In some countries, it’s no big deal when you turn 21, because they’ve all been drinking forever. But for Americans, it’s a rite of passage. It seems that when you turn 21, you turn into an adult. You’re gonna have to have a lot of booze to deal with that, so get a jump-start now with these shots. As always, drink responsibly (and please, please, please don’t actually take 21 shots on your birthday).
1. Birthday Cake Shots
Photo by Steve Baboun
It’s only right that your first shot is specifically made to celebrate your big day. Who needs regular old birthday cake when you can have birthday cake shots?
2. Jolly Rancher Shots
Photo by Alex Furuya
Birthday cake not sweet enough for you? Try these beauties, made from just vodka and Jolly Ranchers.
3. Milk and Cookie Shots
Photo by Helena Lin
More of a cookie than a cake person? This sweet treat is right up your alley.
4. Red Wine Jello Shot
Photo by Sarah Silbiger
If you want to look classy on your 21st, red wine is the way to go.
5. Bacon Espresso Pudding Shots
Photo by Analiese Trimber
Everything is better with bacon, including vodka and espresso.
6. Cinnamon Toast Crunk
Photo by Delaney Strunk
If you’re looking for cinnamon, but you’re not in the mood for a straight shot of Fireball, try a shot that tastes just like Cinnamon Toast Crunch milk.
7. Vodka Sunrise
Photo by Kelly Logan
All it takes is three ingredients and three minutes to make these vodka shots that give tequila sunrises a run for their money.
8. Sriracha Jello Shots
Photo by Max Bartick
If you’re more spicy than sweet, these Sriracha shots were made just for you.
9. Fruit Wedge Jello Shots
Photo by Dylan Barth
Love vodka but hate the burn? These wedges make getting your drink on so much easier.
10. Mexican Hot Chocolate in a Marshmallow Shot Glass
Photo by Max Bartick
Sweet, spicy, and delicious. What more could you want from these easy-to-make shots?
11. Sour Patch Watermelon Margarita Jello Shots
Photo by Brooke Hamroff
These Sour Patch shots are a little sweet and a little sour and it’s so easy to make a bunch for you and your friends to celebrate.
12. Ice Cream Cone Shot
Photo by Danielle Weinstein
These shots may look like ice cream cones, but they’re made all the better with a bit of your favorite liquor.
13. Champagne Jello Shots
Photo by Torey Walsh
You don’t need the New Year to drink champagne! Celebrate your birthday by toasting with these jello shots.
14. Backfire on the Freeway
Photo courtesy of snooth.com
Just three steps to this drink: pour a shot of Bacardi 151, drop it in a mug of Guinness, and prepare to chug.
15. Shark Attack Shot
Photo by Nicole Alberta
Impress your friends with this unique layered shot, complete with your own swimming shark.
16. Apple Red Pudding Shots
Photo by Katie Mullen
Jello shots not your style? Pudding shots are sweeter, lighter, and easier to make.
17. Bacardi 151 Jello Shots
Photo courtesy of helpfil.com
Bacardi can seriously burn, but not with these seriously strong jello shots.
18. Honey Nut Cheerios
Photo courtesy of Shivam Gulati
Just two ingredients make these shots that bring you right back to your childhood.
19. Thin Mints
Photo by Vanessa Li
For more nostalgia, check out these easy-to-make shots, inspired by a Girl Scout cookie favorite.
20. Tagalongs
Photo by Vanessa Li
If Thin Mints aren’t your thing, maybe you’ll prefer another Girl Scout cookie shot made from peanut butter vodka, chocolate milk, and Bailey’s.
21. Fruit Loops
Photo by Shivam Gulati
For your final shot, go nostalgic. You’re supposed to be journeying into adulthood and all, but you should stay a kid for as long as you can.