These fruity, floral ice shot glasses are a delightful and memorable addition to any gathering. They’re simple to make, visually striking, and a fun way to serve cocktails—especially apple cider shots for seasonal parties.
Also check out my ice rings and champagne ice bucket for more pretty party ideas.
After the floral ice buckets proved popular, I decided to create a miniature version—ice shot glasses. These are incredibly easy to assemble and make a lovely finishing touch for intimate gatherings or larger celebrations. They look elegant on a tray and make serving a short cocktail feel special.
How to Make Ice Shot Glasses
You’ll need an ice shot mold (silicone works best), clean water, and small edible decorations such as thin apple slices, pomegranate arils, cinnamon sticks or ground cinnamon, and small sprigs of herbs or greenery. Follow these straightforward steps.
- Fill each shot mold halfway with water.
- Arrange decorations in the mold: cinnamon, pomegranate seeds, thin apple slices, or little herb sprigs. Keep items small and edible.
- Top each mold with more water to finish filling.
- Place the molds in the freezer and freeze for about 4 hours, or until solid. For best results, allow up to 24 hours if your freezer is particularly cold or the molds are thick.
Decorating Your Ice Shots
Warm autumn colors work wonderfully: cinnamon sticks, thinly sliced apples, pomegranate seeds, and small greenery create a beautiful contrast in clear ice. Don’t be afraid to be generous with garnishes—more visual interest enhances the presentation. Keep everything edible and trimmed small enough to fit into the mold without obstructing the shot opening.
Once the decorations are arranged, pour additional water to top off the mold and freeze completely. If possible, freeze the molds on a level surface to keep the decorations in place while the water solidifies.
Apple Cider Shot Recipe
This spiced apple cider shot is a cozy pairing for the floral ice glasses. Adjust quantities as needed for batch size.
- 4 oz bourbon
- 4 oz pressed apple cider
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (or a small pinch)
- 1 tbsp orange liqueur
Combine the bourbon, apple cider, cinnamon, and orange liqueur in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake briefly to chill and blend the flavors, then strain into the frozen ice shot glasses and serve immediately. These are potent and flavorful—enjoy responsibly.
Storing and Serving Tips
Ice shot glasses melt quickly by design, so plan to serve them immediately. A good approach is to unmold the frozen shots a few hours before your event and keep them on a tray in the freezer so they’ll be ready to use. Right before serving, transfer the tray to the serving area, pour the prepared shot into each ice glass straight from the freezer, and hand them out.
These frozen glasses are a charming option year-round—refreshing for summer parties and festive for winter gatherings. They elevate a simple shot into a mini presentation that feels thoughtful and creative.
Tips for Success
- Use a flexible silicone shot mold for easy unmolding.
- Keep decorations small and edible: thin fruit slices, pomegranate arils, cinnamon sticks, and small herb sprigs work well.
- Prepare your cocktail mix in advance and chill it so you can serve immediately from the freezer.
- Serve straight from the freezer to prevent premature melting.
Ingredients and Instructions (Quick Reference)
Ice Shot Glasses
- Water
- Ice shot mold
- Cinnamon, apple slices, pomegranate seeds, herbs (as desired)
Apple Cider Shot
- 4 oz bourbon
- 4 oz apple cider
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp orange liqueur
Instructions
- Pour water into the shot molds until half full.
- Add decorations (cinnamon, pomegranate arils, thin apple slices, herbs).
- Top off with water, freeze on a level surface for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours for best results.
- For the shot: combine bourbon, apple cider, cinnamon, and orange liqueur in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into the frozen ice shot glasses.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
Calories: 45 kcal; Carbohydrates: 2 g; Protein: 1 g; Fat: 1 g; Sugar: 2 g. Nutrition values are approximate and should be used as a guideline only.
If you make these ice shot glasses, I’d love to hear how they turned out—share your ideas and variations in the comments. They’re an easy, elegant way to elevate party drinks and add a little seasonal flair.