What Liqueur Should You Use For A German Chocolate Cake Shot?

We're huge fans of drinks with a brief ingredient list that pack a big punch. The favorite Boulevardier has three components, for instance, but lately, we've been obsessed with a shot that has just two. Known as German chocolate cake shot, this drink a rich, dessert-like flavor that will delight anyone with a sweet tooth. The crazy thing about it, though, is that there's no actual chocolate liquor or liqueur (and yes, there's a difference) in the shot. Instead, it's made with just the hazelnut liqueur known as Frangelico and vodka. Yes, it tastes just like German chocolate cake, though it is sometimes referred to more simply as a chocolate cake shot.

Our favorite aspect of this shot is how customizable it is. While the basic recipe is Frangelico and vodka, perhaps garnished with a lemon wedge, the shot is tremendously customizable. It also batches incredibly, making it great for serving at parties ... specifically, birthday parties. After all, where else would a chocolate cake be right at home?

The first change you can make in your German chocolate cake shot is in what vodka you use. While plain vodka is traditional — check out a list of vodka brands ranked by experts to guide your choice — you can also try vanilla vodka, chocolate vodka, or even cake-flavored vodka for an extra kick of confectionary sweetness. The Frangelico is non-negotiable, as it lends the chocolate-y kick of hazelnut, kind of like liquid Nutella. 

Where you can get more creative is with the garnishes. The lemon that a German chocolate cake shot is served with is meant to cut through the rich sweetness, but some folks lean in hard on that element and coat the rim of the shot glass in sugar. It's very easy to do: simply dip the edge of the shot glass in simple syrup and then in sugar. You could go with colored sugar if you want to fit a party theme (the shot itself is almost colorless), or go all-out and make cookie shot glasses or chocolate shot glasses to turn your shots into a full-on dessert! You might also spike the drink with heavy cream for additional richness or even top it with a dollop of frothy whipped cream. No matter how you serve it, this shot is a definite treat.