These Shamrock Shake Pudding Shots are made with vanilla shake pudding, milk, and Bailey’s Vanilla Mint Shake Liqueur all topped with whipped cream and a cherry.

The Shamrock Shake is iconic.

And while we went to McDonald’s as a kid, it was not until I was an adult that I had the shake.

Odd, I know.

Though I think in part to the fact that the shake machine was never working. 🙂

But since I love making ice cream based foods into pudding shots, I thought why not make Shamrock Shake Pudding Shots.

What I think I love about the shakes (and the shots) is that they are more vanilla than mint.

Too many times I find mint flavored foods to be over the top minty and then that makes me think of my dentist.

And no one wants to think of their dentist (though mine is a lovely woman).

Ingredient Highlights:

• Sonic Vanilla Shake Instant Pudding: Can you use just plain vanilla pudding? Technically, yes. But the vanilla shake pudding that they make is just perfect for this. I buy mine at Walmart or Amazon.
• Whole Milk – Make sure it’s COLD so it can react with the instant pudding mix. You need to use whole milk for this recipe. The pudding needs to be extra creamy and skim or 2% just won’t do it.
• Cool Whip: People groan at this usually. But Cool Whip is what works best. I have tried making pudding shots with real whipped cream and they just don’t work out.
• Baileys Vanilla Mint Shake Liqueur: If you don’t have you can do half vanilla vodka and half cream de mente.
• Whipped Cream For Garnish: No shake is complete without whipped cream. You can use more Cool Whip, whipped cream from a can, or make your own.
• Maraschino Cherries: (preferably with stems): All milkshakes need a cherry on top…even the pudding kind.

Tips For Making Pudding Shots:

• Remember when using any alcohol that is more than 80 proof can make your pudding shots runny. Most vodkas run at 80 proof and that is usually the highest alcohol content booze I use so you should be fine.
  But always good to check.
• Don’t skip the Cool Whip.
  Many people ask can they use whipped cream instead. Yes, you can. However, make sure that you do not use the kind out of a can. That will not hold up. I’ve always made mine with Cool Whip just because I feel it holds it shape better in pudding shots.
• Be sure to chill them for at least 30 minutes. While I say to chill them for at least 30 minutes I usually end up chilling them for much longer. Often I make up the pudding the night before and place it into an airtight container and then scoop the day of the party. Saves time on the day of the party.

Make the Shots:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and whole milk.

Whisk in the Baileys Vanilla Mint Shake Liqueur.

Whisk together until it starts to get thick, about 3 minutes. If wanting to make more green, add in some green food coloring. I did not use any so mine are pale green in color.

Fold in the thawed Cool Whip.

Then whisk until smooth.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in fridge for at least 30 minutes.

Evenly divide the pudding between shot glasses and keep the pudding in the fridge for 3 hours.

Top with whipped cream and a cherry when ready to serve.

P.S. It’s a great day to buy my cookbook Holy Sweet!

Want More Pudding Shots?

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Chocolate Frosty Pudding Shots

Circus Animal Cookie Pudding Shots

Drumstick Ice Cream Pudding Shots