Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
A Cactus Cooler Shot with a shot glass of liquor dropped into a larger glass of energy drink and orange juice.

Cactus Cooler Shot

5 from 1 vote
A Bold Burst of Citrus and Energy
Ready to bring the party to life? Dive into the irresistibly vibrant world of the Cactus Cooler Shot! This isn’t just a drink; it’s an explosion of tropical and citrus flavors that will make your taste buds dance. Imagine the sweetness of peach schnapps, the tangy kick of orange juice, and the effervescent thrill of an energy drink, all in one sensational shot. Perfect for any gathering, it’s the ultimate social lubricant that’s both delicious and Instagram-worthy. Want to be the life of the party? The Cactus Cooler Shot is your ticket to instant stardom! Trust us, this is one desert-inspired delight you won’t want to miss. Cheers to good vibes and even better drinks!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 3 minutes
Total Time 3 minutes
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
 

  • 0.5 cup Energy Soda Red Bull
  • 0.75 oz Mandarin Vodka
  • 0.75 oz Peach Schnapps
  • 1 oz Orange Juice
  • Ice optional

Instructions
 

Prepare the Shot:
  1. In a shot glass, add 0.75 oz of Mandarin vodka and 0.75 oz of peach schnapps.
Prepare the Glass:
  1. In a separate glass, add 1/2 cup of energy soda (Red Bull) and 1 oz of orange juice. If you prefer it chilled, add some ice to the glass.
Combine and Drink:
  1. Drop the shot glass into the glass with the energy soda and orange juice.
  2. Drink immediately to enjoy the full explosion of flavors.

Nutrition

Calories: 177kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 0.2gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.01gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 15mgPotassium: 58mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 57IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 9mgIron: 0.1mg

Notes

The Story Behind the Shot The Cactus Cooler Shot gets its name from the regional soft drink, Cactus Cooler, which is a popular orange-pineapple soda. This cocktail is a "grown-up" tribute to that nostalgic flavor, capturing the essence of the soda's fruity taste and adding a powerful, energetic kick. It's a modern party favorite, especially among those who love bomb shots.
Tips for a Perfect Shot
  • Chill Everything: For the best experience, chill all your ingredients—especially the energy drink—ahead of time. This ensures a crisp, refreshing, and delicious shot.
  • Customize Your Citrus: While mandarin vodka is the traditional choice, you can use a regular vodka and add a dash of orange or tangerine juice to get a similar flavor.
  • Make it a Drink: If you're not into bomb shots, you can simply pour the shot ingredients directly into the larger glass and stir.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • Is this shot very strong? The Cactus Cooler Shot is a high-energy drink with a decent amount of alcohol. The caffeine from the energy drink can mask the effects of the alcohol, so it's important to drink responsibly.
  • What does a Cactus Cooler Shot taste like? It has a sweet and fruity flavor, with prominent notes of peach and orange. The energy drink gives it a fizzy, tangy finish, creating a flavor that is both refreshing and exhilarating.
Servings: 1 serving
Course: Beverage, Cocktails, Drinks, Shot
Cuisine: Beverage, Cocktail, Drinks, Shot
Calories: 177

Loved This Recipe?

You'll love my Recipe Books!
Cheers Mate! Cocktail Recipes book cover by Scotty Boxa, featuring a shaker and glass
Grab it here

Cheers Mate!
Your ultimate cocktail playbook. Over 100 drinks that’ll make you the life of the party (or at least your own kitchen).

weets & Treats Dessert Recipes book cover by Scotty Boxa, featuring cupcakes and ice cream
Snag it now

Sweets & Treats
Boozy desserts + classic indulgence = pure chaos in the best way. No-bake cheats, rich bakes, and grown-up sweets you won’t want to share.

You Might also like these Recipes

An Irish Trash Can cocktail in a tall glass, with a vibrant green color and a can of Red Bull inverted and sticking out of the top.
The Irish Trash Can Cocktail

Get the recipe for the Irish Trash Can, a potent and vibrant green party drink that’s a wild mix of six spirits and a can of energy drink. This guide shows you how to make this classic party starter.

A vibrant green Liquid Marijuana Shot in a glass with a maraschino cherry garnish.
Liquid Marijuana Shot

Get the recipe for the Squashed Frog Shot, a unique and fun layered shooter that’s perfect for Halloween. This guide shows you how to make this ghoulishly delicious party drink.

A Burt Reynolds Cocktail in a tall glass with a pineapple wedge and cherry garnish.
Burt Reynolds Cocktail

Discover the Burt Reynolds Cocktail, a potent and fruity party drink that’s as bold as the actor himself. This guide provides the official recipe and tips for making this memorable, multi-liquor concoction.

A vibrant pink Johnny Vegas Shot in a glass with a lime wedge garnish.
Johnny Vegas Shot

Get the recipe for the Johnny Vegas Shot, a potent and fruity shooter that’s a perfect party starter. This guide shows you how to make this delicious mix of tequila, watermelon schnapps, and an energy drink.

A Water Moccasin Shot in a glass, with a lime wedge garnish on the rim.
Water Moccasin Shot

Dive into the Water Moccasin Shot! This guide provides the official recipe for the sneaky, sweet, and potent shooter that's a perfect blend of whiskey, peach, and pineapple.

A Skittle Bomb Shot with a shot glass of Triple Sec dropped into a larger glass of a yellow energy drink.
Skittle Bomb Shot

Get the recipe for the Skittle Bomb Shot, a fun and energetic bomb shot that tastes just like the classic candy. This guide shows you how to make this popular party favorite.

A Payday Shot in a glass, with a caramel and chopped peanut-coated rim.
Payday Shot Recipe

Looking for a legendary party shot? This guide provides the ultimate recipe for the Panty Dropper, a sweet and fruity shot that's guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

A Jolly Rancher Cocktail in a glass, with a vibrant color and a Jolly Rancher candy garnish.
Jolly Rancher Cocktail

Get the recipe for the Jolly Rancher Cocktail, a vibrant and fruity drink that tastes just like the classic candy. This guide shows you how to make this delicious, retro party favorite.

A Cactus Cooler Shot with a shot glass of liquor dropped into a larger glass of energy drink and orange juice.
Cactus Cooler Bomb Shot Recipe

Get the recipe for the Cactus Cooler Shot, a high-energy bomb shot that's a fun, fizzy, and fruity party starter. This guide shows you how to make this delicious drink.