Grape Ape Shot
The Grape Ape Shot is a fun, fruity cocktail that brings together the juicy sweetness of grape juice, the tart kick of sweet and sour mix, and the smooth finish of vodka. Chambord liqueur adds that signature deep berry flavor and a gorgeous purple hue that makes this little shot as eye-catching as it is delicious.
Perfect for game nights, holiday parties, or your next celebration with friends, this grape-flavored shot is easy to shake up and always a crowd-pleaser.
This grape ape recipe was inspired by fun, fruity shots like our Scooby Doo Shot and Tic Tac Shot; this one brings the same playful, party-ready energy.
Ingredients
This grape ape cocktail comes together quickly with simple bar staples and a splash of juice.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
- Vodka: We use Smirnoff for a clean base that lets the fruity flavors shine, though the original bar version uses Absolut Citron if you want to try it closer to where the drink started.
- Chambord Liqueur: Adds a bold raspberry-blackberry flavor that deepens the color and taste. Swap in blueberry or black raspberry liqueur for a slightly different berry profile.
- Grape Juice: Gives this shot its juicy sweetness and signature grape flavor.
- Sweet and Sour Mix: Adds a tangy contrast to balance the sweetness. Add a splash extra if you like it more tart.
- Lemon-Lime Soda (optional): A splash on top brings bubbles, brightness, and a little extra sweetness, or skip it for a stronger, less diluted shot.
Grab your cocktail shaker and jigger and a measuring spoon to mix up this simple shot.
Variations
- Mocktail Version: Skip the vodka and Chambord and mix grape juice with lemon-lime soda for a kid-friendly purple drink.
- Frozen Grape Ape: Blend the ingredients with ice for a slushy-style shot perfect for hot summer days.
- Full Cocktail Version: Double or triple the ingredients and serve over ice in a rocks glass for a full-size drink instead of a shot.
How to Make a Grape Ape Shot
You're just a shake and a strain away.
Fill a cocktail shaker part-way with ice, grape juice, vodka, Chambord liqueur and sweet and sour mix.
Shake until well chilled, then strain into a shot glass and with sprite if desired.
Hint: Depending on your grape juice and liqueur, the flavor can vary. Give it a quick taste and adjust with a splash of juice or soda to get it just right.
Recipe Tips
- Shaken/Stirred: Use a cocktail shaker with ice to get the ingredients perfectly chilled and smooth.
- Glass: Serve in a standard shot glass, but a mini coupe or cordial glass adds an elegant touch.
- Garnishes: A sugar rim, a single grape, or a twist of lemon peel makes for a simple but pretty presentation.
- Chill Your Ingredients: Cold grape juice and vodka make for a smoother, more refreshing shot.
- Batch it Up: Doubling or tripling the recipe is an easy way to serve a crowd without extra effort.
Another alcoholic drink great option is our Bazooka Shot, especially if you love playful, candy-inspired cocktails.
More Cocktails
Serving Suggestions
- Sweet Treats: Sugar Cookie Cups, Blueberry Tart, Red, White and Blue Dump Cake or Strawberry Mousse.
- Party Drinks: Serve alongside other colorful cocktails like a Purple Rain, Love Potion Cocktail, Madras Cocktail, Bomb Pop Cocktail or a Mexican Candy Shot.
Grape Ape Shot Recipe FAQs
It's sweet and tart with a fruity punch, the perfect mix of grape and berry. Think grown-up grape soda with a smooth vodka finish.
Cranberry-grape or pomegranate juice both make great swaps for a slightly different twist.
The name comes from its Minneapolis origins at the Loon Cafe, where bartenders invented it back in 1995 and it stuck around as a local favorite.
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Grape Ape Shot
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Jigger
- Measuring Spoon
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon grape juice
- 1- ounce vodka
- ¾- ounce Chambord liqueur
- ½- ounce sweet and sour mix
- lemon-lime soda optional
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker part-way with ice, grape juice, vodka, Chambord liqueur and sweet and sour mix.
- Shake until well chilled, then strain into a shot glass and with sprite if desired.
Notes
- Shaken/Stirred: Use a cocktail shaker with ice to get the ingredients perfectly chilled and smooth.
- Glass: Serve in a standard shot glass, but a mini coupe or cordial glass adds an elegant touch.
- Garnishes: A sugar rim, a single grape, or a twist of lemon peel makes for a simple but pretty presentation.
- Chill Your Ingredients: Cold grape juice and vodka make for a smoother, more refreshing shot.
- Batch it Up: Doubling or tripling the recipe is an easy way to serve a crowd without extra effort.
Nutrition
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Such a fun shot. Love the grape flavor and light boozy punch.