Thank you for being here—really. Every time you show up for another recipe, especially the fun, whimsical, holiday-inspired ones, it feels like we’re building the most delicious little corner of the internet together. And today’s treat? Ohhh, it’s playful, creamy, sweet, and absolutely guaranteed to bring cheer to any holiday gathering.
Let me introduce you to Santa’s Reindeer Crumble—a dessert-style Christmas shot that tastes like a cookies-and-cream milkshake with a festive grown-up twist. If you love holiday cocktails and Christmas treats, this one is anything but boring!!
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What Is Santa’s Reindeer Crumble?
It’s a creamy, cookie-rimmed holiday shot made with vanilla or caramel vodka, a splash of white chocolate or Irish cream liqueur, and smooth cream. It’s festive, sweet, lightly boozy, and tastes like a Christmas dessert in miniature form!
Perfect for parties, Christmas Eve, girls’ night, or when you want something fun and holiday-themed without a lot of effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 2 minutes
- Feels like a holiday dessert
- A total crowd-pleaser at parties
- Adorable presentation + easy garnishes
- Customize the flavor—caramel, vanilla, white chocolate, Irish cream… so many options!
- The cookie rim is EVERYTHING
What Does It Taste Like?
Imagine a spiked melted sugar cookie with hints of vanilla, caramel, and creamy white chocolate… all chilled, silky, and topped with festive crunch. It’s smooth, sweet, and incredibly cozy—a true Christmas-in-a-shot-glass moment.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Minimal ingredients
- Extremely easy to scale for a group
- Fun, festive presentation
- Can be made with whichever liqueur you already have
- Perfect for cookie & cocktail pairing nights
- Pairs beautifully with holiday desserts
Ingredients
- 1 oz vanilla or caramel vodka
- ½ oz white chocolate or Irish cream liqueur
- ½ oz cream or half-and-half
- Crushed cookies or graham crackers (for rimming)
- Mini chocolate pieces, candy eyes, or festive sprinkles (for garnish)
Tools You’ll Need
- Cocktail shaker
- Shot glasses
- Small plate (for cookie crumb rim)
- Ice
- Strainer
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
Add-Ins
- A tiny splash of cinnamon for warmth
- A drop of peppermint extract for a holiday twist
- A swirl of caramel sauce inside the glass
- A sprinkle of crushed toffee
Substitutions
- Use vanilla almond milk creamer instead of cream for dairy-light
- Use Baileys, RumChata, or Godiva liqueur instead of Irish cream
- Use gingersnap crumbs instead of graham crackers for more spice
How to Make Santa’s Reindeer Crumble (Step-by-Step)
1. Rim the Glass
Dip your shot glass in a little cream or liqueur.
Press into crushed cookies or graham crackers to coat the rim.
2. Shake
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Add:
- Vanilla or caramel vodka
- White chocolate or Irish cream liqueur
- Cream or half-and-half
Shake vigorously until well-chilled and creamy.
3. Pour
Strain into your rimmed shot glass.
4. Garnish
Add mini chocolate pieces, festive sprinkles, or candy eyes to finish the look.
(You can even make it look like a tiny reindeer!)
Serve immediately and enjoy!
What to Serve With This Festive Shot
- Christmas cookies
- Brownie bites
- Cheesecake squares
- Chocolate-dipped pretzels
- Gingerbread men
- Holiday snack mixes
Tips for the Perfect Holiday Shot
- Chill your shot glasses for extra smooth flavor.
- Shake the drink hard—cream blends better when vigorously shaken.
- Use finely ground cookies for the rim so they stick well.
- Want it thicker? Add an extra splash of cream.
- Want it sweeter? Add a drizzle of caramel before shaking.
Storage Instructions
This shot is best prepared fresh, but you can pre-mix the alcohol and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Add cream and shake right before serving for best results.
General Information
- Prep time: 3 minutes
- Servings: 1 shot (easily multiplied!)
- Difficulty: Super easy
FAQs
Can I make this non-alcoholic?
Yes! Use vanilla coffee creamer, a splash of caramel syrup, and a little milk or half-and-half. Shake over ice.
Can I batch this for a party?
Absolutely! Mix all liquids in a pitcher, chill, then shake individual shots with ice before serving.
Can I make it peppermint flavored?
Yes—just add a drop (literally one drop) of peppermint extract.
Can I use whipped cream on top?
Yes, and it makes it extra cute and dessert-like!
Conclusion
Santa’s Reindeer Crumble is festive, creamy, quick, and guaranteed to be a hit at any holiday gathering. It’s sweet, playful, and incredibly easy to customize—perfect for Christmas parties or a fun holiday night in.
If you loved this recipe, check out more festive treats like:
- Christmas Cookie Shots
- Bailey’s Hot Cocoa
- Sugar Cookie Martini
Share Your Holiday Magic!
Make this shot? Don’t forget to leave a review and tag or share your photos on Pinterest—I LOVE seeing your festive creations!
Nutritional Information (Approx. per shot)
- Calories: ~145
- Carbs: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 3g
- Alcohol content: ~20%
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