The 4-Ingredient Shot Perfect For Chilly Fall Nights

On a cold fall night, skip the blanket; a specialty shot can warm you up just the same. As the weather cools and the sun sets earlier, your typical get-togethers may need a little extra coziness. And even though a slice of warm apple pie can do the trick, an apple pie shot is just as delicious — and a little more fun.

Whether you're hosting a dinner or a fall fireside party, serving a specialty shot is the key to an unforgettable get-together. Not only are they a delicious alternative to shooting straight liquor, but a specialty shot sets the mood for a memorable fall-themed party. With flavors of apple and cinnamon, a bite of vodka, and topped with a delicious garnish, an apple pie shot has all of the vibes of the classic dessert with a boozy twist. Bonus: All you need to create this wam-all-over drink is four ingredients: vodka, apple cider, cinnamon, and whipped cream.

The name sounds as daunting as making an apple pie from scratch, but its shot version is a simple drink for a cozy fall night, requiring only four ingredients. By mixing equal parts delicious apple cider and vodka, and topping with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, this specialty shot is extremely simple to prepare. Sure, you can mix things up and use an apple-infused spirit (or even a cinnamon whisky), but if vodka is all you have, it's really all you need.

There are still a few ways to elevate this classic four-ingredient shot. For an extra boozy bite, consider swapping out the standard version for a homemade boozy whipped cream. Adding a splash of liquor to your cold heavy cream and powdered sugar can bring another level of flavor (and a little extra spice) to this classic shot.  

You can dress this shot up even more by adding some flavor around the rim. Dipping your shot glass into a homemade caramel sauce, or rimming it with cinnamon sugar or salted-caramel crumbles, add a boost of flavor and added texture to an apple pie shot. No matter how you top it off, the flavors of this four-ingredient apple pie shot are almost exactly like that of your favorite fall dessert — just with a little extra kick, of course.