This Apple Pie Shot is a fun and festive drink that captures the comforting flavors of fall in a quick and easy pour. Made with the crisp sweetness of apple cider, a little heat from cinnamon whisky, and the smooth vanilla notes of vodka, it tastes just like fresh-baked apple pie — no oven required!

Perfect for apple lovers, autumn gatherings, holiday parties, or cozy nights with friends, these apple pie shots are simple to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether you're serving it at a Thanksgiving celebration or looking for a seasonal twist on a classic shooter, our apple pie shot is a must-try for the fall season.
Jump to:
- Why You Will Love This Apple Pie Shot Recipe
- Ingredients
- Substitutions and Variations
- How to Make an Apple Pie Shot
- More Recipes You Will Love
- How to Serve an Apple Pie Shot Recipe
- What to Serve with an Apple Pie Shot
- Top Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions About My Apple Pie Shot Recipe
- More Recipes You Will Love
- Apple Pie Shot Recipe
The smell of baked apples might be one of my favorite scents. Here are some of my favorite apple recipes that you might like too: Apple Pie, Apple Dumplings, Slow Cooker Apple Butter, Iced Apple Crisp Macchiato or my Apple Coffee Cake.
If fall cocktails are what you are after, we’ve got you covered: Apple Cider Old Fashioned, Apple Cider Mimosa, Spiked Crockpot Apple Cider, Apple Cider Sangria or an Apple Cider Moscow Mule. Some of our cocktail recipes call for our Apple Cider Simple Syrup which you can whip up in no time.
Why You Will Love This Apple Pie Shot Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Takes just minutes to make with a few simple ingredients.
- Tastes Like Apple Pie: The combination of apple cider, vanilla vodka, and fireball whiskey mimics the flavors of a classic dessert.
- Perfect for Fall & Holidays: Great for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving gatherings, or any cool-weather celebration.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness or spice level to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
No fancy bar cart needed — just simple ingredients and a quick trip to the store to make this easy apple pie shot recipe.

See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
- Apple Cider: Provides a crisp, fresh apple flavor that forms the base of the shot.
- Cinnamon Whisky: Adds a warm, spicy kick that enhances the apple pie feel.
- Vanilla Vodka: A smooth, creamy vanilla profile to balance the spice.
For this recipe, you'll want to have on hand a cocktail shaker and shot glass.
Substitutions and Variations
You can keep it classic — or have some fun with these creative variations of these applied pie shots.
- Spiced Rum Instead: Swap the whisky for spiced rum for a milder spice and caramelized flavor.
- Vanilla Vodka Swap: Try caramel vodka for a richer, sweeter depth to the shot; alternatively, you can use plain vodka if that is all you have on hand.
- Added Sweetness: If you want to make these sweeter add some regular or apple cider simple syrup.
- Cinnamon Sugar Rim: Dip shot glasses in honey or apple cider, then coat in cinnamon sugar for extra sweetness.
- Topped with Whipped Cream: Add a dollop on top for a dessert-like finish.
How to Make an Apple Pie Shot
This apple pie shot is quick to mix, fun to serve, and guaranteed to get everyone in the fall spirit.


Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
Pour in apple cider, vanilla vodka and cinnamon whisky. Shake until chilled then strain into shot glasses.
Hint: Cold apple cider and liquor make the shot extra refreshing and smooth.

More Recipes You Will Love
How to Serve an Apple Pie Shot Recipe
Here’s how we like to mix, serve, and garnish it.
- Shaken/Stirred: Shaking chills the shot quickly and blends the apple cider, vodka, and cinnamon whisky evenly.
- Glass: Obviously, we serve this one in a shot glass. But if you prefer, turn it into a sippable cocktail — just double the recipe and serve it over ice (with a cinnamon sticks) in a rocks glass for a more relaxed, full-sized drink.
- Garnishes: Optionally, top with a swirl of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon or apple pie spice for a festive touch.
What to Serve with an Apple Pie Shot
- Apple Pie: Apple and cinnamon are a classic duo. Pair your shot with our slice of Apple Pie a la Mode for a cozy, crowd-pleasing combo.
- Cheese and Crackers: Aged Gouda pairs beautifully with cinnamon notes, but a sharp cheddar or creamy brie also work well.
- Spicy Gingerbread Cookies: The warm spices in chewy gingerbread cookies complement the cinnamon in the shot perfectly.
- Fall Charcuterie Board: Build a fall-inspired board with apple slices dipped in caramel, sharp blue or cheddar cheeses, cured meats like prosciutto, and spiced or candied nuts — perfect for grazing between sips.
- Pork: Apples and pork are a natural match. Think pulled pork sliders or slow-roasted pork chops for a heartier pairing.
- Caramel Popcorn: A sweet, crunchy snack that ties in with the cozy fall flavors and adds a fun, casual touch to your table.
- Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Soft, spiced, and easy to grab — the perfect sweet bite to go with the warming notes of the apple pie shot.
- Warm Soft Pretzels: Their buttery saltiness is the perfect counterbalance to the sweetness of the shot.

Top Tips
Here’s how to get the perfect fall drink and finish every time.
- Shake Well: Ensures the flavors mix evenly for a balanced, smooth shot.
- Serve Immediately: Best flavor and presentation come from serving the shot freshly mixed.
- Batch It: For parties, multiply the recipe and mix in a pitcher, then shake individual servings with ice for easy pouring.
Frequently Asked Questions About My Apple Pie Shot Recipe
Do you have questions about making an apple pie shot recipe?
Yes, you can. Mix the apple cider, vanilla vodka, and cinnamon whisky in a pitcher and refrigerate. Shake or serve with ice when you are ready to enjoy.
Absolutely. Change out the vodka and whisky for a splash of vanilla extract a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for the same fall flavours.
If you don't have a cocktail shaker on hand, not to worry — using a mason jar with a tightly fitting lid will work the same way. Just shake vigorously and strain into shot glasses.
Yes! If you'd prefer a larger version for sipping, just increase the apple cider to 6 ounces and serve over ice in a rocks glass.
A thin apple slice or sprinkle of ground cinnamon adds a nice finishing touch, if you wish.

More Recipes You Will Love
Check out some more of our recipes you will want to try!
Ready to get cooking? Save time by having a grocery list automatically generate for you by clicking the "Add to Shopping List" below.

Apple Pie Shot Recipe
Equipment
- Shot Glass
- Cocktail Shaker
Ingredients
- 3 ounces apple cider
- 1 ¼- ounce vanilla vodka
- ¾- ounce cinnamon whisky
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Pour in apple cider, vanilla vodka and cinnamon whisky. Shake until chilled then strain into shot glasses.
Notes
- Cold apple cider and liquor make the shot extra refreshing and smooth.
- Ensures the flavors mix evenly for a balanced, smooth shot.
- Best flavor and presentation come from serving the shot freshly mixed.
- For parties, multiply the recipe and mix in a pitcher, then shake individual servings with ice for easy pouring.
Nutrition
We would be so grateful for you to leave us a rating and review on any recipes you try. If you make any alterations, let us know how they turned out.

Stephanie says
This shot makes having just fireball so plain! I don't think I can get over how delicious and simple this is.
Eva Filer says
We are so happy to hear you enjoyed it! Thanks for the review.
Eva Filer says
We love this shot, we often make it as a cocktail on ice! Apple pie is a big fave over here.