Cactus Cooler Shot Recipe – Hungarian Chef

by Lori Walker, RD & Recipe Developer published on October 10, 2023, last modified on October 14, 2023

Cactus Cooler is a refreshing and unique drink. It is perfect for summer barbecues, pool parties, or just to enjoy on a hot day. The combination of tangy citrus juices and sweet peach schnapps makes for a perfectly balanced shot that will leave you wanting more.

Whether you’re looking for a new drink to impress your friends or just want to try something new, this cactus cooler shot is the perfect choice. It’s easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it a go-to cocktail for any occasion.

So why not give it a try and add some zest to your next gathering with this refreshing cactus cooler? Let’s get started!

cactus cooler shot recipe

What is a Cactus Cooler Shot? 

Cactus cooler shot is a cocktail made with a combination of vodka, tangerine and lime juice mix, peach schnapps, and lemon-lime soda. This unique drink has become popular for its refreshing taste and vibrant color. It’s perfect for those who enjoy sweet and tangy flavors in their drinks.

The name “cactus cooler” comes from the bright green color of the drink, resembling the color of a cactus. This shot is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a great addition to any party or gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Cactus Cooler Shot?

There are many reasons to love this cactus cooler shot. It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and has a unique and refreshing taste.

The combination of citrus juices and sweet peach schnapps creates a perfectly balanced flavor that will leave your taste buds satisfied. Plus, the addition of lemon-lime soda adds a fun fizz to the shot.

You can also customize it by adding a splash of tequila for an extra kick or making it non-alcoholic by replacing the alcohol with soda.

Not to mention, this cactus cooler shot is perfect for any occasion and will impress your friends and family with its vibrant color and delicious taste.

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Ingredients 

  • Vodka: This clear and colorless spirit is the base of this cactus cooler shot. You can use any brand of vodka that you prefer.
  • Tangerine and lime juice mix: This adds a burst of citrus flavor to the shot. You can also use orange juice as a substitute if tangerine juice is not available.
  • Lemon-lime soda: This adds a refreshing fizz to the shot. You can use any brand of lemon-lime soda that you prefer.
  • Peach schnapps: This peach-flavored liqueur adds a hint of sweetness to balance out the tartness of the citrus juices.
  • Lime wedges: These are used for garnish and add a pop of color to the shot.
  • Ice: This is used to chill the ingredients and make the shot cold and refreshing.
cactus cooler shot

Step by Step Directions 

Step 1

Prepare the Shot Glasses

  • Start by placing shot glasses in the freezer for about 10 minutes to chill them.
  • This will make sure that your cactus cooler shot stays cold and refreshing until you’re ready to drink it.

Step 2

Gather Your Ingredients

  • Gather all of your ingredients and equipment before starting to make the shot.
  • Having everything prepared beforehand will make the process easier and smoother.

Step 3

Add Ingredients to a Shaker

  • In a cocktail shaker, add ice, vodka, tangerine and lime juice mix, and peach schnapps.
  • Shake well until all ingredients are combined.

Step 4

Strain into Shot Glasses

  • Remove the shot glasses from the freezer and strain the mixture into them.
  • Make sure not to overfill the shot glasses, leaving enough room for a splash of lemon-lime soda.

Step 5

Top with Lemon-Lime Soda

  • Add a dash of lemon-lime soda on top of each shot.
  • This will add a refreshing fizz and balance out the tartness of the citrus juices.

Step 6

Garnish and Serve

  • Garnish each shot with a wedge of lime on the rim.
  • This will add extra flavor and make your cactus cooler shots look even more appealing.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips 

  • For an extra kick, add a splash of tequila to the mix.
  • To make this shot non-alcoholic, simply omit the vodka and peach schnapps and replace them with lemon-lime soda.
  • To make a larger batch, simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you desire.
  • If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, you can use a mason jar or any other container with a tight-fitting lid to shake the ingredients together.
cactus cooler shot

Nutrition Information 

How to store Cactus Cooler Shot?

Cactus cooler shots are best served immediately after making. However, if you have leftovers or want to make a larger batch in advance, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply cover the shot glasses with plastic wrap and keep them chilled until ready to serve.

It’s not recommended to store cactus cooler shots for longer than 24 hours as the flavors may become diluted and the drink may lose its freshness.

So, it’s best to make them just before serving for optimal taste and enjoyment. Also, don’t forget to remove the lime wedges before storing them as they can make the shots bitter over time.

What other substitute can I use in Cactus Cooler Shot? 

if you don’t have all the ingredients for a cactus cooler shot or want to try a different variation, there are a few substitutes you can use:

  • Instead of a tangerine and lime juice mix, you can use pineapple juice for a sweeter flavor.
  • If you don’t have peach schnapps, you can substitute it with triple sec or any other fruit-flavored liqueur.
  • For a non-alcoholic version, you can use lemon-lime soda and orange juice as a substitute for the vodka and peach schnapps.
cactus cooler shot

Cactus Cooler Shot Recipe

Cactus Cooler is a refreshing and unique drink. It is perfect for summer barbecues, pool parties, or just to enjoy on a hot day.
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cactus cooler shot recipe
Servings: 2
Calories: 36kcal

Equipment

  •  Shot glasses
  • Cocktail shaker

Ingredients

  • 1 oz vodka
  • Ice
  • 1 oz tangerine and lime juice mix
  • dash Lemon-lime soda
  • 2 lime wedges for garnish
  • 1 oz peach schnapps

Instructions

  • Prepare the shot glasses- To ensure your cactus cooler shots remain perfectly chilled, start by placing the shot glasses in the freezer for approximately 10 minutes. Freezing the shot glasses beforehand will keep your drink cold and refreshing until it is ready to be served.
  • Gather all ingredients- Before beginning the preparation process, gather all necessary ingredients and equipment. This will make the process smoother and more efficient.
  • Combine ingredients in a shaker- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, vodka, tangerine lime juice mix, and peach schnapps. Give it a vigorous shake until all ingredients are well combined.
  • Strain into chilled shot glasses- Remove the shot glasses from the freezer and strain the mixture into them. Be careful not to overfill, leaving enough room for a splash of lemon-lime soda.
  • Add a burst of fizz- Top off each shot with a dash of lemon-lime soda. This will add a refreshing effervescence and balance out the tartness of the citrus juices.
  • Enhance with a zesty garnish- Complete your cactus cooler shots by adding a wedge of lime on the rim of each glass. This not only adds extra flavor but also elevates the appearance of your drink. Serve immediately and savor every sip!

Notes

  • For an extra kick, add a splash of tequila to the mix.
  • To make this shot non-alcoholic, simply omit the vodka and peach schnapps and replace them with lemon-lime soda.
  • To make a larger batch, simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you desire.
  • If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, you can use a mason jar or any other container with a tight-fitting lid to shake the ingredients together.

Nutrition

Calories: 36kcal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

FAQs

Can I make a virgin Cactus Cooler Shot for kids?

Yes, you can easily make a non-alcoholic version of the cactus cooler shot by replacing the vodka and peach schnapps with lemon-lime soda and orange juice.

Can I make a larger batch of Cactus Cooler Shot for a party?

Yes, you can easily multiply the ingredients to make a larger batch of cactus cooler shots. Just remember to keep them chilled until ready to serve.

Can I add salt to the rim of the shot glasses?

If you enjoy a salty rim on your shots, you can definitely add it to this recipe. Simply rub a lime wedge along the rim of the shot glass and dip it into salt before adding the mixture. This will add a fun salty-sweet contrast to the shot.

Conclusion

Now that you have all the information on how to make a delicious cactus cooler shot, it’s time to gather your ingredients and give it a try. Whether you’re having a party with friends or just want to enjoy a refreshing drink on a hot day, this shot is the perfect choice.

With its bright colors and balanced flavor, it’s sure to be a hit among all your guests. So, shake up some cactus cooler shots and impress everyone with your mixology skills!

Thank you for reading this article & please share this with your friends and family for them to enjoy this delicious cactus cooler shot too!

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Lori Walker is a passionate dietitian and food lover. She offers simple and nutritious recipes that don't take long to cook. In addition to sharing delicious dishes, she also shares useful advice on saving time and money in the kitchen. She believes that with a bit of creativity, anyone can make healthy meals that won't break the bank. Read more

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