Ingredients
- .75 oz Blueberry Vodka
- .75 oz Butterscotch Schnapps
Instructions
Prepare the Shaker:
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 0.75 oz of blueberry vodka and 0.75 oz of butterscotch schnapps.
Shake Well:
- Shake the mixture well until it is thoroughly chilled.
Strain and Serve:
- Strain the mixture into a double shot glass.
Enjoy:
- Serve immediately and enjoy your sweet and fruity Blueberry Pancake Shot.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
This shot is a modern bar creation, likely a product of bartenders experimenting with flavored vodkas and liqueurs to mimic popular dessert flavors. It does not have a storied history or a specific inventor. Think of it as a playful, contemporary addition to the sweet shot repertoire, probably born in a busy bar looking for the next big thing to serve on a Friday night.
The Blueberry Pancake Shot sits firmly in the dessert shot category, alongside other sweet concoctions like the Buttery Nipple or the Pineapple Upside Down Cake shot. What sets it apart is its unique flavor profile, specifically engineered to taste like breakfast. While many dessert shots rely on creamy liqueurs, this one uses fruit and butterscotch to achieve its specific sugary illusion.
You would typically find this shot at a lively bar, a college hangout, or a party where people are looking for something sweet and a bit whimsical. It is perfect for a themed brunch gathering where shots are on the menu, or as a late-night sweet treat when the serious cocktails have already been served. Do not expect to see it on a classic cocktail menu at a high-end lounge.
What it tastes like
On the front, you get a clear, sweet burst of blueberry, thanks to the flavored vodka. This quickly transitions into the rich, almost syrupy notes of butterscotch, which provides the ‘pancake’ element: a buttery, brown sugar sweetness. The finish is lingeringly sweet and smooth, leaving a pleasant, dessert-like aftertaste that is surprisingly true to its namesake.
We are looking at about 1.5 ounces of liquid here. With 0.75 oz of a 35% ABV blueberry vodka and 0.75 oz of a 15% ABV butterscotch schnapps, this shot clocks in around 25% ABV. That makes it stronger than your average beer, which is typically 5%, but lighter than a straight shot of 80 proof spirit. It is a moderately potent shot, designed for flavor more than a knockout punch.
The technique
Building this shot is straightforward. Grab your shaker, fill it with ice, and pour in your blueberry vodka and butterscotch schnapps. Give it a good, hard shake until the shaker feels thoroughly chilled. This ensures proper dilution and a cold serve. Strain the mixture into a double shot glass or a small cordial glass, and get it to your customer while it is still frosty.
The most critical technique here is proper chilling. Sweet shots like the Blueberry Pancake Shot can taste cloying and unbalanced if they are not served ice cold. Shaking vigorously with plenty of ice not only chills the drink but also introduces a small amount of dilution, which smooths out the sweetness and makes it more palatable. Skimp on the chill, and you will end up with a lukewarm, overly sugary liquid that is far less enjoyable.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Blueberry Vodka
- Use
- Any quality blueberry-flavored vodka works here. Brands like Smirnoff Blueberry, Absolut Blueberry, or Three Olives Blueberry are solid choices. Aim for one that tastes like natural blueberries, not artificial candy.
- Skip
- Regular unflavored vodka with a blueberry syrup. While it might get you the flavor, the texture and balance will be off, making the shot too syrupy or thin. It is not the same drink.
- Why
- This is the primary source of the ‘blueberry’ in the Blueberry Pancake Shot. It provides the essential fruity top note that makes the drink recognizable and appealing, contrasting with the rich butterscotch.
Butterscotch Schnapps
- Use
- DeKuyper Buttershots or Hiram Walker Butterscotch Schnapps are reliable choices. You want that distinct, buttery, caramel-like flavor that defines butterscotch.
- Skip
- Caramel liqueur is a common misstep. While similar, caramel has a different flavor profile that will shift the ‘pancake’ vibe. Stick to true butterscotch for the authentic taste.
- Why
- This ingredient is the backbone of the ‘pancake’ flavor. It brings the sweet, rich, and slightly buttery notes that create the illusion of a breakfast treat, perfectly complementing the blueberry.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Adult Pancake
- Add a creamy touch
- For a creamier, richer shot, add about 0.25 oz of Irish cream liqueur to the shaker. It softens the edges and makes it even more dessert-like.
Maple Bacon Pancake
- Smoky, sweet, and salty
- Introduce a small dash of maple syrup and a hint of smoky flavor. A few drops of a quality maple whiskey or even a very small float of mezcal can add an intriguing layer to the shot.
Blueberry Muffin
- Almond-kissed sweetness
- A small splash, around 0.25 oz, of almond liqueur like amaretto will give this shot a distinct blueberry muffin character, adding a nutty complexity to the sweet fruit.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
You can use regular vodka with 0.5 oz of a quality blueberry liqueur or blueberry syrup, but note the flavor might be less integrated and the texture slightly different.
Caramel liqueur can work in a pinch, but be aware it will shift the flavor profile away from the true ‘pancake’ taste towards a more general caramel dessert.
A small cordial glass, a pony glass, or even a small rocks glass will serve the purpose. The key is a small vessel for a quick drink.
You can stir the ingredients with ice in a mixing glass for about 30 seconds until well chilled, then strain. It will not be as aerated but will still be cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Blueberry Pancake Shot?
A Blueberry Pancake Shot contains 0.75 oz of blueberry vodka and 0.75 oz of butterscotch schnapps.
How do you make a Blueberry Pancake Shot?
You make it by shaking blueberry vodka and butterscotch schnapps with ice in a cocktail shaker until well chilled, then straining it into a shot glass.
Is the Blueberry Pancake Shot strong?
It is moderately strong for a shot, coming in around 25% ABV. It is stronger than a typical beer but less potent than a straight shot of 80 proof liquor.
What does a Blueberry Pancake Shot taste like?
It tastes like sweet blueberries combined with rich, buttery, and slightly caramel-like butterscotch, mimicking the flavor of a blueberry pancake.
What kind of vodka should I use for a Blueberry Pancake Shot?
Any good quality blueberry-flavored vodka will work. Look for brands that offer a natural blueberry taste.
Can I make a batch of Blueberry Pancake Shots?
Yes, you can multiply the ingredients by the number of shots you need, mix them in a pitcher, chill thoroughly, and pour into shot glasses as needed.
What is the best way to serve a Blueberry Pancake Shot?
Serve it immediately after shaking, very cold, in a small shot glass to enjoy its sweet and fruity profile at its best.
Is this a dessert shot?
Absolutely. The Blueberry Pancake Shot is designed to be a sweet, indulgent, dessert-like drink, perfect for after-dinner enjoyment or as a fun party shot.
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