Pink Starburst Shot

Let’s talk about the Pink Starburst shot—a little glass of magic that tastes just like the candy everyone fights over in the bag. It’s sweet, fruity, and oh-so-pink, making it the star (burst) of any party.

This shot isn’t just a drink; it’s a moment of pure nostalgia that’ll have your friends saying, “Wait, how does this taste EXACTLY like a Pink Starburst?”

Making it is as easy as unwrapping a Starburst—only without the sticky fingers.

Whether you’re hosting a girls’ night, throwing a birthday bash, or just want to impress your guests with a fun, Instagram-worthy treat, this recipe has you covered.

Let’s turn your kitchen into a cocktail lab and bring the candy aisle to life!

What Is a Pink Starburst Shot?

If you’ve ever bitten into a Pink Starburst and thought, “Why can’t this be a drink?”—well, congratulations, dreams do come true!

The Pink Starburst shot is a liquid love letter to everyone’s favorite candy, packed with sweet, fruity, and slightly tangy flavors that are almost too good to be true.

Imagine the perfect balance of creamy vanilla, juicy watermelon, and a little zing from sweet and sour mix, all coming together in one tiny glass of happiness.

But wait, there’s more! It’s not just about the flavor—it’s about the vibe. The bright pink hue makes it a total showstopper, perfect for parties, bridal showers, or any event where “fun” is the theme.

Plus, it’s basically guaranteed to get someone saying, “Omg, you HAVE to make me another!”

Ingredients You’ll Need

Liquors and Mixers

• 1 ounce vanilla vodka
• 1 ounce watermelon pucker or schnapps
• 1 ounce sweet and sour mix
• 1 ounce heavy cream or half-and-half (optional for a creamy texture)

For Garnish (Optional)

• A small piece of a Pink Starburst candy
• Sugar for rimming the shot glass

Ice

• Enough to fill your shaker for properly chilling the drink.

Detailed Breakdown of Ingredients

1. Vanilla Vodka – 1 oz
Vanilla vodka is the backbone of this shot, adding a smooth, creamy sweetness that mimics the candy’s rich flavor. You can use regular vodka in a pinch, but trust me—vanilla vodka brings that little extra something that makes people ask, “What’s your secret?” It’s like the difference between plain toast and buttered toast. Go with the butter.

2. Watermelon Pucker or Schnapps – 1 oz
Here’s where the magic happens. Watermelon schnapps gives the drink its fruity, candy-like flavor and that unmistakable Starburst tang. It’s the ingredient that transforms a plain old shot into a nostalgic treat. If you can’t find watermelon schnapps, a splash of watermelon juice with a touch of simple syrup can work, but schnapps is the MVP here.

3. Sweet and Sour Mix – 1 oz
This little shot of tanginess balances the sweetness perfectly. Think of it as the sidekick to the watermelon schnapps, giving your shot just the right amount of zing to keep it from being overly sugary. You can use store-bought sweet and sour mix, or if you’re feeling fancy, make your own with fresh lemon juice, lime juice, sugar, and water.

4. Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half – 1 oz (Optional)
If you want to take this shot from fruity candy to creamy, dreamy dessert, add heavy cream or half-and-half. It’s totally optional, but it gives the drink a milkshake-like texture and elevates the flavor to pure decadence. Think of it as the whipped cream on your sundae—it’s not essential, but it makes everything more fun.

A Small Piece of a Pink Starburst Candy
The garnish is the cherry on top—only in this case, it’s a tiny piece of Starburst. Skewer it with a cocktail pick or perch it on the rim of the glass. Bonus points if you freeze the candy first so it doesn’t get too sticky. It’s like a little edible trophy for making an awesome shot.

Sugar for Rimming the Shot Glass
Rimming the glass with sugar is an easy way to add a little sparkle and extra sweetness to your shot. Dip the rim of the glass in simple syrup or water, then twirl it in a small plate of granulated sugar. It’s quick, it’s festive, and it makes your shots look like they just came out of a cocktail bar.

Ice

Ice is the unsung hero of cocktail-making. It chills everything down and helps mix the ingredients smoothly. Fill your shaker with enough ice to cool the shot properly.

Pro tip: Use fresh, clean ice to avoid any weird freezer flavors sneaking into your drink. No one wants a Starburst shot with a side of “last week’s lasagna.”

With these ingredients in hand, you’re ready to create the ultimate Pink Starburst shot that’s sure to be a hit at any party!

How to Make the Pink Starburst Shot

1. Chill Your Shot Glasses

Pop your shot glasses into the freezer about 10-15 minutes before you start. This ensures the glasses are frosty, which not only keeps the shot cold but also adds a professional touch to the presentation.

Tip: If you’re short on time, fill the glasses with ice water while you prepare the drink. Dump and dry them just before pouring.

2. Rim the Glasses with Sugar (Optional)

Pour a small amount of simple syrup (or water) onto a shallow plate.

On another plate, spread an even layer of granulated sugar.

Dip the rim of each glass into the simple syrup, then into the sugar. Twirl gently to coat evenly.

Pro Tip: Add a drop of food coloring to the sugar for extra flair—pink sugar for a coordinated Starburst vibe looks stunning!

3. Fill the Shaker with Ice

Fill your cocktail shaker about halfway with fresh ice. Ice is essential for properly chilling and slightly diluting the shot for a smooth, balanced flavor.

Tip: Use fresh ice to avoid any stale freezer tastes that could taint your drink.

4. Add the Liquors and Mixers

Pour in:

• 1 ounce of vanilla vodka for that creamy, candy-like sweetness.
• 1 ounce of watermelon schnapps, which gives the drink its signature fruity, tangy kick.
• 1 ounce of sweet and sour mix to balance the sweetness with a hint of tartness.
• (Optional) 1 ounce of heavy cream or half-and-half for a creamy texture.

Tip: Use a jigger or measuring cup for precise measurements to maintain flavor balance. Don’t eyeball it—this isn’t the time to wing it!

5. Shake It Like You Mean It!

Shake the shot vigorously inside the shaker until the outside of the strainer starts to frost.

6. Strain Into the Glasses

Open the shaker and place a strainer over the top.

Carefully pour the chilled mixture into your prepared shot glasses, filling them nearly to the top. The vibrant pink hue is the star of the show!

Optional Garnish:

For a final touch, garnish each shot with a small piece of a Pink Starburst candy.

You can:

• Skewer the candy on a cocktail pick and rest it across the rim.
• Perch it directly on the rim of the glass.

• Pro Tip: Freeze the candies beforehand to keep them firm and easy to handle.

Tips for Better Results

• Use Quality Ingredients: Higher-quality vodka and schnapps create a smoother, more enjoyable shot.
• Balance the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet shot, reduce the watermelon schnapps slightly and add a splash of soda water to the shaker.
• Make It a Party: Prepare the mixture in larger quantities and serve in batches for group celebrations. Just adjust the ratios accordingly!

With these steps, you’ll create a Pink Starburst shot that not only tastes like everyone’s favorite candy but also looks absolutely stunning.

Pink Starburst Shot Recipe

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