Summer House Shooters Recipe

Combine base spirits

Into a cocktail shaker add 1 tsp vodka, 1 tsp vanilla vodka, 1/2 tsp triple sec and 1/4 tsp simple syrup. If making multiple shooters, multiply quantities by the number of servings.

Add ice (optional)

Add about 2 tablespoons of crushed ice to the shaker if you want the shooter chilled and slightly diluted. For a room-temperature strong shooter skip ice.

Secure the shaker lid and shake vigorously for 6–8 seconds to chill and combine. If no shaker is available, stir briskly in a mixing glass for 10–12 seconds.

Prepare rim

Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of a chilled shooter glass and dip rim into coarse sugar to coat lightly.

Strain the shaken base shooter into the prepared rimmed shooter glass. Squeeze a tiny drop of fresh lemon into the shaker before pouring (optional for extra brightness). Garnish with a thin lemon wedge or twist.

Muddle cucumber

Before adding spirits to the shaker, place half a cucumber slice (per shooter) into the shaker and gently muddle once to release juices and aroma. Then add base spirits and crushed ice and shake 6–8 seconds.

Double-strain the mixture into a chilled shooter glass to remove solids. Garnish by threading a small cucumber slice on the rim or placing it inside the shooter.

Macerate berry

Place a fresh raspberry or two small blueberries in the shaker and gently muddle to release juices. Add base spirits and crushed ice, then shake 6–8 seconds.

Strain into a chilled shooter glass. Garnish with a single fresh berry dropped into the shooter or speared on a toothpick.

Add tropical flavor

To the base mix in the shaker, add a few drops (about 1/8 tsp) of pineapple juice or a bar spoon (approximately 1 tsp) of crushed pineapple for a small tropical accent. Add ice and shake 6–8 seconds.

Strain into a chilled shooter glass and garnish with a tiny pineapple wedge or leaf.

Serve shooters immediately while chilled. Each shooter is single sip — present on a small tray. If preparing multiple at once, keep shaken batches briefly on ice and strain into glasses right before serving.

Ensure any muddled solids are removed by double-straining so the shooter is smooth. Clean garnishes and place neatly on the rim or in the shooter.