Fun Red Snapper Shot is a delicious red cocktail shot perfect for the holidays! You only need Canadian whiskey, amaretto liqueur, and cranberry juice to make this sweet shot

Red Snapper Shot

Contents show

I love fun holiday cocktails! They are easy to make and look great when served at holiday parties.

This Red Snapper Shot is fruity and oh-so delicious. I should mention that this cocktail does not contain fish or fish oil. I know the name is the same as a large redfish, but trust me, this drink uses only Canadian Whiskey, Amaretto, and cranberry juice.

Ingredients

Here is a quick overview of the simple ingredients for making an epic Red Snapper Holiday Shot! The printable recipe card at the bottom of the post includes specific measurements and step-by-step instructions.

Crown Royal Canadian Whisky
Amaretto Liqueur
Cranberry Juice

Equipment Needed

OXO angled jiggers - these are our go-to measuring tools for cocktails. They work perfectly for pouring in layers for cocktails.
Cocktail Shaker – This cocktail shaker comes with a fantastic set of tools
2 ounce shot glasses - We love these 2 oz shot glasses especially for layered shots.

How to make a Red Snapper Shot

I've included complete instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, but here's a quick version.

Pour Crown Royal Canadian Whiskey into a cocktail shaker filled with ice

Pour Amaretto Liqueur into the cocktail shaker.

Add cranberry juice to the cocktail shaker.

Shake until the drink is cold and mixed.

Strain into 2 oz shot glasses. With this Red Snapper cocktail shot, you should have enough to fill two shot glasses.

Preparation and Storage

Make Ahead + Storage:

The Red Snapper Shot is make-ahead-friendly! Combine the ingredients in an airtight storage container up to a day or two beforehand and chill in the fridge until serving. You may need to shake the container in case any ingredients have settled.

Recipe Variations

Substitutions:

If you are making this as a cocktail or in different-sized shot glasses, the proportions are 1 part Canadian Whiskey, 1 Part Amaretto, and two parts juice. We measured it out to 1 part = 1 fluid ounce.

You can easily change the amount of each ingredient to suit your favorite flavors.

You can use any brand of Canadian whiskey in this recipe. Crown Royal Canadian Whiskey is what you most likely had if you tried this shooter at a bar or restaurant, so you can always make this shot with another Canadian whiskey.

We use Disaronno Amaretto when making this cocktail shot, but you can use any amaretto that you enjoy the taste of.

Vegetarian + Vegan Option:

This party shot is vegetarian but not vegan. Crown Royal does not verify whether its products or ingredients are vegan, so vegans should look for a whiskey with a vegan label.

Gluten-Free:

The distillation process removes most but not all gluten, so we recommend that drinkers with high gluten sensitivity make the Red Snapper Shot with a gluten-free Canadian whiskey.

Amaretto is on Celiac.com’s list of gluten-free liqueurs, and cranberry juice is naturally gluten-free.

Alcohol-Free Option:

Replace the Crown Royal Canadian Whisky and amaretto with NA alternatives to make alcohol-free Red Snapper Shots.

Larger Group/More Servings:

If you love the flavor of this winter drink, you can double the ingredients and make it a full cocktail instead of a shot.

Sugar-Free:

The written recipe contains 8 grams of sugar per serving. We have not seen a sugar-free substitute for amaretto at the store, but you can lower the sugar content with zero-sugar cranberry juice.

Tips for the Best Red Snapper Shot

If you are worried about the ice diluting your drink, you can chill the ingredients and skip the ice. Before serving the Red Snapper Shot, you can store the shot glasses in your freezer so everyone gets an ice-cold shot glass.
This recipe is for the cocktail shot, not a Bloody Mary. I know that the Bloody Mary is called a red snapper in some areas, but that is a different drink.

What to Serve with Red Snapper Shot

The festive Red Snapper Shot is yummy and fun to serve at winter parties! Here are other seasonal favorites for sharing with friends and family this holiday season.

Sides: Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls, Cheesy Green Beans, Cranberry Sauce, Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams, Creamed Corn Casserole, CrockPot Scalloped Potatoes & Ham

Main Dishes: Eggnog French Toast, Ham & Cheese Crescent Roll, CrockPot Turkey, CrockPot Cranberry Barbecue Meatballs, Bourbon Baked Ham, CrockPot Orange Glazed Ham

Desserts: Eggnog Cookies, Sugared Cranberries, 4 Ingredient Christmas Crack, Reindeer Chow, Grinch Bark, No Bake Church Window Cookies, Eggnog Cake with Eggnog Glaze