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    Home » Desserts

    Published: Feb 24, 2020 · Modified: Mar 9, 2022 by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · 53 Comments

    St Patrick's Day Pudding Shots

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    St. Patrick's day celebrations here in America need some alcohol.  These St Patrick's Day Pudding Shots are not only a festive dessert but the addition of Irish cream liqueur to pistachio pudding is just what the holiday needs.   Adding Bailey's or Carolans to instant pudding is what makes these shots so good.

    Who knew that pistachio and Irish cream went together so well but oh my goodness they are so delicious!     Sip these and you too will know the magic!

    This easy no-bake recipe is a fun green dessert for St. Patrick's Day and other holidays. The green pudding makes a festive dessert or cocktail also for Christmas.  If you want the best pudding shots to serve at your next party or holiday, try this easy recipe.

    What is Irish Cream Liqueur?

    The two most popular brands in America are Bailey's and Carolans.  Irish cream is a blend of Irish whiskey, cream, hints of vanilla, and chocolate.  So right there, I should have you hooked.   It has an ABV (alcohol by volume)  level of about 15-20% and is popular in many mixed drinks.   If you have Irish cream in your liqueur cabinet already, these pudding shots will be great to enjoy some in.  Other cocktails that you can use Irish cream in include:

    • Nutty Irishman
    • Mudslide
    • Irish Car Bomb
    • Cement Mixer

    St Patricks' Day Pudding Shots

    St Patricks' Day Pudding Shots

    How to Make St. Patrick's Day Pudding Shots

    This recipe is super easy and is ideal to make ahead of time. So when the big day comes to celebrate, you can spend more time on other things like prepping the corned beef, drinking a Guinness, or taking a nap before you indulge in all the festivities.  Those are just suggestions, I am not speaking from experience or anything.

    The key to these is that they are green in color and the pistachio flavor is what makes these unique.  This pudding shot recipe is wonderful for St Patrick's Day, Halloween, and Christmas.  However, if you are not a pistachio fan or do not want these to have the small bits of nuts that the pudding mix does have, you can substitute vanilla pudding into this pudding shot recipe. It will be also delicious and if you simply want them green too, just add the bit of food coloring as listed below.  You can add really any food coloring and make them for any holiday or themed party that way - the ultimate vanilla pudding shot recipe!

    Ingredients for Pistachio Pudding Shots

    • a small package of instant pistachio pudding (3.4oz)
    • 1 C milk
    • 1 C Irish Cream liquor
    • 1 C Cool Whip
    • whipped cream
      • sprinkles - optional tasty fun!
      • green food coloring - optional for the desired color

    You can try regular or sugar-free puddings and Cool Whip. To find out more on ingredients and carb counts, check out COOL WHIP's OFFICIAL SITE.

    How to Make Pudding Shots

    Here are the ingredients you need for the pudding shots. Jello pudding is the most popular but any brand of pistachio pudding will work for this fun pudding shot recipe.

    Optional is green food coloring. The green will not be as bright as the pudding is alone. Once the liqueur is added it will change a bit. It is up to you if you want it green and festive or it is all about the taste.

    ingredients for pudding shots

    St Patricks' Day Pudding Shots Ingredients

    Mix the Pudding

    In a mixing bowl with a pourable spout, add the instant pudding mix, the cold milk, and the Irish cream. Mix with a hand mixer on low until it is smooth and combined.  The brown color will change the color, it will still be green but subtle.  This is where I decided to add some food coloring.

    The Irish Cream will mute the green pudding color

    The Irish Cream will mute the green pudding color

    Add Food Coloring

    It will turn a bit more green with each drop you add. My results are from 2 drops of green food coloring added.  If I really wanted a more true green for St. Patrick's Day I would have added a few more drops. I wanted this to be green but still be light in color like the original pistachio pudding.

    St Patricks' Day Pudding Shots

    Optional - I added 2 drops of green food coloring

    Fold in the Cool Whip

    The last step is to fold in the soft Cool Whip.    If it does not fold smoothly, you can use the hand mixer for a few seconds on low. You want this to be smooth so it is pourable and it will be drinkable as it sets just a bit.

    Fold the Cool Whip into the green pudding mix

    Fold in the Cool Whip

    Chill the Pudding

    Pour into 12 regular shot glasses or into 6 larger dessert/jelly cups.  I like the bigger size so it feels more like a dessert and drink.  Once all are poured, place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.  They will NOT get the pudding skin that can happen so they can be made ahead of time and still be drinkable.

    Pour the mix into 6 small glasses

    Pour into 6 small dessert glasses or 12 shot glasses

    The puddings will be a bit set but if you tilted the cups would be thick but still pourable. Think of a really thick milkshake.

    St Patricks' Day Pudding Shots

    Pudding shots before the whipped cream

    Top Pudding Shots with Whipped Cream

    Top with whipped cream and/or sprinkles.  My kids eat a lot of sprinkles on ice cream sundaes around here so we were out of them.

    St Patricks' Day Pudding Shots

    Top with whipped cream

    CHEERS - HAPPY ST PATRICK'S DAY!

    These would also be great to have as a Christmas Pudding Shot. Maybe add some red sprinkles on top of the whipped cream.

    See how quickly these IRISH CREAM PUDDING SHOTS come together.

    St Patrick's Day Pudding Shots PIN

    St Patrick's Day Pudding Shots

    What to Serve for St Patrick's Day -

    These great pistachio pudding shots with Irish cream are the perfect ending to a great St Patty's Day meal. The SLOW COOKER CORNED BEEF is fantastic!  Here are more great recipes to enjoy in your celebration:

    Slow Cooker Corned Beef
    Slow cooker corned beef is an easy way to prepare this St Patrick’s Day classic holiday recipe. It is also wonderful to enjoy this any time of year. Simply dump a few ingredients into the CrockPot and soon the best juicy brisket is ready.
    Check out this recipe
    Slow Cooker Corned Beef featured close up
    Instant Pot Ranch Salt Potatoes
    Tender bite-sized potatoes are tossed with butter and ranch seasoning for a family favorite. These salt-crusted electric pressure cooker potatoes are easy and the best side dish recipe.
    Check out this recipe
    Instant Pot Ranch Salt Potatoes
    Easy Homemade Soft Dinner Rolls
    The best soft homemade dinner rolls baked using yeast are easy to make. These rolls are delicious and enjoyed best when warm straight out of the oven.
    Check out this recipe
    Freshly baked easy homemade soft dinner rolls
    St Patricks' Day Pudding Shots

    CHEERS - St Patricks' Day Pudding Shots

    How Long Can you Refrigerate Pudding Shots?

    These puddings shots are not different than when you refrigerate plain pudding. Once they are made and chilled they are ready to enjoy. I recommend storing them withou the whipped cream on top. That is best to add fresh just before enjoying.

    If stored properly in the refrigerator, pudding shots can last for up to 5 days.  I do not recommend freezing pudding shots.

    PIN FOR SAFEKEEPING & SHARING!

    St Patrick's Day Pudding Shots PIN

    St Patrick's Day Pudding Shots PIN

    St Patrick's Day Pudding Shots PIN

    St Patrick's Day Pudding Shots PIN

    Product Recommendations for this Recipe:

    The Short Order Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. This helps with the costs of running the blog. Thank you! 

    St Patrick's Day Pudding Shots

    St Patrick's Day Pudding Shots

    Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with pistachio and Irish cream liqueur pudding shots - Cheers! A fun and easy pudding shot recipe great for parties and the green color is great also for Christmas.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Chilling Time 30 mins
    Course Dessert

    Equipment

    • shot glasses or pudding'yougurt glass jars

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 small package instant pistachio pudding 3.4oz size
    • 1 C cold milk
    • 1 C Irish cream liqueur Carolan's, Bailey's, etc
    • 1 C Cool Whip soft at room temperature
    • whipped cream
    • green sprinkles & green food coloring optional

    Instructions
     

    • In a mixing bowl with a pourable spout, add the pudding mix, milk, and liqueur.
    • With a hand mixer, mix on low speed until combined and smooth. There will be really small pistachio bits from the pudding mix, that is ok.
    • Optional but makes it a true green again - Add a few drops, one at a time, of food coloring if you want the green color to be more pronounced. In mine pictured above, I added 2 drops of food coloring. Mix with hand-mixer to combine.
    • Fold in the cool whip until evenly combined. If still a bit lumpy, use the hand-mixer for only a few seconds.
    • Pour into 12 shot glasses or into 6 larger jelly/yogurt/dessert glasses.
    • Place in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to chill and set. It will not be solid like regular pudding. It will be thick and pourable/drinkable.
    • To serve, top with whipped cream. Add sprinkles if desired.
    • This can be made ahead of time. It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Top with whip cream only before serving as that will not hold up well.
    Keyword alcohol, christmas, cocktail, dessert, drink, Easter, easy, gluten-free, grain-free, holiday, irish, no bake, party, quick, st patrick's day, sweet

    Did you make this The Short Order Cook Recipe?

    Tag @theshortordercookblog (Instagram & Facebook) or @shortorder_cook (Twitter). 

    I would love to see your latest creations and kitchen adventures.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Cindy says

      February 24, 2020 at 6:48 am

      These look delicious!

      Reply
    2. Liz McDermott says

      February 24, 2020 at 7:26 am

      Yeasss, it isn't St. Patrick's day without green liquor!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        February 24, 2020 at 5:02 pm

        Facts! Cheers!

        Reply
    3. Debbie says

      February 24, 2020 at 8:09 am

      And they are so cute too!!

      Reply
    4. Ramae Hamrin says

      February 24, 2020 at 8:57 am

      I don't drink these types of drinks anymore, but wow, does it ever look delicious. I could picture myself sipping one as I read your post. YUM!

      Reply
    5. Angela Sedlak | Mean Green Chef says

      February 24, 2020 at 9:14 am

      Ohhhh ahhhhh I could totally enjoy a couple of these on St. Paddy's Day! Love how easy they are to make, thanks for sharing, pinned too 🙂

      Reply
      • Angela says

        February 24, 2020 at 5:01 pm

        So glad you pinned this - easy, fun, and delish. The flavor combo of pistachio and Irish cream is really amazing!

        Reply
    6. Lucy says

      February 24, 2020 at 9:30 am

      My fiance would love these! i'll have to surprise him this year lol

      Reply
      • Angela says

        February 24, 2020 at 5:00 pm

        Great, I hope he loves them

        Reply
    7. Beth Shields says

      February 24, 2020 at 9:48 am

      These look yummy and I bet you could do a whole variation on these depending on the pudding and the liquor. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        February 24, 2020 at 5:00 pm

        The party fun ideas are endless!

        Reply
    8. Eva says

      February 24, 2020 at 10:25 am

      I'll have to save this for St Patricks Day and try it out this year. Looks delicious!

      Reply
    9. Alice says

      February 24, 2020 at 11:34 am

      I love your recipes!

      Reply
    10. jen says

      February 24, 2020 at 11:47 am

      well well well...me thinks i spy something new to try this st pattys day....

      Reply
    11. Lisa Manderino says

      February 24, 2020 at 12:16 pm

      This is a great idea for St. Patrick's day

      Reply
    12. Holly Bird says

      February 24, 2020 at 3:57 pm

      YUM!! I saved this for later..this is really an amazing recipe!! Thank you!

      Reply
    13. Tricia Snow says

      February 24, 2020 at 3:57 pm

      These look yummy and fattening! Definitely a once in a while treat! I can't wait to try this and add it to my Saint Patty's Day plans!

      Reply
    14. Lisa says

      February 24, 2020 at 5:11 pm

      We will definitely try these out this year!

      Reply
    15. Noelle says

      February 24, 2020 at 6:01 pm

      These look very festive! I would have never thought of that flavor combination!

      Reply
    16. Jenny says

      February 24, 2020 at 6:29 pm

      They look so good, and not too difficult to make. I can't wait to try this recipe, thank you!

      Reply
    17. Stacey Billingsley says

      February 24, 2020 at 8:36 pm

      These look delicious and festive! I’ll have to give them a try.

      Reply
    18. Jennifer says

      February 24, 2020 at 10:39 pm

      They look interesting. What flavor could be used instead of the alcohol component?

      Reply
      • Angela says

        February 25, 2020 at 7:13 am

        You can just add more milk but it would not be drinkable. Only something with alcohol would keep it from setting as thick but having it as just pudding would be fine.

        Reply
    19. Jill DeMasi says

      February 25, 2020 at 6:16 am

      I love pudding shots and Baileys!

      Reply
    20. Suzan | It's My Sustainable Life says

      February 25, 2020 at 7:47 am

      One question. What time's the party? YUM!!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        February 25, 2020 at 8:23 pm

        In about an hour when these are ready! Cheers!

        Reply
    21. Sydney Delong says

      February 25, 2020 at 8:29 am

      Yum! Perfect for St Pattys day!

      Reply
    22. Adrienne says

      February 25, 2020 at 8:44 am

      Oh my goodness! These look amazing! If I still drank, I would be all over this as my perfect St Paddys day treat!

      Reply
    23. Sandi says

      February 25, 2020 at 9:18 am

      So cute - what a great idea for a shamrock celebration.

      Reply
    24. Karla Petersen says

      February 25, 2020 at 3:34 pm

      Oh, my goodness! Pinned for sure. I love pudding and I love liqueurs!!!!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        February 25, 2020 at 8:23 pm

        I hope you love them Karla! Cheers to you and your family every St Patty's Day!

        Reply
    25. vanessa says

      February 25, 2020 at 4:19 pm

      These look so good. I wonder if I could take them in to the next staff meeting,

      Reply
      • Angela says

        February 25, 2020 at 8:22 pm

        LOL - there are days at the office that I need many of these ! oh did I say that?!?!

        Reply
    26. Christina Furnival says

      February 25, 2020 at 9:27 pm

      These sounds so yummy, they are very cute, and they don't seem too hard to make!

      Reply
    27. heather J jandrue says

      February 26, 2020 at 4:10 pm

      I love Irish cream. These sound so good. I need to try these out for St. Patty's Day.

      Reply
    28. Charlotte says

      February 27, 2020 at 7:09 pm

      I feel like we need to become friends lol This sounds delicious!!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        February 27, 2020 at 9:13 pm

        The more friends the merrier - cheers! Meet me at happy hour...

        Reply
    29. Dawn @ Words Of Deliciousness says

      February 29, 2020 at 11:01 am

      Looks yummy! This pudding shot looks perfect for St. Patty's Day!

      Reply
    30. Brianna says

      March 01, 2020 at 5:20 pm

      This is such a fun idea that my whole family will love! Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
    31. Melissa Jones says

      March 01, 2020 at 8:42 pm

      That looks like a super fun St. Patrick's Day treat!!

      Reply
    32. Lisa says

      March 02, 2020 at 12:22 am

      Yummy these look soooo delicious!

      Reply
    33. T.M. Brown says

      March 02, 2020 at 3:30 am

      These look cute and delicious!! The pistachio would not be my flavor of choice, but maybe vanilla would work just as well??? Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        March 02, 2020 at 6:11 am

        I am not a big pistachio fan but the combo with Irish cream is perfect. We had taste testing with the neighbors and they all love the flavor combo. Give it a try!

        Reply
    34. Miz Helen says

      March 02, 2020 at 6:25 pm

      This is a great Pudding Shot! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday,473 and hope you are having a great week!
      Miz Helen

      Reply
    35. Pamela says

      March 05, 2020 at 6:43 pm

      Are you kidding me?! YUM!!! These will make an appearance at our next St. Pat's party. Pinned!!

      Reply
    36. Leah says

      January 18, 2021 at 12:10 pm

      So fun! I bet these taste really good. I have only had pudding shots one time, made with chocolate pudding. Pistachio sounds great for the holiday as well as to mix to Bailey’s! I might just need to whip these up for my husband and I as a nice little dessert ☺️

      Reply
      • Angela says

        January 18, 2021 at 8:42 pm

        I hope you and your husband enjoy these fun green Bailey's shots. Cheers to St Patrick's Day!

        Reply
    37. Beth says

      January 19, 2021 at 11:10 am

      5 stars
      I have never tried a pudding shot, but it looks like a drink and dessert in a glass. How decadent, plus you get that green you need for St. Paddy's!

      Reply
    38. Lauren says

      January 19, 2021 at 6:42 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my goodness. These boozy little dessert shots look to die for. I can't wait for St. Patrick's Day this year so I can make this recipe!

      Reply
    39. Jacqueline Debono says

      January 20, 2021 at 1:38 am

      5 stars
      Love the idea of these pudding shot! A fun and delicious addition to any St Patrick's Day meal!

      Reply
    40. Relle says

      January 28, 2021 at 8:07 am

      These look great and perfect for St. Patrick's Day. Can't wait to try it.

      Reply
    41. Aimee says

      March 16, 2021 at 10:57 am

      5 stars
      I just made these to have for tomorrow. I had to try one of course and they are so good.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        March 16, 2021 at 10:58 am

        Great - happy early St Paddy's Day!

        Reply

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