Name: Cinnamon Roll Shot: A Sweet & Spicy Dessert Drink in One Sip
Ingredients: 🍩 1 part Vanilla Vodka; ☕ 1 part Coffee Liqueur; 🍯 0.5 part Cinnamon Schnapps; ❄️ Ice; Optional Garnish; 🍩 Cinnamon sugar rim

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Introduction

If you’re the kind of person who loves a warm, gooey cinnamon roll drizzled with icing, but also appreciates a good cocktail, you’re in for a treat. Meet the Cinnamon Roll Shot—a sweet, creamy, and slightly spicy shooter that captures all the indulgence of a bakery-fresh cinnamon roll… in liquid form. It’s dessert, it’s a drink, and it’s a total crowd-pleaser. 🍩🥃

This little shot is perfect for holiday gatherings, girls’ nights, brunches, or just when you want to end the evening with something that’s equal parts cozy and kicky. The combination of vanilla vodka, coffee liqueur, and a splash of cinnamon schnapps delivers rich, layered flavors that go down smooth and leave a warm, sweet-spiced finish.

Best part? It takes under 2 minutes to make, requires no complicated tools, and looks extra fancy with a cinnamon sugar rim. Whether you’re making one or prepping a tray of them for a party, this Cinnamon Roll Shot is the perfect way to toast to good times and great flavors.

What Is a Cinnamon Roll Shot?

The Cinnamon Roll Shot is a dessert-style shooter that combines the comforting flavors of a cinnamon roll—think creamy vanilla, sweet brown sugar, rich spice—with the boozy kick of a cocktail. It’s warm (flavor-wise), cozy, and sweet without being over-the-top.

This isn’t a strong, alcohol-forward shooter like your typical tequila shot. Instead, it’s smooth, slightly creamy, and perfectly balanced between sweet and spicy. Here’s what makes it special:

Vanilla vodka mimics the icing on a cinnamon roll.
Coffee liqueur brings a dark, syrupy richness (like brown sugar or sticky bun glaze).
Cinnamon schnapps adds that spicy, aromatic cinnamon flavor.
Ice + shake gives it that smooth, chilled finish.

It’s like taking a bite of a warm cinnamon roll… but in cocktail form.

Why You’ll Love This Shot

There are a lot of novelty shots out there—but this one? It actually tastes amazing. Here’s why you’ll want to keep this recipe on hand:

Tastes like dessert – Sweet, spiced, and perfectly balanced.
Quick and easy – 3 ingredients, no prep.
Customizable – Add cream, switch up the liqueurs, rim the glass… or don’t!
Party-friendly – Make a batch, chill, and serve to impress.
Perfect year-round – But especially comforting in fall and winter.

Whether you’re a casual drinker or a cocktail enthusiast, the Cinnamon Roll Shot is a guaranteed hit. Think of it as the adult version of your favorite childhood treat—with a splash of grown-up fun.

Essential Bar Tools You’ll Need

This is a low-lift, high-reward recipe. You don’t need a professional bar setup—just a few basics:

Cocktail shaker – For chilling and combining your ingredients
Strainer – Built-in with your shaker or separate
Shot glasses – Fancy or fun, your choice
Jigger or measuring spoon – To keep the ratio spot-on
Plate or shallow bowl – For the optional cinnamon sugar rim

Don’t have a shaker? A mason jar with a lid will work in a pinch—just be sure it’s sealed tight before shaking.

Watermelon Pineapple Salad 24 — Cinnamon Roll Shot: A Sweet & Spicy Dessert Drink in One Sip 6

Cinnamon Roll Shot Ingredients List

Here’s what you need to make one shot (you can multiply as needed):

1 part Vanilla Vodka – Adds that sweet, creamy base flavor
1 part Coffee Liqueur (like Kahlúa) – Adds depth and a hint of coffee/chocolate
0.5 part Cinnamon Schnapps (like Goldschläger or DeKuyper Hot Damn!) – For that signature cinnamon spice
Ice – For chilling

Optional Garnish:

Cinnamon sugar rim – A sweet-spiced touch for extra cinnamon roll vibes

Ratio Tip:
If you’re using a jigger:

1 part = 1 oz
0.5 part = ½ oz

For a batch of 4 shots:

4 oz vanilla vodka
4 oz coffee liqueur
2 oz cinnamon schnapps

Ingredient Breakdown & Substitutes

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this shot taste like a gooey cinnamon roll in a glass—and how you can swap or tweak them to match your preferences or your bar cart.

1. Vanilla Vodka 🍦

Why it works: It’s sweet, smooth, and has that creamy vanilla note that mimics frosting on a cinnamon roll.
Substitutes:
- Regular vodka + dash of vanilla extract
- Whipped cream vodka (for a fluffier, sweeter vibe)
- Caramel vodka if you want a sticky bun-style flavor

2. Coffee Liqueur ☕

Why it works: Adds richness and depth. Think brown sugar glaze or that slight roasted flavor in cinnamon buns.
Popular options: Kahlúa, Tia Maria, or a homemade version.
Substitutes:
- Irish cream liqueur (if you want creaminess instead of coffee)
- Chocolate liqueur (for a mocha-cinnamon roll effect)

3. Cinnamon Schnapps 🍬

Why it works: It gives the punch of spice that makes the drink taste unmistakably like a cinnamon roll.
Popular options: Goldschläger, DeKuyper Hot Damn!, Fireball (technically whisky-based, but works).
Substitutes:
- Fireball Whiskey for a bolder, whiskey-forward take
- Homemade cinnamon simple syrup + extra vodka (if you want it less alcoholic)

4. Ice ❄️

Why it works: Shaking with ice chills the mixture, slightly dilutes it, and makes the shot smooth and sippable.
Tip: Don’t skip the shake—even if you’re in a rush. A well-shaken shot is way more enjoyable.

Optional Garnish: Cinnamon Sugar Rim 🍩

How to make it: Mix equal parts ground cinnamon and sugar in a shallow plate.
How to use it: Moisten the rim of your shot glass with water, simple syrup, or even maple syrup. Dip the glass into the cinnamon sugar mix and gently twist.
Extra Fancy Option: Rim with cream cheese frosting + cinnamon sugar for the ultimate cinnamon roll tribute.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to shake things up? Here’s how to make the perfect Cinnamon Roll Shot from start to finish:

1. Chill the Shaker ❄️

Fill your cocktail shaker about halfway with ice. This will ensure a cold, smooth shot without harsh edges.

2. Add the Liquors 🍸

Pour into the shaker:

1 part Vanilla Vodka
1 part Coffee Liqueur
0.5 part Cinnamon Schnapps

Use a jigger or measuring spoon for accuracy—especially if you’re batching multiple shots.

3. Shake It Like You Mean It 🧊

Secure the shaker lid and shake hard for 10–15 seconds. You want the liquids to combine and chill thoroughly.

Pro Tip: You’ll know it’s ready when the outside of the shaker feels icy cold.

4. Rim the Shot Glass (Optional but Recommended) 🍩

Dip the rim of the glass into simple syrup or water.
Then press it gently into the cinnamon sugar mixture on a plate.
Twist the glass a bit to ensure an even coating.

Not only does this add to the cinnamon roll illusion—it gives each sip a sweet-spicy finish that takes the flavor over the top.

5. Strain and Serve 🥃

Using a cocktail strainer, pour the shaken mixture into your prepared shot glass(es).

Serve immediately while cold and fresh.

Pro Tip: Chill your shot glasses in the freezer ahead of time for an extra-frosty presentation.

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Shot

Use quality liquor – Fewer ingredients mean every one counts. Don’t skimp!
Chill everything – The colder, the better. Cold alcohol smooths out the burn and enhances flavor.
Don’t overdo the cinnamon – A little schnapps goes a long way.
Serve right away – These shots are best ice-cold and freshly shaken.
Make it a dessert course – Serve alongside mini cinnamon buns or snickerdoodle cookies for a fun twist.

Flavor Variations & Twists

Once you’ve tried the classic Cinnamon Roll Shot, it’s time to get creative. This shot is super adaptable, and with a few small tweaks, you can take it in totally new directions—whether you want it creamier, bolder, or even festive.

1. Creamy Cinnamon Roll Shot

Add ½ part Irish Cream (like Baileys) or RumChata for a luscious, creamy finish.
Great for holiday parties or dessert hour.

2. Spiked Sticky Bun

Use Caramel Vodka instead of vanilla vodka.
Add a splash of butterscotch schnapps.
Finish with a pinch of sea salt on top for that sticky-sweet-salty combo.

3. Horchata Cinnamon Roll

Replace cinnamon schnapps with RumChata or a similar cinnamon-vanilla cream liqueur.
Tastes like a boozy cinnamon milkshake!

4. Mexican Hot Chocolate Style

Add chocolate liqueur and a dash of chili powder for a warm, spicy kick.
Garnish with grated dark chocolate or a cinnamon stick.

5. Cinnamon Toast Crunch Shot

Use RumChata + Fireball Whiskey (1:1 ratio).
Rim the glass with cinnamon sugar and crushed cereal.

Perfect for brunch, late-night snacks, or when you’re feeling nostalgic.

When to Serve These Shots

The Cinnamon Roll Shot isn’t your typical party shooter. It’s sweet, cozy, and comforting—ideal for:

Holiday parties (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s)
Girls’ night in with themed desserts
After-dinner drinks (serve with dessert or instead of)
Brunch cocktails when you want something indulgent
Winter evenings by the fire—sip it slow instead of taking it in one go

It’s like sipping a hug. A little warmth, a little spice, and just the right amount of sweetness.

Pairing Ideas

To make your Cinnamon Roll Shot part of a full flavor experience, try serving it with:

Mini cinnamon buns or sticky buns
Snickerdoodle cookies or cinnamon-sugar toast
Cheesecake bites or vanilla ice cream
Spiked hot chocolate as a warm drink pairing
Espresso or strong coffee as a chaser

These pairings will emphasize the sweet, spiced flavor profile and turn your shot into a true event.

Conclusion

The Cinnamon Roll Shot is proof that good things really do come in small packages. With its rich vanilla notes, deep coffee undertones, and that signature cinnamon spice, it’s the perfect miniature cocktail to enjoy when you’re craving something a little indulgent, a little cozy, and a lot delicious.

It’s fast, easy, and endlessly customizable—so whether you’re mixing one for yourself or whipping up a tray for your next party, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.

So grab your shaker, rim a few glasses with cinnamon sugar, and pour yourself a taste of dessert in a glass. One sip and you’ll see: this isn’t just a shot. It’s a whole mood. 🍩🥃✨

FAQs

1. Can I make a big batch of Cinnamon Roll Shots for a party?
Yes! Multiply the ingredients and store in the fridge. Shake with ice just before serving to keep it chilled and fresh.

2. Do I have to use a cocktail shaker?
Not necessarily. You can stir the ingredients with ice and strain—but shaking gives the best texture and chill.

3. Is cinnamon schnapps very strong?
It varies by brand. Goldschläger is stronger (~43%), while others like DeKuyper may be milder (~30%). Adjust to taste.

4. Can I make this shot dairy-free?
Absolutely. Stick to the original 3 ingredients and skip the cream-based liqueurs or creamy variations.

5. What if I don’t have vanilla vodka?
Use regular vodka and add a drop of vanilla extract or a splash of vanilla syrup to replicate the flavor.