Easy Tiramisu Shots Recipe: A Boozy Take on the Classic Italian Dessert
If you’re looking for a show-stopping party treat that takes minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor and visual impact, then look no further than these Easy Tiramisu Shots. This recipe brings all the indulgent, creamy, and coffee-infused magic of traditional tiramisu into a bite-sized, boozy format that’s perfect for celebrations, holiday gatherings, or elegant after-dinner enjoyment.
Tiramisu has long been a favorite dessert among food lovers, and these layered shots are a creative twist that’s both fun and sophisticated. They come together quickly, require just a few ingredients, and make a fantastic impression on guests. Plus, they’re easy to scale up or down depending on the occasion.
Why You’ll Love These Tiramisu Shots
These little powerhouses of flavor are made with just five ingredients — Kahlua, Baileys, heavy cream, whipped cream, and a dusting of cocoa powder — but they taste like something served at a high-end cocktail bar or Italian restaurant. They’re:
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Quick and easy – No baking, no chilling time, no fuss.
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Elegant – Layered and topped like a classic dessert.
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Perfect for parties – Serve them in shot glasses or mini dessert cups.
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Customizable – Easily adapted with flavored liqueurs or dairy-free alternatives.
Whether you’re a seasoned home mixologist or just want something impressive for your next dinner party, these tiramisu shots deliver.
Who This Recipe Is For
This recipe is perfect for:
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Cocktail enthusiasts looking to serve something unique.
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Hostesses and hosts wanting a make-ahead-friendly treat.
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Tiramisu lovers who want a new take on the classic dessert.
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Anyone celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, or just a Friday night with friends.
These shots are also an excellent addition to dessert buffets, girls’ night gatherings, or wedding reception cocktail hours.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make a batch of Easy Tiramisu Shots:
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2 oz. Kahlua (coffee liqueur)
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2 oz. Baileys Irish Cream
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2 oz. heavy cream
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Whipped cream, for garnish
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Cocoa powder, for garnish
This amount will make approximately 4–6 shots, depending on the size of your shot glasses or mini dessert cups.
Instructions
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Layer the Liqueurs:
Begin by carefully pouring 1 oz. of Kahlua into each shot glass. Kahlua acts as the “espresso-soaked ladyfingers” in this drinkable tiramisu. It’s sweet, dark, and rich in coffee flavor. -
Add Baileys Irish Cream:
Slowly pour Baileys over the back of a spoon to create a second layer. This creates the beautiful visual separation and mimics the mascarpone layer in traditional tiramisu. -
Top with Heavy Cream:
Next, pour the heavy cream gently on top, using the same spoon-layering method. This adds a creamy finish that pulls the flavors together. -
Garnish:
Add a dollop of whipped cream and a light dusting of cocoa powder for that authentic tiramisu finish. You can also grate a bit of dark chocolate on top for extra flair. -
Serve Immediately:
These are best served fresh and cold — ideally straight from the fridge or immediately after assembly.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To make these gorgeous and delicious Tiramisu Shots, here’s what you’ll need:
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Shot glasses or small dessert glasses (2 oz. to 3 oz. capacity)
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Measuring jigger or small measuring cup
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Cocktail spoon or bar spoon (for layering)
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Whisk (if making fresh whipped cream)
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Fine mesh sieve (for dusting cocoa powder)
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Piping bag or spoon (for whipped cream topping)
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Optional: Microplane for grating chocolate
Tips and Variations
Make It Dairy-Free
Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream, and choose Baileys Almande (an almond milk version of Baileys) to make this a vegan and dairy-free delight.
Flavor Swaps
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Swap Kahlua for Tia Maria or a shot of espresso vodka for a stronger kick.
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Use flavored Baileys like Baileys Espresso Crème or Salted Caramel for a unique twist.
Presentation Upgrade
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Serve in mini martini glasses for an upscale feel.
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Rim the glass with crushed ladyfingers or chocolate shavings.
Make It Ahead
You can assemble the Kahlua and Baileys layers ahead of time and keep them chilled. Add the heavy cream and toppings just before serving.
How to Store Leftovers
These shots are best enjoyed fresh, but if you do need to store them:
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Refrigerator: Store assembled shots in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Wait to add the whipped cream and cocoa powder until just before serving.
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Freezing not recommended: Due to the alcohol and dairy combination, freezing can alter the texture and flavor.
Food and Drink Pairings
Looking to serve these as part of a larger spread? Here are some pairing ideas:
Food Pairings
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Chocolate truffles
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Biscotti or ladyfinger cookies
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Mini cannoli
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Espresso brownies
Drink Pairings
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A shot of espresso or affogato
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Dessert wine like Vin Santo
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Coffee cocktails or spiked hot chocolate
These tiramisu shots work well on a dessert board or as part of a cocktail flight at a party.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these non-alcoholic?
Absolutely! Substitute Kahlua with cold brew concentrate or espresso, and Baileys with a non-alcoholic Irish cream-flavored creamer.
Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes, just assemble the Kahlua and Baileys layers and store covered in the fridge. Add the heavy cream and garnish just before serving.
Do I need to whip the heavy cream?
Not for the drink layer — keep the cream pourable. However, whipped cream (either homemade or canned) is used for the topping.
How do I get clean layers?
Use a spoon to gently layer each liquid by pouring it over the back of the spoon. Make sure ingredients are cold and pour slowly.
What type of cocoa powder should I use?
Use unsweetened cocoa powder for an authentic tiramisu flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa will give a rich, deep color and taste.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Tiramisu Shots are everything we love about the traditional Italian dessert — creamy, rich, and full of coffee and chocolate notes — reimagined as a playful, boozy shooter. Whether you’re looking for a last-minute dessert idea or want to impress your guests with something unique and memorable, these shots deliver elegance and indulgence in every sip.
They’re fast, fun, and versatile, making them the perfect addition to your recipe arsenal — especially for those who love hosting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Try It, Love It, Share It!
If this recipe added a touch of fun and flavor to your gathering, don’t keep it to yourself! Share this recipe with your friends, pin it to your party boards, and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more creative cocktail recipes, sweet treats, and entertaining ideas. Cheers to good food and unforgettable moments!
