Celebrate in sweet, delicious style with the tasty and creamy Birthday Cake Shot.
Today is our friend’s 40th birthday. A milestone in any generation—one should be happy that they made it this far. And in a few short years, they have their first colonoscopy to look forward to.
So our buddy going once more around the sun got me pondering about birthday cakes. It got me thinking about today’s cocktail too, a delicious little shooter called the Birthday Cake Shot. While nobody knows who created it or where this mixture started, we can only be thankful to the genius mixologist who discovered that when hazelnut liqueur is combined with lemon juice and vodka, the results taste exactly like a birthday cake.
I’ve had some memorable cakes throughout the years on my own birthday. My dad is quite the baker and artist, and he would make some pretty cool themed confections based on whatever I was into that year, be it Star Wars, Ghostbusters or anything else like that. My nephews get the star cake treatment from him too, and it pleases me to no end that the tradition continues.
When I turned eight, my family treated me to Cookie Puss, the legendary large ice cream cake with a sugar cone for a nose. You could only get it from Carvel, and kids who spent any part of their childhood in New York City remember the joys of Carvel and their cakes. Special shoutout to Fudgie the Whale.
But I think the cake I’ve grown to love the most when my dad can’t do the baking is a giant chocolate chip cookie cake from Mrs. Fields. A slice of that with an Orange Julius on the side and I’m in flavor heaven. Even now at my age, I request one every year.
But when you can’t get these or just want a more adult celebration that doesn’t involve a half-naked dancer jumping out of a giant baked good, the Birthday Cake Shot will keep the celebrations going well into the night.
What is the Best Alcohol to Use in a Birthday Cake Shot?
An unflavored or vanilla vodka will play nicely with the hazelnut liqueur that is a must in this recipe. We mention the brand Frangelico, which is fantastic and has a smooth texture and sweet taste. Any hazelnut spirit should work if you can’t find what we’ve suggested.
Ingredients
- Lemon or lime slice for the rim, optional
- Nonpareils for the rim and garnish, optional
- 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce vodka
- 1/2 ounce Frangelico
- Whipped cream to top
Instructions
- Begin by chilling a shot glass in the freezer to ensure a cold shot.
- Moisten the rim of your chilled shot glass with a lemon or lime slice and dip it into the nonpareils.
- Pour the fresh lemon juice into the shot glass.
- Add the vodka over the lemon juice.
- Carefully layer the Frangelico to maintain distinct layers.
- Top the shot with a generous helping of whipped cream and more nonpareils.
Nutrition
What kind of glass and garnish is used?
A chilled shot glass rimmed with decorative and festive sprinkles will keep the birthday guest of honor happy. Add a candle so they can make a wish.
Can you still get a Cookie Puss cake?
Yes! The Cookie Puss cake is still available for your next birthday party. Highly recommended!
Similar Shots to the Birthday Cake
Shots are a great party favor. You can always just slam some simple ones, but you know you’re a little more sophisticated than that. You have a thirst for creative, colorful and tasty tipples that hit the spot and relax the senses. Twist & Toast has a lovely array of mini cocktails you can serve in shot glasses, perfect for your next gathering of friends and loved ones.
- Jell-O Shot – The classic frat party favorite can still be enjoyed well into responsible adulthood.
- Duck Fart Shot – A shot with a funny name but big whiskey flavor.
- B-52 Shot – Take Grand Marnier, Kahlúa and Baileys, then light it on fire for an unforgettable shooter.
- Washington Apple Shot – An apple-flavored whiskey elixir, with a satisfying tart finish.
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