Thin Mint Shots
These thin mint shots combine Bailey's Irish Cream, vodka, and crème de menthe into a creamy, chocolate-mint cocktail that tastes just like the cookie. They take about two minutes to make, serve four, and are guaranteed to disappear fast at any party. No special bartending skills required - just a cocktail shaker and three ingredients.
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What Do I Need to Make Thin Mint Shots?
You only need three spirits and a cocktail shaker to pull this together. Here's what goes into each batch:
- Bailey's Irish Cream - adds the creamy, slightly sweet base that makes these shots smooth rather than sharp
- Vodka - provides the backbone without adding flavor that competes with the mint and chocolate
- Crème de menthe - this is the key ingredient. It's a sweet mint liqueur that comes in green or clear. The green version gives you that signature color; clear works identically if you prefer a more neutral look
- Mint chocolate cookies or fresh mint leaves - optional garnish, but they make the presentation
What Does a Thin Mint Shot Taste Like?
The combination of Bailey's and crème de menthe creates a flavor that's genuinely close to the cookie - sweet, creamy, and cool with a clean mint finish and a hint of chocolate from the Bailey's. It's smooth going down, not harsh, which makes it dangerously easy to drink. If you like grasshopper cocktails or mint chocolate chip ice cream, you'll love these.
How Do I Make Thin Mint Shots?
This is one of the simplest cocktail recipes you'll find. Two steps, two minutes.
Step 1 - Combine and shake.
Pour the Bailey's Irish Cream, vodka, and crème de menthe into a cocktail shaker. Shake for about 10 seconds until everything is well combined and chilled.
Step 2 - Pour and serve.
Strain into shot glasses immediately. Garnish with a mint chocolate cookie balanced on the rim or a fresh mint leaf, and serve right away.
Tips for the Best Thin Mint Shots
Chill your spirits first. For the smoothest, coldest shots, refrigerate your Bailey's and crème de menthe for at least an hour before making. Cold ingredients mean you need less shaking time and the final shot stays colder longer.
Don't skip the shake. Stirring won't cut it here - the shaking is what emulsifies the Bailey's with the crème de menthe and creates that smooth, creamy texture. Ten seconds of vigorous shaking is all you need.
Serve immediately. Bailey's-based shots can start to separate if they sit too long. Shake, pour, and serve within a minute or two for the best appearance and texture.
| 💡Angela's Tip #1— Make It a Party Batch |
| To serve a crowd, pre-measure equal parts Bailey's, vodka, and crème de menthe into a large pitcher before guests arrive. When you're ready to serve, pour the mixture into your shaker in batches of 4 and shake each one individually. This way you get the proper chill and emulsification on every round without scrambling to measure on the fly. |
| 💡Angela's Tip #2 — Dress Up the Presentation |
| Crush mint chocolate cookies into fine crumbs and spread on a small plate. Dip the rim of each shot glass lightly in water or light corn syrup, then press into the crumbs to coat. The cookie rim adds crunch, visual impact, and an extra hit of chocolate mint flavor with every sip. It takes two minutes and looks like you spent much longer on it. |
What Can I Use Instead of Bailey's?
Bailey's is the classic choice but there are good alternatives:
Kahlua - adds a coffee note that works well with the mint. The shots will be darker brown rather than green, but the flavor is excellent. Think mint mocha rather than mint chocolate.
Rumchata - gives you a cinnamon-cream flavor alongside the mint, which is surprisingly good. The color will be closer to white.
Heavy cream - if you want to reduce the alcohol content, substitute heavy cream for the Bailey's and add a splash of chocolate liqueur to keep the chocolate note.
What Goes With Thin Mint Shots?
These work as a standalone dessert shot or alongside other party drinks and bites. They pair naturally with anything chocolate or mint flavored - brownies, chocolate truffles, mint chocolate chip cookies, or a dessert charcuterie board. For a full cocktail spread, they complement other creamy shots like White Russians or Mudslides.
FAQ
Yes - substitute peppermint schnapps for a stronger, sharper mint flavor, or use white chocolate liqueur with a drop of peppermint extract for a creamier result. The color won't be green without crème de menthe, but the flavor can still be excellent.
This recipe makes four shots using 4 ounces each of Bailey's, vodka, and crème de menthe. Scale up or down by keeping the ratio equal - one part Bailey's, one part vodka, one part crème de menthe.
Yes - pour the shaken mixture over ice in a rocks glass for a longer sipping drink. You can also blend it with vanilla ice cream for a thin mint milkshake cocktail.
No - any mint chocolate cookie works as a garnish, including mint Oreos, Keebler Grasshopper cookies, or Andes mints. The cookies are just a garnish and don't go into the drink itself.
Crush mint chocolate cookies into fine crumbs and spread on a small plate. Dip the rim of each shot glass lightly in water or corn syrup, then press into the cookie crumbs to coat. Pour the shot carefully into the center.
Can I Make Thin Mint Shots Ahead of Time?
When creamy alcohol, like Bailey's, is combined with more syrupy ingredients, like crème de menthe, you run the risk of your drink separating the longer that it sits. That's why it's a good idea to serve your shots immediately after preparing them. The longer they sit after shaking, the more likely the crème de menthe will begin to settle to the bottom, causing the drink to separate.
How Do I Make The Shots Without a Cocktail Shaker?
Using a shaker is one of the best ways to combine your shot ingredients. But not everyone has this bartending tool at home. Luckily, there is an easy replacement you can use in a pinch - a mason jar. Simply add the drink ingredients to the jar and place the lid on tightly. Give the jar a few shakes to mix all the liquor together, then pour the ingredients into the shot glasses.
Thin Mint Shots
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 Ounces Bailey's Irish Cream
- 4 Ounces Vodka
- 4 Ounces Creme de Menthe
- Mint Chocolate Cookies optional garnish
- Fresh mint leaves optional garnish
Instructions
- Combine Bailey's Irish Cream, Vodka, and Creme de Menthe in a shaker and give it a good shake for a few seconds.
- Immediately pour into a shot glass.
- Top with a cookie or fresh mint, serve, and enjoy!
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