Chocolate Cake Shot

This simple chocolate cake shot recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Smooth vodka and hazelnut liqueur blend into a rich, dessert-like drink finished with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa.

For more dessert-like shots, try our Key Lime Pie Shot and Apple Pie Shot.

• Tastes Like Dessert: Every sip has the flavor of a fluffy chocolate cake without needing chocolate liqueur.
• Three Ingredients Only: You only need lemon juice, vanilla vodka and Frangelico liqueur, making it one of the easiest shot recipes ever.
• Quick and Simple: Made in minutes with just a cocktail shaker and shot glasses.
• Great for Parties: A fun conversation starter and a great way to end a dinner or celebration.

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Chocolate Cake Shot.

See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.

• Frangelico: A hazelnut liqueur that gives a rich, nutty sweetness similar to German chocolate cake.
• Vanilla Vodka: Adds smooth, subtle sweetness and balances the nutty flavors beautifully.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for brightness and a slight tang that enhances the “chocolate cake” illusion.

Grab yourself a cocktail shaker and a jigger.

• Swap the Vanilla Vodka: Use unflavored vodka for a cleaner, stronger taste.
• Add Chocolate Liqueur: For a richer dessert feel, try a splash of crème de cacao.
• Try a Martini Glass: Serve it as a full-size drink for a fun twist on the shot version.
• Sweet Addition: Rim the glass with cocoa powder and sugar for extra sweetness, or try a sugar rim.
• Add Whipped Cream: Top with whipped cream and cocoa powder for a dessert-style finish.

This shot comes together fast with just a few steps.

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice about halfway.

Pour in Frangelico, vodka and lemon juice, then shake until chilled.

Strain into shot glasses.

If desired, garnish with whipped cream and cocoa powder or a lemon.

Hint: Use high quality vodka for the more refreshing, smooth sip.

• Shaken/Stirred: The colder the shot, the smoother and more cake-like it tastes.
• Glass: Chill your shot glasses or serve in a martini glass for a classy twist.
• Garnishes: Add whipped cream with cocoa powder or try a lemon juice rum.
• Smoother Profile: Chill your vodka and liqueur before pouring for an extra smooth shot without diluting too much.

For another creamy and sweet shot, try Cinnamon Toast Crunch Shot.

Eastside Cocktail

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Shot

Cranberry Shrub

Toasted Almond Drink

• Chocolate Treat Pairings: Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies, Brownie Cookie Bars, Cake Brownies from Brownie Mix or Rolo Brownies.
• More Sweet Shots: Scooby Doo Shot, Bazooka Joe Shot, Snake Bite Shot, Sweet Tart Shot.

The combination of vanilla vodka, hazelnut liqueur and lemon creates a flavor trick that mimics real chocolate cake.

Absolutely. Mix equal parts vodka and Frangelico in a pitcher, then shake each round with ice before pouring into shot glasses.

Mix chocolate syrup, hazelnut syrup and a splash of milk for a creamy mocktail version.

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