Johnny Vegas Shot

I remember the first time I tried a Johnny Vegas Shot at a friend’s party; the neon pink color caught my eye immediately, but it was the flavor that really hooked me.

It tastes surprisingly like a watermelon jolly rancher, but with a little kick that reminds you it’s definitely for adults. I love making these for summer gatherings because they are incredibly easy to mix up and always seem to get the energy flowing.

If you are looking for a fun, fruity shooter that isn’t too harsh on the palate, this recipe is going to become your new favorite. Let me walk you through exactly how I make this crowd-pleasing drink right at home.

Ingredients

Here are the specific ingredients you will need to mix up this vibrant shot. Getting the proportions right is key to balancing the sweetness with the alcohol.

• 1.5 oz Tequila Reposado – This aged tequila adds a subtle oaky vanilla note that rounds out the sweetness better than silver tequila.
• 1.5 oz Watermelon liqueur – This is the primary flavor driver; look for brands like DeKuyper or 99 Watermelons for that classic candy taste.
• 1.5 oz Energy drink – Red Bull is the standard here, providing a tart bite and a bit of fizz to lighten the mixture.
• Ice cubes – You will need plenty of clean ice to chill the drink down rapidly without diluting it too much.

Note: This recipe makes 1 large cocktail or can be split into 2-3 standard shots.

Variations

While the classic recipe is delicious, you might want to tweak it based on dietary needs or what you have in your liquor cabinet.

• Fresh & Natural: Swap the watermelon liqueur for fresh watermelon juice and a splash of simple syrup for a less artificial, more refreshing taste.
• Lower Caffeine: If you want the flavor without the buzz, substitute the energy drink with a watermelon or berry-flavored sparkling water or soda.
• Extra Tartness: Add a splash of sour mix or fresh lime juice if you find the combination of liqueur and energy drink too sugary.
• Different Spirit: If you aren’t a fan of tequila, vodka works as a neutral substitute that lets the watermelon flavor shine even brighter.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 3 minutes
• Cooking Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 3 minutes

Equipment You Need

• Cocktail Shaker: Essential for combining the spirits and getting them ice-cold before serving.
• Jigger: Use this to measure your liquids accurately so the balance of flavors is perfect.
• Strainer: This keeps the ice cubes out of your final drink for a smooth drinking experience.
• Shot Glasses or Old Fashioned Glass: Depending on if you are serving this as a shooter or a sipping cocktail.

How to Make Johnny Vegas Shot?

This drink comes together very quickly, but following the right order ensures it is perfectly chilled and mixed. I like to have everything set out on the counter before I start so the ice doesn’t melt while I’m looking for ingredients.

Chill the Ingredients

Before you even start mixing, I highly recommend making sure your Red Bull and watermelon liqueur are cold. I usually pop the energy drink in the freezer for about ten minutes before starting. This ensures that when you combine everything, the ice in the shaker doesn’t melt instantly, which keeps your drink potent and flavorful rather than watery.

Shake the Spirits

Grab your cocktail shaker and fill it about halfway with ice cubes. Pour in the 1.5 oz of Tequila Reposado and the 1.5 oz of Watermelon liqueur. Cap the shaker tightly and give it a vigorous shake for about 15 to 20 seconds. You want to shake it until the outside of the metal tin feels very cold and frosty to the touch, ensuring the alcohol is properly chilled.

Strain and Top

Strain the tequila and liqueur mixture into your chosen glass. If you are making shots, divide the mixture evenly between shot glasses; if making a cocktail, pour it over fresh ice in a rocks glass. Finally, top it off with the 1.5 oz of energy drink. Do not shake the energy drink, or it will lose its carbonation and could explode in the shaker; just pour it right on top.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

I have made these quite a few times, and there are a few small things I do that really elevate the experience.

• I always use a high-quality Reposado tequila rather than the cheapest gold tequila I can find; the smoothness really matters since the other ingredients are so sweet.
• If I am serving this to guests, I like to rim the shot glasses with a mixture of sugar and a tiny pinch of salt to enhance the watermelon flavor.
• I find that adding the energy drink last is crucial; it creates a nice little fizz on top and keeps the drink from looking flat.
• For an extra cold shot, I sometimes store my shot glasses in the freezer for an hour before the party starts.

How to Serve Johnny Vegas Shot?

Presentation can make a simple shot feel like a fancy cocktail bar experience. I love serving these in tall shot glasses to show off the pink color. You can garnish the rim with a small wedge of fresh watermelon or a lime wheel for a pop of contrasting green color. If you are serving it as a sipping drink in a rocks glass, a maraschino cherry dropped into the bottom adds a nice sweet treat for the end. Make sure to serve them immediately after pouring while the fizz is still active.

Nutritional Information

Here is a quick look at the approximate nutritional content for this recipe.

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 0g

Make Ahead and Storage

Since this drink relies on carbonation, it is best made fresh, but there are ways to prep ahead.

Make Ahead: You can pre-mix the tequila and watermelon liqueur in a sealed jar or bottle and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you are ready to serve, just shake with ice and top with the energy drink.

Storing: Once the energy drink is added, you can’t really store it as it will go flat. However, the spirit mixture without the energy drink can be stored in the refrigerator indefinitely.

Freezing: You generally shouldn’t freeze the finished drink, but you can freeze watermelon cubes to use as “ice” that won’t dilute your drink as they melt.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This shot has become a staple in my hosting rotation for several good reasons.

• Incredible Flavor Profile: The combination of sweet watermelon and tart energy drink completely masks the burn of the alcohol, making it very palatable.
• Party Starter: The caffeine from the energy drink combined with the tequila gives everyone a little boost of energy to keep the night going.
• Visual Appeal: The vibrant pinkish-red color looks fantastic in photos and adds a festive vibe to any tray of drinks.
• Simple Ingredients: You don’t need any obscure bitters or house-made syrups; everything can be found at a standard grocery and liquor store.