If you’re looking for a fun little drink that surprises everyone with how much it tastes like actual chocolate cake—without a crumb of cake or drop of chocolate—this shot is it. Sweet, nutty, and finished off with a sugared lemon wedge, the Chocolate Cake Shot is always a crowd-pleaser. I’ve made this drink countless times, and I still love watching people’s reactions the first time they try it.
Chocolate Cake Shot
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 shot (easily multiplied for a group)
Glassware: Shot glass or small rocks glass
Ingredients
– 1 oz (30 ml) vodka
– 1 oz (30 ml) hazelnut liqueur (like Frangelico)
– 1 tsp granulated sugar (or to taste)
– 1 lemon wedge
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can mix the vodka and hazelnut liqueur ahead of time and keep it chilled in the fridge for up to a day. Just shake with ice right before serving. The lemon wedge should be sugared fresh for best flavor and texture.
How to Make a Chocolate Cake Shot
- Rub the lemon wedge in sugar until it’s well coated. Set aside.
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Pour in the vodka and hazelnut liqueur.
- Shake well—about 10–15 seconds—until the outside of the shaker feels cold. This chills the drink and blends the flavors.
- Strain into a shot glass.
- To drink: take the shot, then bite into the sugared lemon wedge immediately after. That’s the magic moment when the chocolate cake flavor comes through.
Tips for Best Flavor
– Chill everything: Cold vodka and liqueur help smooth out the alcohol burn and make the flavors pop.
– Use fresh lemons: Avoid bottled lemon juice—it won’t give the same bright citrus kick.
– Don’t skip the sugar: That sweet coating on the lemon wedge is what brings out the “cake” flavor.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
You can tweak this shot to match your taste or whatever you have on hand.
Substitutions:
– No hazelnut liqueur? Use almond liqueur (like Amaretto) for a different kind of nutty sweetness.
– Watching your sugar? Swap in a sugar substitute like monk fruit or stevia—just coat the lemon well so it still balances the drink.
Fun Variations:
Caramel Cake Shot
– Replace the hazelnut liqueur with caramel liqueur.
– Still use the sugared lemon wedge—it brings out the dessert-like flavor.
Nutty Cake Shot
– Use almond liqueur instead of hazelnut.
– Gives a marzipan-like twist to the shot.
Berry Cake Shot
– Sub raspberry liqueur for the hazelnut.
– Adds a fruity layer that’s super fun at summer parties.
Non-Alcoholic Version
– Use hazelnut syrup and a splash of water or club soda instead of the booze.
– Kids love the surprise flavor too—just keep the sugared lemon wedge!
Why It Tastes Like Chocolate Cake (Even Without Chocolate)
It’s all about how the flavors play together. Hazelnut liqueur has deep, toasty notes that mimic the richness of chocolate. When you pair that with the bright citrus and sugar from the lemon wedge, your taste buds fill in the rest. It’s like a little trick on your tongue—and it works every time.
Serving Suggestions
This shot is a great way to kick off a celebration or wrap up a dinner party.
Pair it with:
– Chocolate truffles or brownies for a double dessert treat
– A fruit platter with fresh berries and citrus to cut the sweetness
– A cheese board with soft, creamy cheeses like Brie or goat cheese for contrast
Scaling Up
Making these for a group? Just multiply the ingredients and shake in batches. You can pre-sugar a plate of lemon wedges ahead of time for easy serving.
Common Questions
Does it really taste like chocolate cake?
Yes! That’s the fun of it. The combo of hazelnut, lemon, and sugar tricks your brain into tasting chocolate cake.
Can I prep this ahead?
You can mix the liquids and keep them cold. Shake and sugar the lemon right before serving.
Is the sugared lemon wedge necessary?
Absolutely. Without it, the drink just tastes like hazelnut and vodka. The lemon and sugar bring the “cake” to life.
Can I use flavored vodka?
Yes! Vanilla vodka works especially well and adds to the dessert feel.
One Last Sip
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights on the patio—it’s simple, fun, and always gets people talking. Whether you’re making one for yourself or a tray for friends, the Chocolate Cake Shot is a sweet little trick worth keeping in your recipe box.
