30 Best Boozy Pudding Shot Dessert Recipe Ideas

Want a surefire way to get guests to eat the dessert at a party?

How about making them adorable. Easy to eat.

Making them just the small taste or two of dessert that everyone really wants.

And the final kicker? Put alcohol in them.

Pudding shots double as a drink and dessert in just one or two bites. And these little cups of happiness for the grownups will be a huge hit at your next gathering.

There’s one for every occasion, from birthdays to barbecues.

I’ve collected thirty delicious ideas to get you started, so let’s go!

Make sure to pin this post to refer to later to find the perfect pudding shot for your party all in one place:

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What’s in a pudding shot?

Basic pudding shots are usually made up of:

• Pudding mix. There are so many different flavors of pudding to choose from, and the ingredients in the mix help give the alcohol that pudding consistency.
• Cold milk. The chilly temperature helps the pudding set.
• Alcohol and liqueurs. Choose your favorite booze and liqueur flavors and it’s a dessert with endless combination possibilities.
• Whipped cream. Most creamy pudding shot recipes have it combined in the mixture because it helps firm up shots with high alcohol content. Others may just have a pretty dollop on top.
• Garnishes. These are essential to the presentation, pudding shot theme, and cuteness factor.

Yes, adorable pudding shots are tempting for everyone, but these boozy desserts are for adults only, so take care to keep them away from the kids!

How to serve and eat pudding shots.

Put these dessert shooters in plastic shot cups like these souffle cups with lids, these disposable party shot cups, or make them more special in a glass shooter. Don’t forget to add the tiny dessert spoons.

If you serve them in a smaller 1 oz. size condiment cup, you can even choose to eat them jello shot style, loosening the edges with your tongue and dropping it into your mouth.

Classic shot and cocktail favorites.

Buttery Nipple Pudding Shots.

I made these buttery nipple pudding shots as dessert for a golf party, but renamed them “Buttery Boozy Birdie Shots” to go with the party theme. Here’s the easy recipe:

For more fun golf, Caddyshack, and Happy Gilmore party ideas, see the post, “PAR-TEE Time: Ideas for a Golf Themed Party“.

Bailey’s Pudding Shots.

If Bailey’s Irish Cream is one of your favorite dessert drinks, you’ll love it even more as a dessert shooter. This yummy recipe combines chocolate pudding, whipped topping, and hot cocoa mix with Irish cream liqueur.

See the recipe at: Fun Money Mom

White Russian Pudding Shots.

This pretty layered dessert recipe has all the flavor of White Russians with Kahlua coffee liqueur and whipped cream vodka.

See the recipe at: Ann’s Entitled Life

Mudslide pudding shots.

Bailey’s, Kahlua, and vodka make this Mudslide pudding shot recipe a chocolatey, creamy delight.

See the recipe at: Biscuits and Burlap

Rumchata pudding shots.

Rumchata is right up there with Bailey’s in my book as one of the best dessert liqueurs with its “melted vanilla ice cream with a hint of cinnamon” flavor. This Rumchata pudding shot recipe marries that deliciousness with the flavor of cheesecake. Yes, please.

See the recipe at: My Baking Addiction

Lemon Drop Pudding Shots.

This dessert form of lemon drop shots would sparkle at a hot summer night gathering, 4th of July party, or a BBQ.

See the recipe at: The Sweetest Occasion

Dessert classics in a shot cup.

Banana pudding shots.

The ultimate southern comfort dessert with a little extra “comfort“. And the Nilla Wafers on top are cute as a (vanilla) button!

See the recipe at: The Soccer Mom Blog

Tiramisu Pudding Shots.

This party dessert is the perfect “finale dolce” for any Italian dinner party.

See the recipe at: Lemons for Lulu

Banana split pudding shots.

Can’t get much cuter than a tiny cup of banana split drizzled with chocolate, and topped off with whipped cream and a cherry!

See the recipe at: Bread Booze Bacon

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Cookies and Cream Pudding Shots.

Cookies and cream is the number one favorite ice cream for many people. But ice cream is awkward to serve at a party. Unless it’s a pudding shot sprinkled with Oreo cookie crumbles.

See the recipe at: Ann’s Entitled Life

Reeses peanut butter cup pudding shots.

These peanut butter whiskey pudding shots are the perfect Reese’s candy marriage of chocolate pudding and Skrewball peanut butter whiskey. Garnish with a piece of telltale Reese’s to thrill the peanut butter cup lovers at first sight.

See the recipe at: Homebody Eats

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Pudding Shots.

Maybe your favorite pudding shot is not based on a classic treat or drink, but a classic dessert-like cereal. Fireball cinnamon whisky and Rumchata bring the sugary cinnamon cereal flavor. Rim the shot glass in cinnamon sugar and top with a Cinnamon Toast Crunch square to spell out exactly what it is before you even get your mouth around it.

See the recipe at: Tipsy Bartender

Fall and cold weather pudding shot ideas.

Pumpkin Rumchata Pudding Shots.

Wouldn’t this be the perfect tiny taste of pumpkin pie when you’re too full to even think about dessert after a fall meal like Thanksgiving? Crushed graham crackers add the classic complementing texture and taste to the creamy pumpkin goodness.

See the recipe at: A Family Feast

Spiced Rum Pudding Shots.

Spiced rum with its warm cinnamon and nutmeg, chocolate pudding, and a hint of coffee flavor will have you feeling all warm and snuggly.

See the recipe at: Kitchen Fun With My Three Sons

Salted caramel mocha pudding shots.

Your favorite decadent Starbucks frappuccino drink in a dessert shooter. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel topping, a sprinkle of sea salt, and the signature Starbucks green straw.

See the recipe at: Tablespoon

Smores pudding shots.

This s’mores shooter is as perfect for any winter gathering as a warm cup of hot cocoa. The micro mini marshmallows, mini chocolate chips, and fun-size Hershey bar could only be cuter if you served it in a demitasse cup with a handle like a tiny mug.

See the recipe at: Crafty Morning

Want a cute appetizer for your fall party? See my acorn cheese ball in the post, “Best Ranch Cheese Ball Recipe: Hit of the Holiday Party“.

Summer and warm weather party pudding shot ideas.

Key Lime Pie Pudding Shots.

One of my favorite summer desserts has to be key lime pie. These creamy pudding shots are sweet, tart, cool, and grounded with the flavor of graham crackers just like the pie. Make sure to top this one with the whipped cream and lime wedge.

See the recipe at: Ann’s Entitled Life

Strawberry Cheesecake Pudding Shots.

These strawberry cheesecake pudding shots are a show-stopping summer party dessert with their pretty pink color and topped with fresh juicy ripe strawberry wedges.

See the recipe at: The Sweetest Occasion

Beach pudding shots.

Coconut-flavored “water” and crushed graham cracker “sand” are a fun-filled day at the beach in this sweet treat.

See the recipe at: Julie’s Eats & Treats

Red, White, and Blue Pudding Shots.

These cheesecake-flavored patriotic pudding shots in stripes of red, white, and blue are a fun way to celebrate July 4th, Memorial Day, and Labor Day.

See the recipe at: Princess Pinky Girl

Orange Creamsicle Pudding Shots.

Orange and vanilla and crushed Golden Oreo crust make this a dreamy creamsicle in a cup.

See the recipe at: Live Laugh Rowe

Pina Colada Pudding Shots.

If you like pina coladas, and getting caught in the rain (sorry to stick that song in your head all day), then this pudding shot is for you. This tropical treat is made with Malibu coconut rum, pineapple juice, and coconut cream pudding.

See the recipe at: Crafty Morning

For a refreshing, light warm weather cocktail that’s not dessert, make this “Summer in a Cup” cocktail.

Holiday and celebration pudding shot ideas.

Christmas pudding shots.

Eggnog Pudding Shots.

A bit of eggnog and spiced rum will make everyone more jolly for any holiday season celebration.

See the recipe at: Sugar and Soul

Chocolate Mint Pudding Shots.

Cookies and cream pudding, creme de menthe, and crushed Oreo cookies make this lovely green shot taste like a Thin Mint. Or for the holidays, let’s go with Andes Mint.

See the recipe at: Bitz & Giggles

St. Patricks Day Pudding Shots.

Lucky Charms Pudding Shots.

These bright green St. Patty’s day dessert shooters even have a bit o’ the Irish cream. Hope there’s gold on the other side of that Lucky Charms marshmallow rainbow in the whipped cream cloud.

See the recipe at: My Heavenly Recipes

Pistachio Pudding Shots.

This pretty green pudding shot made with pistachio instant pudding, Bailey’s, and vodka is also perfect for St. Patricks Day.

See the recipe at: Finding Zest

Birthday Pudding Shots.

Funfetti Birthday Cake Pudding Shots.

All the celebration of birthday cake without having to eat the whole slice. Cake-flavored vodka, yellow cake mix, vanilla pudding, and rainbow nonpareils bring the party.

See the recipe at: Unsophisticook

Red Velvet Cake Pudding Shot.

This red velvet pudding shot is another pretty cake option to celebrate a birthday. Or whip these up for any party where pink or red is the theme like Valentine’s Day or Christmas.

See the recipe at: Home Cooking Memories

Basic pudding shot recipes.

If you’d like to play it safe, you usually can’t go wrong with good old vanilla or chocolate. Plus, you can use these two basic recipes as a base and come up with your own delicious creation!

Basic vanilla pudding shots.

Vanilla pudding plus vanilla vodka and whipped cream vodka bring a classic vanilla flavor that everyone likes, and this recipe is easy to dress up with the toppings of your choice.

See the recipe at: Ann’s Entitled Life

Basic chocolate pudding shots.

Can’t drive through Wendy’s without ordering a Frosty? You’re sure to love this cup of creamy chocolate made with instant chocolate pudding mix, Pinnacle whipped cream vodka, and Bailey’s. Scrumptious as is, or top with chocolate shavings, chocolate candy, or cookie pieces.

See the recipe at: Unsophisticook

Pudding shot FAQ’s.

Can you make pudding shots ahead of time?

You can make most of these pudding shot recipes up to a week before your event and store them in the fridge.

Why didn’t my pudding shots set?

It’s likely the high alcohol content. If your booze is around 80 proof, you may have a problem with the pudding setting up. If this happens, stir some whipped topping into the pudding mixture and chill again.

When should I add the toppings to pudding shots?

Wait until the mixture has chilled in the refrigerator so you know the shots will be the right consistency. If they’re runny, you’ll still be able to fix them with whipped cream. Plus, some garnishes may get soggy or run while sitting in the refrigerator.

Should you freeze or refrigerate pudding shots?

Refrigerating is preferred, but most can be frozen for up to two months. The texture will change with freezing and won’t be as creamy, but still edible. Don’t fill the cups to the top if you plan to freeze them so they have room to expand.

Can you use sugar-free pudding in pudding shots?

Pudding shots can be made with sugar-free instant pudding if you’d like to cut a little bit of the sugar.

Can you use low-fat or fat-free whipped topping in pudding shots?

Pudding shots that call for Cool Whip can be made with fat-free or light whipped topping. The consistency will be a little lighter and less creamy than the full-fat version.

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These could be dangerous if I had every one of these 30 tempting dessert creations sitting in front of me. Because I’d have to taste every single scrumptious one.

Did I miss one of your favorite pudding shot recipes? Tell us what it is in the comments!

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