M&M Shooter

By
Colleen Graham
Photo of Colleen Graham
Colleen Graham
Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 01/17/23
Tested by
Laurel Randolph
Photo of Laurel Randolph
Tested by Laurel Randolph
A fervid lover of the culinary arts and all things Instant Pot, Laurel has been writing about food for 10 years. One of her cookbooks was the #2 cookbook of 2017.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
M&M shooters on a green background

The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

Prep: 3 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 3 mins
Serving: 1 serving
Yield: 1 shot
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
161 Calories
0g Fat
17g Carbs
0g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 161
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 4mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 17g 6%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 17g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 1mg 0%
Iron 0mg 0%
Potassium 16mg 0%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Admit it, even adults have a fascination with colorful candy aimed at little kids. Finding flavors in cocktails that remind you of childhood candies is a temptation too difficult to resist. Popular M&M chocolates have been the subject of a number of recipes, which, like the candy, are simply delicious. Our recipe for these little party drinks makes fun and flavorful shooters to enjoy post-meal or during cocktail hour. In fact, they may be a little too delicious, so be warned that one too many can quickly sneak up on you.

We offer three takes on the drink. The main one is the most popular for the M&M and doesn't actually include any chocolate. Amaretto and coffee liqueurs combine to create a flavor very close to chocolate. The first variation is another common one that is often mixed in bars and uses Frangelico for its rich hazelnut flavor. The last version with chocolate vodka is simply irresistible.

Any of these recipes are sure to be a hit at your next party. Mixing them near a dessert table could be a good idea if you're offering the shots after the meal. Pair it with coffee-flavored treats like tiramisú or dark chocolate recipes that aren't overly sweet.

"It's genuinely surprising how much this shot tastes like a chocolate candy without any chocolate involved! It's a sweet one, so serve it for dessert. It's just as good for sipping as it is for shooting." —Laurel Randolph

M&M shot on a marble countertop
A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for M&M shooters gathered

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

  2. In a cocktail shaker, pour the amaretto and coffee liqueurs. Fill with ice.

    Amaretto and coffee liqueurs in shot glasses, glass with ice cubes, cocktail shaker

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

  3. Shake well.

    Shaking a cocktail shaker

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

  4. Strain into a chilled shot glass and serve.

    M&M shooter in a shot glass

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

M&M Shot With Frangelico

This M&M shot variation with chocolate is easy and delicious. The recipe adds a little hazelnut flavor via the Frangelico and pairs it with crème de cacao. Don't worry about choosing between white and dark creme de cacao. It doesn't really matter; both have a fantastic flavor, so use what you have in your liquor cabinet. To make this shot, add 3/4 ounces of Frangelico with 3/4 ounces of crème de cacao into a shaker with ice and strain into a chilled shot glass.

M&M Shot With Chocolate Vodka

This is the M&M shot for all chocolate vodka lovers. If you are into sweet spirits, this is the recipe for you. To make this shot, add 1 ounce of chocolate vodka and 1/2 ounce of amaretto into a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled shot glass.

How Strong Are M&M Shooters?

They may taste like delicious little treats, but these M&M shots are not the weakest drinks you can mix up. As you can see, the alcohol content of each of these shots is average for party shooters. It should be noted that these estimates are for the shaken version. If you skip the shaker, they will be stronger.

  • M&M shot with amaretto: 21 percent ABV (42 proof)
  • M&M shot with Frangelico: 18 percent ABV (36 proof)
  • M&M shot with chocolate vodka: 26 percent ABV (52 proof)