Pull your vodka, grape juice, and cranberry juice from the fridge or freezer at least 15 minutes before mixing. Cold ingredients mean you need less ice in each shot, which prevents dilution as you sip.

Add a handful of ice cubes to each shot glass, filling about halfway. The ice keeps the final drink at the proper temperature and looks more appealing than a warm liquid.

Using a jigger, pour 1.5 oz of vodka into each shot glass. This amount provides enough alcohol to carry the flavors while keeping the shot drinkable in one or two gulps.

Measure 1 oz of grape juice and pour it into each shot glass over the vodka. The grape juice floats slightly and begins creating that beautiful purple color immediately.

Add 0.5 oz of cranberry juice to each glass, pouring slowly down the side of the glass. This layering technique creates visual depth and prevents the flavors from fully blending until you drink it, which keeps each sip interesting.

Squeeze or measure 0.25 oz of fresh lemon juice into each glass. This step is optional but lifts the flavor and prevents the shot from tasting overly sweet or one-note.

Use a bar spoon to stir the ingredients together with a gentle hand, about three to four times. You want to mix the flavors without sloshing the drink or aerating it too much.

Take a small sip from a spare glass to check the balance of sweet, tart, and alcohol. Add a splash more cranberry juice if you want more tartness, or a touch more grape juice if you prefer sweeter. Serve immediately.