The Water Moccasin Shot or Cottonmouth Shot as it is also known, is a flavorful mix of peach liqueur, orange liqueur and whiskey. This popular shot is an easy alcoholic drink your friends will love.

We love good drink recipes, just like this water moccasin shot. If you are looking for more shot recipes, here are some of our favorite shots. The Mexican Candy Shot, is full of watermelon flavor and a hint of spice. The Polar Bear Shot is a mint chocolate delight for your taste buds.

Three shot glasses of water moccasin shot with a blue striped towel.

Shots with Whiskey

A hot summer day calls for delicious cocktails! The water moccasin is a whiskey shot with other flavors added to make it taste even better.

Water moccasin shots are great for so many occasions.

The water moccasin shot is a popular drink recipe that is great to serve at any party or get togethers. You will commonly find it at local bars, Texas Roadhouse, 21st birthday celebrations and college parties because it’s easy to make.

Also, only a few simple ingredients are needed to make the smoothest shot, but it does have a whiskey base. All of the liquors get tossed into a cocktail shaker, shaken all about, and poured into a shot glass.

It is a great drink recipe to make for party shots because it is easy to make large batches of it. Just up the amount of the ingredients. Party shooters are always a fun way to celebrate!

Two shots of water moccasin and two bottles of alcohol in the background.

Why is it Called a Water Moccasin Cocktail?

This shot got its name from the venomous snake with the same name, the water moccasin (also known as a Cottonmouth snake). The snake has a deadly bite and so does this shot! While it tastes delicious and harmless, this bad boy can really sneak up on you if you are not careful (you might be feeling this the next day).

I live in the south (south eastern usa) and I will tell you right off the bat that the Water Moccasin snakes are prevalent around these parts. We are always on the look out for them because the area we live in has a lot of wooded areas and water bodies. Those snakes are dangerous, so it makes sense that this shot is named after them!

What is a Water Moccasin Shot?

Luckily, this shot is a lot tamer than the sharp bites of those snakes and is just a yummy mix of some tasty alcohols that can vary depending on which bartender is making it. In this version, the water moccasin shot is made with peach schnapps, triple sec, whiskey, and sweet and sour mix all in a shooter glass.

What is the Best Whisky to Use?

Since this drink is a shooter, there is no need to use an overly expensive whisky. One of the most popular whisky brands to use is Crown Royal Canadian whisky and that is because it the cost is good for the quality that you get.

I’ve heard that using a rye whiskey is a smooth whiskey to use for these shots.

But, you can use any whiskey you want so just pick your favorite whiskey and make the shot.

What’s in a Water Moccasin Shot?

Here are the ingredients needed to make the water moccasin shot. Check out the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the amounts.

Whiskey: The most popular whiskey to use in this shot is Crown Royal Canadian whiskey, but just use your favorite.
Peach Schnapps: Georgia peach flavor shoved into a peach liqueur, it’s goooood!
Triple Sec: This is an orange liqueur that adds a citrus flavor to this shot.
Sweet and Sour Mix: This is a lemon and lime concoction that adds a sour taste.

All of the ingredients needed to make these shots.

How to Make Water Moccasin Shot Recipe

These are the basic instructions to make this cottonmouth shot recipe. The best way to make it is by checking out the recipe card for full instructions.

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
To the shaker combine peach schnapps, whiskey, triple sec, and sweet and sour mix.
Put the lid on the shaker.
Turn it sideways and shake for 12-15 seconds.
Strain into a 2 ounce shot glass.

Step by step instructions how to make the water moccasin shot.

How to Turn it into a Water Moccasin Drink

It’s is really easy to turn this shot into a water moccasin drink recipe. If you are wanting more of a sipping beverage then you are going to want to try this simple drink.

One of the fun things about this shot is that it is customizable. You can add fruit juice and make a water moccasin shot with pineapple juice or a clear lemon lime soda to make a water moccasin shot with Sprite.

Double all of the ingredients.
Fill a glass with ice.
Make the shot by following the directions.
Pour the liquid over the ice in the prepared glass.

How to Make Homemade Sweet and Sour

Using store bought sweet and sour drink mix is a great way to go and what I normally use in cocktails. But, if you would like to make the homemade version, here is a great recipe. If you microwave your lemons and limes for about ten seconds and then roll on the counter with your hand, you will get much more juice. It makes about 1 1/4 cups.

1 cup water
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 4 limes)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)

In a small pot, add in water and sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Next, add in the fresh lemon and lime juice. Let it cool before using.
The prepared sweet and sour mix will last in the fridge for a week.