underneath to catch drips
- Cover (you can use plastic wrap if your cups don’t have lids) and transfer to the refrigerator until chilled and soft set (usually 1-2 hours, but overnight is fine)
- Remove lids and add any garnish like crushed pistachios to the top as desired just before serving. Enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
Pistachio pudding shots are creamy, nutty, sweet, and indulgent, so they pair best with desserts, salty snacks, and after-dinner treats that complement their rich flavor!
Cookies & Baked Treats
- Italian biscotti: Perfect for leaning into the almond and pistachio flavors. Try my Air Fryer Biscotti Recipe for an easy option!
- Shortbread cookies: Buttery and simple, allowing the pudding shots to shine
- Sugar cookies: A crowd-pleasing option for parties
- Pistachio cookies: Double down on the nutty flavor
Chocolate Pairings
- Chocolate truffles: Rich chocolate and pistachio are a classic combination
- Chocolate-covered almonds: Sweet, crunchy, and complementary
- Brownie bites: Fudgy chocolate pairs beautifully with the creamy pudding
- Chocolate-dipped strawberries: Elegant and easy to serve. Try my quick Microwave Chocolate Covered Strawberries!
Salty & Savory Snacks
- Mixed nuts: Especially pistachios, almonds, and cashews
- Cheese board: Mild cheeses like brie, mascarpone, or cream cheese pair well
- Pretzel bites: The salty crunch balances the sweetness
- Charcuterie board: A sophisticated option for parties and holidays
Dessert Pairings
- Cheesecake bites: Creamy flavors complement the pudding shots perfectly.
- Cannoli: The sweet ricotta filling works especially well with amaretto.
- Tiramisu: Coffee and almond notes are a natural match. Check out my Tiramisu Mug Cake for a quick no-bake version!
- Baklava: Honey and nuts make this an exceptional pairing.
Best Occasions
These pudding shots are perfect for holiday parties, game nights, potlucks, birthdays, cookie exchanges, and after-dinner dessert spreads when you want something fun, creamy, and a little indulgent! The color makes them great for Christmas and St Patrick’s Day!
Recipe FAQs
What Alcohol Goes With Pistachio Pudding?
Pistachio pudding pairs well with nutty and dessert-style liqueurs like amaretto, pistachio liqueur, Irish cream, and Frangelico. For a stronger option, vodka or vanilla vodka work well because they let the pistachio flavor shine.
Can I Make Pistachio Pudding Shots Without Alcohol?
Yes! Simply replace the alcohol with milk or an additional whipped topping ingredient. You’ll still get the same creamy pistachio flavor, making them a fun dessert for all ages.
How Far In Advance Can I Make Pistachio Pudding Shots?
Pistachio pudding shots can be made up to 2 days ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. For the best texture and presentation, add any whipped cream and garnishes just before serving.
Tips For the Best Pistachio Pudding Shots
- I recommend serving these shots with small spoons so they’re easier to enjoy!
- For stronger shots, replace up to half the liqueur with vodka, or rum. However, the consistency will be softer overall as the stronger liquor doesn’t create as thick of a set. Use less amaretto (and more milk instead) for a less strong shot
Serving Tips
- Keep cups in the fridge until ready to serve as they taste best cold. For warmer weather, add ice to a try to display them on to help keep them cold
- Leftovers will keep for 3-4 days, though the texture is best within the first 48 hours
- This recipe can easily be doubled (or more) for a crowd!
- Pistachio Old Fashioned
- Pistachio Hot Chocolate
Final Thoughts
These pistachio pudding shots are a fun, boozy dessert that are so simple to make, perfect to make ahead, and already portioned into single serving cups for guests, making them one of my go-to’s for hosting!
It’s a perfect no bake dessert option for summer, but the pistachio flavor works for nearly any season! In fact, the green color makes them well suited for St Patrick’s Day and Christmas too! You can customize them with different liqueurs too, to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.
For more great nutty and boozy options, check out all of my Pistachio Cocktails for more inspiration!
Pistachio Pudding Shots With Amaretto
Servings: 12
Pistachio pudding shots are nutty, creamy, boozy, and delicious! Made with amaretto (or another liqueur of choice) they’re the perfect make ahead party treat!
Equipment
- Whisk (or spatula)
Ingredients
- 3.4 ounce box pistachio instant pudding mix
- 1 cup cold milk (I use 2%)
- 1 cup amaretto liqueur (regular or cream)
- Crushed pistachios for topping (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add the pistachio pudding mix, milk, and amaretto, then whisk or mix with a hand mixer until smooth (free of lumps); usually about 2 minutes3.4 ounce box pistachio instant pudding mix, 1 cup cold milk, 1 cup amaretto liqueur
- Transfer the pudding mixture into your portion cups (you can use a spoon, ladle, cookie scoop, or even pour it in using a pitcher or measuring cup with a spout). I put a cookie sheet underneath to catch drips
- Cover (you can use plastic wrap if your cups don’t have lids) and transfer to the refrigerator until chilled and soft set (usually 1-2 hours, but overnight is fine)
- Remove lids and add garnishes like crushed pistachios to the top as desired just before serving. Enjoy!Crushed pistachios for topping
Notes
- Make sure to use instant pudding and not cook and serve, which will not set properly in this application
- Instead of amaretto liqueur, you can use Baileys Irish cream, RumChata, or a similar cream liqueur. You can use regular amaretto, or a cream amaretto like DiSaronno velvet. For a stronger shot, substitute vanilla or whipped cream vodka for half the alcohol (but this will result in a softer consistency too)
- For a creamier option, fold in a defrosted 8 ounce container of Cool Whip to the pudding mix (I don’t find it necessary, but it will make it fluffier and a bit more mousse-like if you enjoy that texture, and help set it up if you use a hard liquor in these shots)
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any sauces or toppings added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
Serving: 49g | Calories: 100kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 0.7g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 3.2mg | Sodium: 132mg | Potassium: 35mg | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 72.2IU | Calcium: 27mg
