Blue Scooby Snack Shots
The Ultimate Guide to Blue Scooby Snack Shots: A Tropical Party Favorite
When it comes to fun, vibrant, and nostalgic party drinks, nothing quite beats the Blue Scooby Snack Shot. With its electrifying neon blue color and a tropical flavor profile that tastes like a beach vacation in a glass, this cocktail has become a staple at summer barbecues, pool parties, and Halloween gatherings alike. It is sweet, creamy, and dangerously delicious.
Despite the name “shot,” this recipe is often served as a slow-sipping shooter or even scaled up into a full-sized cocktail. It strikes the perfect balance between the nutty warmth of coconut rum, the citrusy sweetness of Blue Curaçao, and the tart acidity of pineapple juice. Topped with a mountain of whipped cream, it’s basically a dessert and a drink rolled into one.
In this comprehensive guide, we are going to dive deep into how to make the perfect Blue Scooby Snack. We will cover the science of shaking cocktails to get that perfect froth, the best brands to use, fun variations (including the original green version!), and how to garnish these to wow your guests. Whether you are a mixology novice or a home bartender pro, this guide has everything you need.
What Exactly is a Scooby Snack Shot?
The “Scooby Snack” cocktail has been a bar favorite for decades. Originally, the classic recipe was green, utilizing Melon Liqueur (like Midori) to achieve a color reminiscent of the Mystery Machine or Shaggy’s shirt. However, the Blue Scooby Snack has surged in popularity recently due to its mesmerizing ocean-blue hue.
The flavor profile is distinctly tropical. It isn’t a strong, spirit-forward drink like a whiskey sour; instead, it is a sweet, candy-like treat that goes down incredibly smoothly. This makes it a hit with crowds who might not usually enjoy the taste of strong alcohol. The addition of pineapple juice not only provides flavor but also creates a beautiful frothy texture when shaken vigorously.

Ingredients: The Holy Trinity of Flavor
This recipe relies on the “Rule of Thirds”—equal parts of three key ingredients. Here is what you need to stock your bar with:
- Coconut Rum (1 oz): This is the backbone of the drink. Malibu is the most famous brand, but you can use any coconut-flavored Caribbean rum. It provides that suntan-lotion scent (in a good way!) and a sugary, vanilla-coconut base.
- Blue Curaçao (1 oz): This is an orange-flavored liqueur dyed a brilliant blue. It tastes very similar to Triple Sec. It provides the citrus element that cuts through the creamy coconut. The blue color interacts with the yellow pineapple juice to create a teal or electric blue shade depending on your ratios.
- Pineapple Juice (1 oz): Fresh is best, but canned works perfectly fine here. The acidity of the pineapple balances the sugar in the liqueurs. Pro Tip: Shake the can of juice well before pouring to ensure you get the pulp, which helps create a nice foam head on the shot.
- Garnishes: Whipped cream (canned spray is traditional and easiest), sprinkles (blue and yellow to match the theme), and maraschino cherries.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making a Blue Scooby Snack is incredibly easy, but technique does matter to get the right temperature and texture.
1. Chill Your Glassware
While not strictly necessary, placing your shot glasses or hurricane glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes beforehand ensures the drink stays frosty longer. This is especially helpful if you are serving these at a hot summer outdoor party.
2. The Measure
In a cocktail shaker, combine equal parts of Coconut Rum, Blue Curaçao, and Pineapple Juice. For a single large shooter, use 1 ounce of each. If you are making a batch for a crowd, simply keep the 1:1:1 ratio. For example, 1 cup of each ingredient will make a pitcher.
3. The Shake
Fill the shaker halfway with ice. Cap it and shake vigorously for at least 15-20 seconds. You want to shake until the outside of the metal shaker becomes frosty cold. This serves two purposes: it chills the drink down to a palatable temperature, and it aerates the pineapple juice, creating a lovely froth on top.
4. The Pour
Strain the mixture into your prepared glasses. If you want a clean look, use a fine mesh strainer to catch small ice chips. If you prefer a “slushy” vibe, you can pour the ice right into the glass (if the glass is large enough).
5. The Garnish
This is where the “Snack” part comes in. Top the drink generously with whipped cream. Add a pinch of colored sprinkles and finish with a cherry on top or on the rim.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Shot
The “Curdling” Fear:
Some people worry about mixing citrus (pineapple) with dairy (if you choose to add heavy cream). However, in this specific recipe, we aren’t adding milk or cream to the shaker, so there is no risk of curdling inside the drink. The whipped cream sits safely on top.
Adjusting the Color:
Pineapple juice is yellow. Blue Curaçao is blue. Yellow + Blue = Green. Sometimes, if your pineapple juice is very dark, your drink might turn out teal or sea-green. If you want a deep, true blue, add a tiny drop of blue food coloring to the shaker, or reduce the pineapple juice slightly (though this will make the drink stronger and sweeter).
Making it Creamy:
If you want the drink to be opaque and milky (like a boozy milkshake), add 0.5 oz of heavy cream or coconut milk to the shaker before shaking. This softens the color to a baby blue and makes the mouthfeel much richer.
Variations on the Classic
Don’t feel limited to the blue version. Here are some fun twists:
1. The Classic “Shaggy” (Green Scooby Snack)
Swap the Blue Curaçao for Melon Liqueur (Midori). Keep the coconut rum and pineapple juice the same. Add a splash of milk or cream. This creates a bright pastel green shot that tastes like melon and coconut.
2. The Ghost (White Scooby Snack)
Use Coconut Rum, Pineapple Juice, and a splash of Piña Colada mix or Coconut Cream. Omit the colorful liqueurs entirely. This is essentially a mini Piña Colada.
3. The Slushie Version
Instead of shaking with ice, toss the ingredients into a blender with 1 cup of ice. Blend until smooth. This is fantastic for hot days and turns the drink into a frozen dessert.
Serving Suggestions and Party Pairing
These shots are naturally sweet, so they pair best with savory, salty snacks that cut through the sugar. Think classic “bar food”:
- Salty Snacks: Pretzels, popcorn, or salty roasted nuts.
- Fried Foods: Mozzarella sticks or jalapeño poppers match the indulgent vibe.
- Theme Parties: These are obvious winners for 90s throwback parties, cartoon-themed events, or beach luaus.
Nutritional Info & Alcohol Content
It is important to remember that even though these taste like fruit juice, they pack a punch.
Alcohol Content: Coconut rum is usually 21% ABV, and Blue Curaçao is around 25% ABV. Since the drink is 2/3 alcohol, it is stronger than it tastes. Pace yourself!
Calories: Between the sugary liqueurs, the fruit juice, and the whipped cream topping, one shot can range from 150 to 200 calories. It is definitely a treat!

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a big batch ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix the Rum, Curaçao, and Pineapple Juice in a pitcher and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a really good stir or shake before serving, as the pineapple juice creates sediment that settles at the bottom. Do not add ice to the pitcher, or it will water down.
I don’t have coconut rum. Can I use white rum?
You can, but you will lose that signature tropical flavor. If you use white rum, add a drop of coconut extract or use a splash of coconut cream to replicate the flavor.
Is Blue Curaçao non-alcoholic?
Traditional Blue Curaçao is a liqueur containing alcohol. However, many brands (like Torani or Monin) make Blue Curaçao syrups which are non-alcoholic. If you use syrup, swap the alcohol for clear soda or water to make a virgin version.
Conclusion
The Blue Scooby Snack Shot is more than just a drink; it’s a mood lifter. It’s bright, cheerful, and impossibly tasty. It requires zero fancy bar tools and uses ingredients that are easy to find at any liquor store. Next time you are looking to add a splash of color to your gathering, grab the blue bottle and get shaking. Just watch out for ghosts!
Blue Scooby Snack Shots
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes.
- Pour in the Coconut Rum, Blue Curaçao, and Pineapple Juice.
- Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the shaker feels frosty cold on the outside. This helps aerate the pineapple juice.
- Strain the mixture into a tall shot glass or a small hurricane glass.
- Immediately top with a large swirl of whipped cream.
- Garnish with sprinkles and a cherry. Serve immediately while cold.
