Purple Hooter (Washington) – Raspberry Vodka Citrus Shot

I love whipping up the Purple Hooter, Washington’s lively raspberry vodka citrus shot, straight from the 1980s American bar scene. I start with 1 oz vodka, 1 oz Chambord for that bold berry flavor, 0.5 oz triple sec for citrus zing, and 0.5 oz sweet and sour mix, then shake and top with fizzy soda. It’s perfect for parties, and I’ll share tweaks to make it your signature sip.

History

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The Purple Hooter Shot, a vibrant vodka-based cocktail originating in the United States during the 1980s cocktail renaissance, embodies a playful aspect of American bar culture, often linked to the vibrant nightlife and social scenes of cities like New York or Las Vegas.

Regional variations include tweaks such as substituting raspberry liqueur with cranberry juice in some West Coast versions for a tangier profile, signifying local ingredient preferences and creativity in mixology.

Traditionally, it’s served at lively occasions like parties, holidays, or sporting events, where its eye-catching purple hue and quick, fun preparation make it a staple for celebratory toasts and social gatherings.

Ingredients

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– Soda water, chilled and fizzy to top it all off – about 2-3 ounces depending on your glass size, for that invigorating sparkle that lightens the load;

it’s the unsung hero here, bubbling up to make the shot feel less intense and more like a casual hello,

especially on a warm day when you want something that dances on your tongue without the heavy commitment.

Preparation

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Making a Purple Hooter Shot is all about blending bold flavors into a fizzy treat that surprises the taste buds.

Start by gathering your ingredients and a cocktail shaker, because this drink comes together in just a few simple steps.

What could be more fun than turning a handful of liquids into something that pops with color and sparkle?

To get started, follow these steps for a smooth mix:

1. Begin by adding 1 oz of vodka to a cocktail shaker filled with ice – it’s the spirited base that brings energy to the party.

Pour in 1 oz of Chambord next, giving that deep berry vibe that makes everything feel a bit more mysterious.

Then, add 1/2 oz of triple sec for a citrusy zing.

Followed by 1/2 oz of sweet and sour mix to balance it all with a tangy edge; think of it as the drink’s secret handshake.

2. Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds – you want to mix those ingredients until they’re properly chilled and blended, almost like giving them a little dance lesson.

Strain the mixture into a shot glass, being careful not to let any ice sneak in.

Finally, top it off with about 2-3 ounces of chilled soda water, depending on your glass size, to add that effervescent lift that turns a simple shot into a lighter, more playful sip.

Once you’re done, give it a quick stir if needed, and there you have it – a Purple Hooter that’s ready to enjoy.

You might find yourself wondering, is it the vibrant colors or the bubbly finish that makes this one so appealing?

Either way, it’s a great way to keep things light-hearted without overwhelming the palate.

Tips and Variations

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If you’re whipping up a Purple Hooter Shot and want to tweak it for your crowd, start by playing with the proportions—maybe amp up the triple sec for a brighter citrus kick or dial back the sweet and sour mix if you prefer things less tangy, almost like giving the drink its own personality without stealing the spotlight from that berry-rich Chambord.

For variations, swap out vodka for gin to add a juniper twist that surprises the palate, or go mocktail-style by replacing the booze with sparkling grape juice and a splash of non-alcoholic triple sec, turning it into a fizzy treat that’s perfect for daytime gatherings; you know, because who says fun has to come with a buzz, especially when you’re aiming for that vibrant purple hue that could make even a rainy day feel like a party in a glass.

And hey, if your first try ends up a bit too bubbly, well, that’s just the drink’s way of keeping things light-hearted, like it’s winking at you to try again.