The Pink Starburst Shot is a sweet, fruity drink that tastes just like a Pink Starburst. It’s made with watermelon puckers, vanilla vodka, and sweet and sour mix. Serve it as a shot or over ice for a fun treat at Valentine’s Day celebrations or themed parties.

For more sweet shot recipes, try my White Gummy Bear Shot and Green Tea Shot next!

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Easy Pink Starburst Shot Recipe
Ingredients
How to Make a Pink Starburst Shot
Here is a video with step-by-step instructions:
How to make a Starburst shot without a cocktail shaker:
Pro Tips
Pink Starburst Jello Shots
More Recipe Variations
FAQ
More Shot and Cocktail Recipes
📖 Recipe

close up view of pink starburst shot with more in the background

Easy Pink Starburst Shot Recipe

When I want a fun, candy-inspired drink, this pink Starburst shot recipe never disappoints. It’s vibrant, sweet, and perfect for birthdays, girls' night, bachelorette parties, Mother's Day, cookouts, and more!

The mix of watermelon puckers, vanilla vodka, and sweet and sour mix tastes just like everyone's favorite Starburst flavor, and that sugar garnish adds the perfect touch. Plus, it’s so easy to make, you’ll be shaking up another round in no time! Drink responsibly.

close up view of a pink starburst shot on tray with more

Ingredients

Vanilla vodka (4 ounces): I use vanilla vodka to bring that creamy, candy-like sweetness that makes this shot taste just like a Pink Starburst. Regular vodka works in a pinch, but vanilla really enhances the flavor.
Watermelon Puckers (4 ounces): This is what gives the drink its vibrant pink hue and juicy, fruity kick. It’s tart, sweet, and pairs perfectly with the vanilla vodka for that signature Starburst-inspired taste.
Sweet and Sour mix (4 ounces): This ingredient balances the drink, adding just the right amount of tang to cut through the sweetness. If you want to make it from scratch, mix fresh lemon and lime juice with simple syrup for a fresher flavor.

Optional Garnish Ideas:

Lite corn syrup: I use this to rim the glasses so the sugar sticks. If you don’t have it, a lemon wedge works just as well!
Pink sugar: A sugar garnish makes these shots even more fun and festive. You can buy pink sugar or make your own by mixing regular sugar with a drop of red food coloring.
Pink Starburst: The perfect finishing touch! I like to cut a small slit in the candy and wedge it onto the rim for a playful, candy-shop vibe.
Cool Whip/Whipped Cream: Add either of these for a creamy addition to the shot! It brings a smooth, delicious flavor to an already amazing drink.

overhead view of pink sugars for pink starburst shot recipe and an array of shot glasses and pink starbursts

Tools Needed

Shot glasses and/or cocktail glasses

How to Make a Pink Starburst Shot

See recipe card for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

Mix the Drink

I start by filling a cocktail shaker with ice to make sure the shots are ice-cold and smooth. Then, I pour in the vanilla vodka, watermelon puckers, and sweet and sour mix, creating the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and fruity flavors. Once everything is in, I shake the mixture really well until it’s fully combined and nicely chilled. If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, you can mix everything in a large cup or pitcher with ice and give it a good stir.

Serve Your Pink Starburst Shot or Cocktail

Once the drink is ready, I strain it into shot glasses for a quick, fun treat. If I’m in the mood for something sippable, I skip the shots and pour it over ice instead—it works just as well as a small cocktail!

Garnish for a Fun Touch

To add an extra fun touch, I like to rim the glasses with pink sugar. I start by dipping the edges in lite corn syrup to help the sugar stick, but a lemon wedge works just as well. Then, I roll the rims in pink sugar until they’re fully coated. For the final touch, I cut a small slit in a Pink Starburst and wedge it onto the rim. It makes the shots even more festive!

Enjoy Immediately

These shots are best served fresh, so once they’re mixed and garnished, I serve them right away.

Here is a video with step-by-step instructions:

How to make a Starburst shot without a cocktail shaker:

If you do not have a cocktail shaker, a large glass or pitcher will work. Simply add the ice to the glass or pitcher. Then add the equal parts vodka, sweet and sour, and watermelon puckers.

Use a large spoon to give it a good stir. Then strain the mixture into serving glasses or shot glasses. Alternatively, you can use a blender to get it all mixed up!

Pro Tips

Use vanilla vodka for the best flavor. Regular vodka works, but vanilla vodka gives the drink that signature creamy sweetness that mimics a Pink Starburst. If needed, add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract to plain vodka as a substitute.
Skip the ice if making ahead. If you’re mixing a batch in advance, store it in the fridge without ice to keep the flavors strong. Add ice only when serving to prevent it from getting watered down.
Chill your glasses for extra refreshment. Pop your shot glasses in the freezer for a few minutes before serving. This keeps the shots colder longer and enhances the smooth, candy-like taste.

Pink Starburst Jello Shots

You can easily turn these into Pink Starburst Jello Shots using pink Starburst-flavored Jell-O, which you can find at most grocery stores or online. Simply prepare the Jell-O according to the package instructions, then stir in your vanilla vodka once it cools slightly. There’s no need to add sweet and sour mix or watermelon puckers—the flavored gelatin already brings the perfect balance of sweetness. Pour into shot cups, let them set, and enjoy!

More Recipe Variations

Alcohol: Vanilla vodka is key to getting that classic Pink Starburst flavor, but if you don’t have it, regular vodka with ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract works too. For a twist, rum adds a subtle island vibe, while some say gin gives it a unique but delicious taste. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite version!
Pink Starburst Slushy: For a slushy version of the Pink Starburst cocktail, blend watermelon puckers, vanilla vodka, sweet and sour mix, and at least two cups of ice on high until smooth. Pour into a chilled mason jar or glass to keep it icy and refreshing. It’s the perfect frozen twist on this candy-inspired drink!
Large Batch: For easy entertaining, mix equal parts vanilla vodka, sweet and sour mix, and watermelon puckers in a lidded pitcher and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Skip the ice until serving to keep it from watering down. When ready, pour into shot glasses or serve over ice as a cocktail!

FAQ

What’s in a Pink Starburst Shot?

A Pink Starburst Shot is made with vanilla vodka, watermelon puckers, and sweet and sour mix. The vanilla vodka adds a smooth, creamy sweetness, while watermelon puckers bring a fruity, tangy kick. Sweet and sour mix balances everything out, creating a drink that tastes just like a Pink Starburst!

What flavor is the pink Starburst?

The pink Starburst flavor is strawberry. It’s known for its sweet, juicy taste with a slight tang, making it one of the most popular flavors in the pack. This Pink Starburst Shot mimics that fruity, candy-like flavor by combining vanilla vodka, watermelon puckers, and sweet and sour mix for a smooth and delicious drink.

What if I can’t find watermelon puckers?

If you can’t find watermelon puckers, try using strawberry schnapps or another fruity liqueur for a similar flavor. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will still give you a sweet, candy-like taste.

More Shot and Cocktail Recipes

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📖 Recipe

pink starburst shots on a table with ice around them

Pink Starburst Shot and Cocktail

The Pink Starburst Shot is a sweet, fruity drink that tastes just like a Pink Starburst. It’s made with watermelon puckers, vanilla vodka, and sweet and sour mix. Serve it as a shot or over ice for a fun treat at Valentine’s Day celebrations or themed parties.

Print Recipe Save Rate Recipe

Prep Time: 5

Total Time: 5

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: How to make a pink starburst shot, Pink starburst jello shot, Pink starburst jello shots, pink starburst shot, pink starburst shot recipe, What’s in a pink starburst shot

Servings: drinks 6 shots

Calories: 111kcal

Author: Tamara J.

Ingredients

4 ounces Vanilla vodka
4 ounces Watermelon Puckers
4 ounces Sweet and Sour Mix

Optional Garnish

Lite corn syrup
Pink sugar
Pink starburst

Instructions

Add ice cubes to a cocktail shaker. Pour in the vanilla vodka, watermelon puckers, and sweet and sour mix.
Shake the mixture up very well.
Alternatively, if you do not have a cocktail shaker, add all of the ingredients to a large cup or a pitcher. Add in the ice cubes and stir well until everything is fully incorporated.
Pour the pink starburst shots into shot glasses, or enjoy them as a cocktail over ice.

To garnish:

Pour the lite corn syrup in a shallow dish or bowl. Swirl the rim of the glass or shot glasses in the corn syrup. You can also use a lemon wedge to rim the glass.
Pour some pink sugar in a shallow dish or bowl. Swirl the rim of the glass or shot glasses in the pink syrup.
Cut a small slit in a pink starburst and wedge it onto the rim of the cocktail glass or shot glass.
Serve immediately.