June 17, 2025
10 minutes

Top 10 Must-Have Birthday Shots You Should Never Miss

Want to make your birthday amazing? You might want to know the best birthday shots you need. Make them and share the memories right there with Airbum.

Birthday is one of those days about which we wait all year long. This day is not only about celebration, it is about celebrating a day with joy, laughter, good music, and of course some best birthday shots!

Nothing gets a party going without a round of fun and colorful birthday shots. Whether you are hosting an indoor or outdoor birthday bash, having creative shots ready to match the vibe is a must. 

In this blog, we will have a look at 10 must have birthday shots that are absolutely easy to make, fun to drink, and party-ready!

What Makes a Great Birthday Shot?

Of course, you would not want to take a shot that tastes like medicine at a birthday party! Want to know when people are liking the shot? Listen if someone says: "Ooh, what was that?" That’d be the time when you can appreciate yourself.

No matter what flavor or combo you're going for, it should actually taste good enough that people ask for seconds.

And can we talk about how important the Instagram factor is these days? Those bright, colorful shots with fun garnishes aren't just pretty,  they're practically party decorations that people can drink! 

Everyone's going to be taking photos and sharing through Airbum anyway, so why not give them something that looks as good as it tastes?

But here’s a little secret. The absolute best shots are the ones you can make ahead of time. Nobody wants to be stuck playing bartender at their own birthday bash, measuring and mixing while everyone else is having fun, so come up with something, that everyone else could make. 

You know your shot recipe is a success when you hit that sweet spot with great taste, killer looks, easy prep, and just the right kick, you've got yourself a birthday shot that'll have everyone talking about your party for weeks.

List of Your Best Birthday Shots

Here’s your go-to list of the most awaited birthday shots.

Birthday Cake

Does that name make you think that you are going to eat something like a birthday cake? Well, not eat but drink this time. The birthday cake shot has four main ingredients: Vanilla vodka, Frangelico (hazelnut liqueur), lemon wedge, and sugar.

It literally tastes like you are having a birthday cake but without an awkward “blow out the candles” moment. The main ingredient, vanilla vodka, actually give it the cake better sweetness, Frangelico adds a nutty flavor and the sugared lemon is like a cherry on top that cuts through the sweetness. Once you have it, you’ll definitely ask for more.

B-52 Shot 

Ever wanted to feel like a fancy bartender without going to bartending school? This is your shot. This shot actually comes in three layers that actually stay separate if you don't mess up the pour. 

You just have to layer Kahlua on the bottom, Baileys in the middle, Grand Marnier on top. Tastes like some expensive coffee drink they'd serve at a hotel bar. Your friends will think you're way cooler than you actually are.

Gummy Bear Shot 

What happens when your childhood candy meets your adult drinking habits? This amazing creation which is like fruit punch deciding to get a little wild on the weekend. 

The raspberry vodka keeps it interesting, peach schnapps makes it smooth, and that little gummy bear floating on top? Pure happiness in edible form. Even people who claim they hate shots will drink this one.

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Shot 

Remember that weird cake your aunt used to make with the pineapple rings? This birthday shot tastes way better than that. 

The pineapple juice is the main ingredient and the hero of this shot while the vanilla vodka keeps things smooth. When you drop that grenadine in and it sinks to the bottom, it looks like a tiny sunset. Instant vacation vibes, even if you're stuck in your apartment.

Kamikaze Shot 

This one doesn't mess around. No fancy colors, no cute garnishes, just straight-up citrus punch to the face. 

The lime juice is the devil here, makes you pucker up your face. The vodka, of course,  reminds you why you're here, and the Triple Sec keeps the combo from being completely brutal. It's the shot equivalent of ripping off a band-aid - quick, effective, and you'll feel it.

Lemon Drop Shot 

For this shot, think of a lemon drop candy but with commitment issues. The sugar rim is basically a peace treaty between your taste buds and the sour lemon situation happening inside the glass. 

Citrus vodka makes it less harsh than regular vodka, and somehow the whole thing tastes like childhood but with consequences. Good starter shot for people who think they don't like shots and end up emptying the bar.

Funky Monkey Shot 

Wierd name, right? Well, it also makes somewhat weird happen to you too. Oh don;t worry, you’ll be safe, it’ just for fun! Well the thing is that it is actually a chocolate banana milkshake but it gets you drunk. 

The banana liqueur is actually added to give that extra tropical smoothness, while Baileys makes everything creamy and rich, and that chocolate syrup drizzle on top makes it look like something you'd order at a fancy restaurant. It's dessert pretending to be a shot, and honestly, we're here for it.

Green Tea Shot 

Plot twist, there's absolutely no tea in this thing. The name is basically a lie, but a delicious and unstoppable lie. It goes down like peachy soda with a secret. 

The Jameson whiskey is hiding in there somewhere, but the peach schnapps and Sprite do such a good job covering it up that you might forget you're drinking alcohol. That's the dangerous part.

Jolly Rancher Shot 

Remember fighting over the good Jolly Rancher flavors as a kid? This is the watermelon one, but now it's legal and gets you tipsy. 

The watermelon schnapps tastes exactly like that artificial fruit flavor you secretly love, and the cranberry juice keeps it from being straight-up sugar water. You can swap out different schnapps to make whatever color matches your vibe.

Tequila Sunrise Shot 

This shot is for people who think they don't like tequila. Yeah, you heard that right, tequila burns your throat but not this shot. Why, you might wonder? 

Well, we have the orange in it, which makes the tequila behave itself instead of burning your throat. For the sunrise effect, you add that grenadine and it sinks to the bottom, it actually looks like a tiny sunrise in your glass. 

Your Birthday, Your Rules

Shots add a playful spark to any celebration. No matter what flavor you like, you can choose from Baileys shots to fruity ones, because you now have 10 go-to options to try on your next birthday.

Ready to plan your party, invite friends, and stay organized in one place? Get the Airbum app to share those moments ASAP! 

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