This Chocolate Cake Shot is one of my favorite cake shots because of how simple it is and how magical it tastes. It captures the essence of a delicious chocolate cake in a shot glass! It doesn't have any chocolatey ingredients, but somehow, when the hazelnut liqueur meets the lemon juice, it changes the flavor profile.

Jump to:
I like to prepare this shot recipe for parties. It feels fancy and elegant, and you can dress it up with garnishes to take the presentation up a notch. If you host dinner parties or even holiday parties, this easy chocolate shot is worth sharing.
If you like chocolate drink recipes, you will love this Oreo Frappuccino and Cinnamon Hot Chocolate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s great for parties: This shot is rich and delicious! I love to make it for party guests, and it’s always a hit. Try serving it at your next gathering, and no one will be disappointed.
- It’s only 3 ingredients: This is a simple dessert shot recipe that uses just three ingredients. I love how uncomplicated yet tasty it is.
- It’s quick to prepare: It takes only a few minutes to prepare a chocolate-flavored cake shot, so you can spend more time enjoying it than making it!
Ingredients
Below is everything you need to make a these cake shots, and they each play a part in achieving that magical cake flavor. It’s only 3 components, too.

- Frangelico: This is a rich hazelnut liqueur. It’s one of the key ingredients in a Frangelico chocolate cake shot. It has hints of cocoa, too, which gives it a Nutella-like flavor.
- Vanilla vodka: I like the sweetness of the vanilla vodka mixed with the hazelnut and lemon juice. You may use regular vodka if you prefer.
- Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice will give you the best flavor, so I highly recommend you grab some fresh lemons. As it combines with the hazelnut flavor, it creates a chocolatey aftertaste, just like chocolate cake.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Spiced cake shot: Try this recipe using spiced rum instead of vanilla vodka to give the shot a spiced cake flavor.
- Irish cream cake shot: Make an Irish cream version by swapping the Frangelico for Bailey’s Irish cream.
- Caramel cake shot: Use caramel vodka in place of vanilla vodka to create a caramel chocolate cake flavor.
How to Make Chocolate Cake Shooters
Preparing a chocolate cake shot with Frangelico is super simple! You add the components, shake, and then enjoy!

Step 1: Add ice and alcohol. Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Then, pour in the Frangelico liqueur and vanilla vodka.

Step 2: Pour in lemon. Next, add the fresh lemon juice.

Step 3: Shake and pour. Cover and shake the ingredients well. Then, pour the shot into the glass.

Step 4: Garnish and serve. If desired, garnish with whipped cream, a light dusting of cocoa powder, and a lemon wedge. Take the shot immediately!
Recipe Tips
- Make a large batch: Increase the measurements of the ingredients and make a pitcher. This makes serving much quicker and easier if you’re having company over!
- Chill the shot glasses: Stick them in the refrigerator to get them super cold before making the chocolate cake shooters. This will keep the shot cold, and it tastes even better the colder it is.
- Taste test for balance: I like to make a test shot to see if I need to change the ratios of the ingredients. This will be based on your preference.
If you love recipes like this dessert shot, you may also enjoy this Butterfinger Shot.

Serving Suggestions
- Drizzle some blueberry syrup in your shot glasses to add a sweet berry flavor to the chocolate cake shooters.
- Have some delicious chocolate better than sex cake with your shot for an extra indulgent experience.
- More chocolate treats to pair with this shot include chocolate cake Chex mix and chocolate ice cream without eggs.
- Enjoy a yummy dinner like bistro shrimp pasta and finish it with a sweet shot.
Recipe FAQs
This is a mild, sweet shot recipe. It doesn’t have a strong alcoholic taste like some other shots because of the rich flavor from the Frangelico.
You may, but the taste may vary! I like to use Frangelico because it tastes almost like Nutella spread, adding a slight cocoa flavor to enhance the chocolate cake.
Sure! Increase the measurement of the Frangelico and vodka, and then add a splash of heavy cream.

More Fun Shot Recipes
Do you like shots? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.
If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section, I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!

Chocolate Cake Shot
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounce Frangelico
- 1 ½ ounce Vanilla Vodka
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice about halfway.
- Pour in Frangelico and vodka and shake until chilled.
- Strain into shot glasses.
- If desired, garnish with whipped cream and cocoa powder or a lemon.
Notes
- This shot recipe is best made on demand unless you’re making a large pitcher for a crowd. I would only prepare the pitcher up to a couple of hours before serving for the best flavor.
- Frangelico is a must to achieve that rich chocolate cake flavor. You may experiment with another hazelnut liqueur, but it may yield a different result.
- Chill your shot glasses in the refrigerator to keep the ingredients extra cold. It enhances the flavor!
Leave a Reply