Chocolate Cake Shot

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I have come across a lot of strangely named drinks before and very few things surprise me anymore. However, from the moment I heard about the chocolate cake shot recipe (also called the German chocolate cake shot recipe), I was instantly curious.

In my mind, I was picturing a thick chocolate cake shot that probably had the texture of a molten fluffy chocolate cake. The reality was, however, nothing like I had imagined.

Looking at what I had in my shot glass, I couldn’t imagine why someone would call this chocolate cake shot. Where was the cake?

I soon forgot all my questions, though. After the first sip, I was hooked and I still enjoy it to this day. If you have a sweet tooth and are partial to chocolate cake, this is the best shot for you to try out.

Why Is It Called a German Chocolate Cake Shot?

The answer to that question lies in the unique taste of the German chocolate cake shot. To be quite frank, it’s a rather ordinary-looking cocktail without the flashy garnish or bright colors of some of the more popular drinks like you’d see with our mexican candy shot recipe.

However, trust me when I say that this chocolate cake shot is an insanely delicious shot that is quickly becoming a favorite of many amateur cocktail mixers around the world.

Its name comes from the unmistakable taste of the chocolate cake that this drink has. You would think that an entire slice of chocolate cake has somehow been miraculously blended and added to your shot glass.

The look is very deceptive, to say the least because it does nothing to prepare you for the powerful combination of hazelnut liqueur and Vanilla Vodka with a simple lemon wedge to round off things nicely.

What Is So Great About This Chocolate Cake Shot Recipe?

If ever there was a perfect birthday cake shot recipe, this is it! This is how adults are meant to celebrate their birthdays, with a shot glass full of double helpings of chocolate cake shots.

Besides the great taste of chocolate cake shots, there are a few other things that I loved, namely:

• It is very easy to make a chocolate cake shot, only requiring a few minutes to complete
• The two major ingredients are easy to find and affordable
• It brings a party to life during celebrations

The Four Important Features

If you are planning on making this birthday cake shot recipe, you should know a little more about its two major ingredients. In reality, a chocolate cake shot has at least four ingredients, which we will discuss here, but it is the Vanilla Vodka and hazelnut liqueur that matter.

Vanilla Vodka

In my opinion vanilla vodka adds a different kind of sweetness to your chocolate cake shot that you do not usually get with other types of Vodka.

However, this chocolate cake shot recipe is very versatile in this regard and you are free to use any type of vodka that you want.

Veil’s Whipped Cream Vodka is a popular choice if you can find it. Other worthy considerations include Smirnoff’s Salted Caramel Vodka, Cake Vodka, or even Citrus Vodka.

However, be careful that your Vodka choice doesn’t end up stealing the show from your chocolate cake shot. Some types of Vodka, such as Citrus Vodka, will add different flavor chemistry to your birthday cake shot, especially when complemented by a lemon wedge garnish.

Hazelnut Liqueur

My hazelnut liqueur of choice is Frangelico Hazelnut Liqueur, which is Italian-made and one of the best in its category. It brings out the “chocolate cake in a shot glass” flavor experience.

However, just like with the Vanilla Vodka, you have a few options here, too. Any hazelnut liqueur brand will do the job well so you do not have to worry too much about this.

As long as you can get the dark chocolate, coffee, and vanilla flavors, you would have done this chocolate cake shot recipe justice.

Heavy Cream

There is nothing better at smoothing out a shot and cutting out the strong taste of alcohol than a dollop of heavy cream floating on top of your shot glass.

If one of the reasons you started drinking cocktails is to escape the alcoholic flavor, you should always have some heavy cream in the fridge.

Of course, adding heavy cream is entirely optional, so if you find you do not like the idea of cream in your cocktail, feel free to leave it out.

Lemon Wedges

Adding a garnish to your shot glass is, as always, a matter of taste because your drink will be just fine without it. However, in this case, I recommend that you add a lemon wedge at least. This is common for a drink like a lemon drop shot.

Chocolate cake shots already look so plain on their own that a lemon wedge would go a long way toward making the drink more appetizing.

You can also go all out by covering the rim of the glass with sugar, cocoa powder, and cream cheese. If you are hosting a party and looking to impress, go for this second option!

Make a Chocolate Cake Cocktail Instead!

If you find that the combination of chocolate liqueur, Vanilla Vodka, and a sugar-rimmed glass is just too sweet for you, try making a cocktail instead of a chocolate cake shot.

The ice cubes will go a long way in diluting the sweetness and you can also do away with the sugar-rimmed glass. Ditching the Vanilla Vodka for Citron Vodka will also be a great choice for your less-potent cocktail.

Essential Equipment

In terms of essential equipment, I will just assume that you intend on making both the chocolate cake shots and the cocktails. In that case, you will need the following:

Cocktail Shaker

This chocolate cake shot recipe does not call for a lot of shaking because the Vanilla Vodka and hazelnut liqueur mix very easily so you can just make your drink directly in the glass if you wish.

Paring Knife

You will need a lot of lemon wedges so get a paring knife and slice away.

Small Dish

When hosting a large gathering, you are going to be coating multiple shot glasses with your cocoa powder and cream cheese. I suggest you use a small dish that you can simply dip in your shot glasses to save time.

Shot Glasses

If the reception of your drink is what I think it will be, you will need a lot of shot glasses close by.

Cocktail Glasses

Only have these if you intend on making cocktails, otherwise, stick with the shot glasses.

Chocolate Cake Shot Recipe Tips

Here are a few handy tips to remember before you start making your shots:

• If you are going to be adding ice cubes to your shot glass, always do this last to avoid diluting the shot too much
• White sugar is a good substitute for cocoa powder if you find that the drink is becoming too chocolaty. It will still look amazing but with a lot less overwhelming sweetness.
• Most shots use a cocktail shaker with ice in it so there is no need to worry about the shot not being cold enough. However, f you are going to be making your drink directly into the shot, you could place the shot glasses in the freezer for 20 minutes right before using them to get them nice and cold
• If you want a truly German-style chocolate cake shot, use some coconut rum instead of the Vanilla Vodka
• When dipping the rim of the glass with sugar and cocoa powder, use a shallow plate to avoid having a rim with too much garnish

Best Time for Chocolate Cake Shots

The best time to whip out this delicious shooter is during celebrations of large family gatherings. However, it’s a drink that you can enjoy anytime with your friends, or alone after a long day at work.

If you find the taste is too sweet for you to enjoy regularly, try playing around with different types of Vodka until you get a flavor that is palatable enough for regular consumption.

Final Word

With this chocolate cake shot recipe up your sleeve, you will never host a dull event again. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that is easy to make and so delicious. Try it at your next dinner party!