Twisted Cherry Shots Sparkle

Cherry shots with a fizzy twist are my go—to party starter when I want something easy that looks gorgeous and tastes even better. They pair cherry vodka with cola and a burst of grenadine for layered sweetness, and the sparkling sugar rim makes every sip feel like a celebration. These are the kind of shots that vanish fast and always get asked for again.

I made these for a last—minute birthday bash when I only had a few ingredients left in my liquor cabinet and they became everyone’s new favorite. Even my friend who claims to hate shots asked for seconds because they are just that drinkable.

Ingredients

• Cherry vodka: gives a sweet cherry foundation and packs that unmistakable cocktail punch
• Cola (chilled): adds effervescence and mellows out the spirits, choose your favorite brand for best taste
• Grenadine: for vibrant color and layered sweetness, use a good—quality pure pomegranate kind if you can
• Red sanding sugar: for a sparkling rim coating, adds a festive crunch and pure color
• Corn syrup or lemon juice: helps the sugar stick without running, just a thin layer is enough
• Ice (optional): for mixing, brings the temperature down fast and keeps flavors sharp
• Maraschino cherry or edible glitter (optional garnish): amps up the fun and looks great in photos

Instructions

Prepare the Glass Rim:

Dip the rim of your shot glass in a shallow dish of corn syrup or fresh lemon juice. Let any excess drip off so the rim is just tacky. This will ensure your sugar sticks evenly without dripping down the glass.

Sugar Coat the Rim:

Set out a plate with red sanding sugar and gently roll the sticky rim in the sugar. Rotate the glass until the rim is completely coated in a bright even layer. Tap off any loose crystals so the finish stays clean.

Combine Liquids:

In a cocktail shaker add one ounce of cherry vodka and a chilled ounce of cola. The cola should be poured in gently to preserve its bubbles.

Add Grenadine:

Pour in half an ounce of grenadine. Gently swirl the shaker to blend the ingredients without losing carbonation. Do not shake hard or the soda will foam up.

Mix Over Ice:

If you want your shot extra cold toss in a handful of ice and stir for about ten seconds. Strain out the ice if you want a sleek shot presentation.

Pour into Glass:

Carefully pour the cherry mixture into your prepared shot glass. Pour slowly to avoid disturbing the sugared rim or letting it melt into the drink.

Add Garnish:

Drop in a maraschino cherry for a classic look or sprinkle a pinch of edible glitter over each shot for extra party sparkle. Serve right away to keep the fizz and fun intact.

My favorite part is always adding the edible glitter which makes even a simple home gathering feel elevated and a bit magical. My niece calls these unicorn shots and now every holiday she asks if we will make them together.

Storage Tips

Since these shots are all about fizz and fresh flavor make them right before serving. If you want to speed up party prep you can rim the glasses and pre-measure the liquors in advance. Keep everything chilled so assembly is a breeze when guests arrive.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try raspberry vodka for a fruitier burst or swap in diet cola if you want to cut the sugar a bit. If you cannot find red sanding sugar colored sprinkles can work in a pinch. Lemon soda makes for a unique cherry citrus spin.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these in tall skinny shot glasses for impact or try mini mason jars for a rustic vibe. Pair with salty party snacks like pretzel bites or popcorn for a balanced treat. To make a punch pour the mixture into a pitcher over ice and ladle into glasses without the sugar rim.

Cultural and Seasonal Adaptations

Shots are popular for celebrations around the world and cherry flavors feel especially festive for Valentine’s Day or Fourth of July. Try swapping the cherry and red sugar for blue raspberry vodka and blue sugar for patriotic summer parties or for a winter holiday use green sanding sugar and a minty vodka for a fun Christmas twist.

Seasonal Adaptations

Use seasonal fruit for garnish like fresh cherries in late spring

Layer the drink with other liqueurs for a holiday ombré effect

Try clear sanding sugar for a frosty winter look

Hosting a summer bash with a big bowl of these at the center of the table is always a hit. Everyone loves building their own and giving each drink a personal spin.

Success Stories

More than once I have had friends ask for a copy of this recipe or to borrow my edible glitter for their own parties. These cherry shots are always first to run out at any celebration and every time I serve them someone tags me in the party photos with the sparkling glasses. Even my dad who is not a cocktail drinker admits he loves how these taste and look.

Freezer Meal Conversion

If you want to make these in advance for a big group freeze the cherry vodka in ice cube trays then drop a cube into each glass before pouring in the other ingredients. This keeps each shot extra cold without dilution and is especially handy on hot summer days.

Presentation really matters with this recipe especially when you want to wow on special occasions.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I use a substitute for cherry vodka?

Yes, plain vodka with a splash of cherry juice can mimic the cherry flavor if cherry vodka is unavailable.

→ What is the purpose of the red sanding sugar?

Red sanding sugar adds a festive touch, provides a sweet crunch, and enhances the visual appeal of the shots.

→ How do I get the sanding sugar to stick to the glass?

Dip the rim of the shot glass in corn syrup or lemon juice before dipping it in the sanding sugar for best adhesion.

→ Can I prepare these shots in advance?

You can pre-mix the liquid ingredients, but rim and garnish the glasses just before serving to maintain sparkle.

→ What garnish works best with these shots?

A maraschino cherry or a sprinkle of edible glitter adds a fun, festive finishing touch.