Water Moccasin Shot Recipe

The Water Moccasin Shot Recipe is a popular party favorite, known for its smooth yet bold combination of whiskey and fruity notes. Named after the dangerous water moccasin snake, this shot delivers a potent bite of flavor with a balance of sweet, sour, and strong whiskey undertones.

Despite its name, this shot is easy to drink, thanks to the combination of Crown Royal, Peach Schnapps, and sour mix, making it a go-to choice for anyone looking for a quick and tasty shot.

If you’re hosting a party, looking to impress your friends, or just want to try out a new shot recipe, the Water Moccasin Shot is a perfect addition to your drink repertoire. It’s simple to make, with just a few ingredients, and the flavor profile is sure to please those who enjoy a balance of sweetness and a touch of whiskey’s warmth.

How to Make the Water Moccasin Shot Recipe

The Water Moccasin Shot is an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned bartenders. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a delicious shot that stands out at any party. The preparation only takes a few minutes, making it an easy and quick drink to whip up when you need something fast but flavorful.

Ingredients for Water Moccasin Shot Recipe

To make the Water Moccasin Shot, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 ounce Crown Royal (or any smooth Canadian whiskey)
• 1 ounce Peach Schnapps (for a fruity sweetness)
• ½ ounce Sour Mix (for a tangy, citrusy flavor)
• ½ ounce Triple Sec (optional, for a hint of orange sweetness)
• Ice (to chill the shot)
• Lemon or lime wedge (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Breakdown:

• Crown Royal: The base of this shot, Crown Royal Canadian Whiskey, offers a smooth and slightly sweet whiskey flavor that complements the fruity components of the drink. If you don’t have Crown Royal, feel free to substitute it with another Canadian whisky or your favorite whiskey like Jack Daniels or Jameson Whiskey.
• Peach Schnapps: Essential for adding the fruity sweetness that balances the whiskey’s bold flavors. Peach Schnapps provides the signature peach flavor in the Water Moccasin Shot, making it a must-have in this recipe.
• Sour Mix: A key component for the sour taste, Sour Mix combines the tartness of lemon and lime juice with a bit of sweetness. You can use store-bought Sour Mix, or, for a fresher taste, make your own with fresh lemon juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.
• Triple Sec: While optional, Triple Sec adds a layer of citrus flavor with its orange notes, enhancing the shot’s fruity profile without overpowering the whiskey.
• Ice: Essential for chilling the shot and ensuring a smooth, refreshing finish. Adding ice to the cocktail shaker will help blend the ingredients and dilute the alcohol slightly, making the shot easier to drink.
• Lemon or lime wedge: This is an optional garnish but adds a nice touch of freshness and a bright pop of color when serving the shot.

Instructions for Making the Perfect Water Moccasin Shot

Follow these simple steps to make the Water Moccasin Shot at home:

1. Prepare Your Cocktail Shaker
   Begin by filling a cocktail shaker with ice. This step is crucial to properly chill the drink and ensure the shot has a refreshing finish. The ice will also help blend the flavors smoothly.
2. Add the Crown Royal
   Pour 1 ounce of Crown Royal into the shaker. This whiskey forms the backbone of your shot, providing a bold and smooth flavor. If you prefer a stronger whiskey taste, you can increase the amount of whiskey slightly.
3. Add the Peach Schnapps
   Next, add 1 ounce of Peach Schnapps to the shaker. This will give the shot its signature peachy sweetness and help balance out the strong whiskey flavor.
4. Add the Sour Mix
   Measure out ½ ounce of Sour Mix and pour it into the shaker. This step adds the perfect level of tartness, which balances the sweetness from the Peach Schnapps. If you prefer a more sour shot, feel free to add a little extra.
5. Optional: Add Triple Sec
   If you enjoy a hint of orange in your drinks, add ½ ounce of Triple Sec at this stage. It’s optional, but the Triple Sec enhances the overall flavor with a subtle citrus note that complements the rest of the ingredients.
6. Shake It Well
   Secure the lid on your cocktail shaker and shake the mixture vigorously for about 15–20 seconds. This will thoroughly mix the ingredients and chill the shot to the perfect temperature.
7. Strain Into a Shot Glass
   Using a strainer, pour the mixture into a chilled shot glass. Make sure you strain out the ice to keep the shot smooth and undiluted.
8. Garnish and Serve
   If desired, garnish the rim of the shot glass with a lemon or lime wedge. This optional garnish adds a fresh, zesty aroma and makes the shot look even more appealing.

Now, your Water Moccasin Shot is ready to be served and enjoyed!

Tips for Making the Perfect Water Moccasin Shot

To make sure your Water Moccasin Shot turns out delicious every time, here are some helpful tips:

• Use Fresh Sour Mix: While bottled sour mix is convenient, you can easily make your own by mixing fresh lemon juice, lime juice, and simple syrup. This gives the shot a fresher, more vibrant flavor.
• Chill Your Ingredients: For the best experience, make sure your ingredients, especially the Crown Royal and Peach Schnapps, are chilled before mixing. This ensures the shot is cold and smooth.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you like a sweeter shot, try increasing the Peach Schnapps slightly or adding a splash of Triple Sec. If you prefer a more tart shot, add a bit more Sour Mix or a dash of lemon juice.
• Garnish Creatively: Though optional, garnishing the shot with a lemon wedge or lime wedge adds not only a visual appeal but also a burst of citrus aroma that enhances the drinking experience.

What to Serve with a Water Moccasin Shot

The Water Moccasin Shot is a versatile drink that pairs well with other shots and cocktails, especially those with fruity or whiskey-based flavors. Here are some excellent options to serve alongside:

• Green Tea Shot: This shot shares the sweetness of Peach Schnapps and the boldness of whiskey, making it a great companion for the Water Moccasin Shot.
• Jello Shots: For a fun and colorful addition to your party, serve Jello Shots made with Peach Schnapps or Pineapple juice to complement the fruity flavors of the Water Moccasin.
• Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Shot: For those who enjoy fruity and dessert-inspired shots, this one pairs wonderfully with the Peach Schnapps in the Water Moccasin.
• Lemon Drop Shot: If you prefer something more tangy, the Lemon Drop Shot is a great contrast to the sweetness of the Water Moccasin but still complements the citrus flavors in the Sour Mix.

Ingredient Substitutes

If you don’t have the exact ingredients on hand, here are some substitutes you can use:

• Crown Royal: Any smooth Canadian whiskey will work, or you can use bourbon or rye whiskey for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Peach Schnapps: If you don’t have Peach Schnapps, try using Pear Schnapps or another flavored liqueur with a fruity sweetness.
• Sour Mix: If you don’t have ready-made Sour Mix, mix equal parts lemon juice, lime juice, and simple syrup for a homemade version.

Final Thoughts

The Water Moccasin Shot Recipe is a fun, easy-to-make shot that’s perfect for parties, gatherings, or just trying something new. With its bold whiskey flavor balanced by the fruity sweetness of Peach Schnapps and the tangy bite of Sour Mix, it’s sure to be a hit. Whether you’re new to making cocktails or an experienced mixologist, this shot is simple yet impressive.

Pair it with other fun shots like the Green Tea Shot or some Jello Shots to create a full party menu of delicious drinks. Don’t forget to garnish and serve your shots in chilled shot glasses for the best experience!