Shamrock Mint Pudding Shots Recipe

If you’re a fan of creamy, minty treats with a boozy twist, you’re going to adore this Shamrock Mint Pudding Shots Recipe. I absolutely love how perfectly the cool vanilla pudding pairs with the minty liqueur, creating a dessert that feels like a celebration in every bite. Whether you’re prepping for St. Patrick’s Day or just want a fun party treat, these pudding shots are super simple to whip up and always get rave reviews. Stick with me—I’ll share everything you need to know to make these just right!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together to create that creamy, minty magic with a touch of sweetness. When shopping, look for a good-quality vanilla shake pudding mix and fresh whole milk to get that creamy texture just right.

• Sonic Vanilla Shake Instant Pudding: This gives the pudding shots that classic creamy base with a sweet vanilla flavor, making it irresistible.
• Whole Milk: I recommend whole milk for a richer, smoother pudding—low-fat milks don’t set as well.
• Baileys Vanilla Mint Shake Liqueur: This is the star ingredient that adds boozy minty flair; no substitute quite nails the flavor.
• Cool Whip (thawed): Folding this in makes the texture ultra-smooth and fluffy—don’t skip it!
• Green Food Coloring (optional): If you want those bold Shamrock vibes, a drop or two will do the trick.
• Whipped Cream for Garnish: Adds that extra creaminess and visual appeal to the finished pudding shots.
• Maraschino Cherries for Garnish: These bring a fun pop of color and a little sweetness on top.

Variations

One thing I love about the Shamrock Mint Pudding Shots Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Over the years, I’ve tried a few tweaks and it’s always fun to mix things up based on your mood or who you’re serving.

• Extra Minty: I sometimes add a splash of peppermint extract when I want a stronger mint punch, but be careful not to overdo it or it’ll get bitter.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap out the whole milk for coconut milk and use a non-dairy whipped topping—you still get that creamy texture with a fun twist.
• Stronger Shots: If you want more kick, you can add a bit more Baileys, but keep in mind it will loosen the pudding, so add slowly.
• Festive Colors: Have fun adding shamrock sprinkles or using green sugar around the rim of your shot glasses for St. Patty’s flair.

How to Make Shamrock Mint Pudding Shots Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together Pudding Mix and Milk

Start by whisking your Sonic Vanilla Shake Instant Pudding mix with whole milk in a large bowl. I like to use a whisk for this to get it really smooth before adding anything else. Whisk well until the mixture starts to thicken, usually about 3 minutes. Be patient here—it makes all the difference in getting the texture just right without lumps.

Step 2: Add the Baileys Vanilla Mint Shake Liqueur

Next, pour in the Baileys Vanilla Mint Shake Liqueur and whisk it right in. This is the moment your pudding mixture transforms into that delicious adult treat. The trick I discovered is to whisk it all together quickly but gently to keep the mixture from getting runny.

Step 3: Add Your Green Food Coloring (If Using)

If you want those classic Shamrock green shots, now’s the time to add a drop or two of green food coloring. I usually skip this and enjoy the pale minty hue, but if you’re hosting a festive party, the bold green really pops!

Step 4: Fold in the Thawed Cool Whip

Here’s the secret to that creamy, fluffy texture: gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip. I avoid whisking here because it can deflate the fluffiness. Use a spatula and fold until it’s evenly mixed but still light.

Step 5: Chill and Set in Shot Glasses

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to start setting. After that, spoon or pipe the pudding evenly into your shot glasses. Then chill those in the fridge for another 3 hours so they fully set up. This step is key so you don’t end up with runny shots.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

When you’re ready to party, top each shot with a dollop of whipped cream and crown it with a maraschino cherry. I love how the cherry adds that pop of color and a sweet contrast to the minty pudding. Trust me, your guests will be asking for the recipe!

How to Serve Shamrock Mint Pudding Shots Recipe

Garnishes

I keep it classic with a swirl of whipped cream and a bright maraschino cherry on top—it adds a fun contrast in color and flavor. Sometimes, I sprinkle crushed peppermint candies or green sanding sugar for a little extra festive sparkle. Either way, it looks impressive and tastes amazing!

Side Dishes

Since these pudding shots are a sweet treat, I like pairing them with savory finger foods like mini sliders or loaded potato skins at parties. The salty and rich sides balance out the minty sweetness perfectly, keeping everyone happy.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve dressed up my pudding shots in cute mini mason jars with twine and shamrock tags. If it’s St. Patrick’s Day, green-themed trays and even placing a small shamrock candy on the whipped cream adds a charming touch. When you want to dazzle guests, presentation here is half the fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep any leftover pudding shots covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re tightly covered so they don’t absorb fridge odors or dry out. I’ve found they maintain their creamy texture really well if chilled properly.

Freezing

Freezing pudding shots isn’t my favorite because the texture can get icy and less smooth when thawed. But if you must, freeze them in an airtight container and thaw overnight in the fridge. Expect some change in texture.

Reheating

These are best served cold, so no reheating needed. If you want to revive a bit after chilling too long, just give them a gentle stir or add a fresh dollop of whipped cream for freshness before serving.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Shamrock Mint Pudding Shots Recipe is a fun, festive way to bring a little adult joy to your dessert table. I remember the first time I made them for a St. Patrick’s Day party—my friends kept asking for more, and I loved seeing how simple ingredients could turn into such a crowd favorite. If you want a recipe that’s easy, delicious, and perfect for making memories with friends, give these pudding shots a try. I promise once you taste them, you’ll be hooked just like I am!

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