Looking for the best jello shot recipe? Then read on because with these bad boys, it’s impossible not to have a party! They’re bright, fun, and easy to make, and the best part is you can do the work ahead of the party. Pick your favorite flavor, your best spirit and get creative with added extras. You’re the General of Gelatine at this wobbly party, and with The Mixer by your side, you can create the best jello shot recipe to give your guests something to remember.
Jello Shot Recipe
PREP TIME 240 min
QUICK TIPS
INSTRUCTIONS
01
1.
Pour the jello into a large mixing bowl
02
2.
Add the boiling water and whisk well to dissolve the gelatine
03
3.
Add the cold water and vodka and whisk well to combine
04
4.
Pour the mixture into the plastic containers but leave a gap
05
5.
Pop the lids on and place them in the fridge for 3-4 hours or until set
06
6.
Serve cold and enjoy
What is the best alcohol to use?
Vodka is the standard choice of alcohol because it doesn’t get in the way of the fruity jello flavor. That said, you can use rum or tequila to add a little more punch and flavor to your shots. You could even use a cocktail of spirits. Jello shots are a fun space to play around in, and we suggest you do exactly that to find your favorite flavor.
Customize your jello shots
Jello shot ideas are only limited by your imagination. The recipe above is basic, but there are many ways to customize your jello shots. For extra sparkle, add a touch of edible glitter to the mixture. For added fruity flavor, add a grape or a strawberry to the cup before pouring in the liquid. For a magical moment, add a few jellybeans to each cup. You can even top the shots with whipped cream and sprinkles for a birthday celebration. If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can make three separate batches of different colors ,and set them in layers to create a jello rainbow shot.
How long does it take for jello shots to set?
Ideally, it takes about 3-4 hours to set properly, but check them after 2 hours and see how they are doing. You can cheat it a little bit by placing them in the freezer to speed up the process, but keep a close eye on them.
How long do jello shots last?
Jello shots are best kept in the fridge, where they will last for 3-4 days. So, if you’re catering for a party, it’s easy to get them done ahead of time. Take them out of the fridge only when you want to serve them. No one wants a mouthful of warm jello.
How strong are these jello shots?
The jello shot ratio in this recipe is 1 part vodka to 3 parts water, so it is diluted down to around 12-13% ABV. This is fairly light if you consider that a straight shot is 40% ABV. But that being said, these are double shots, so don’t get carried away!
You also might like: 12 Best Mocktails for Dry January.
How to make layered jello shots
If you want to impress your guests with an eye-catching treat, layered jello shots are a must-try. To make them, simply follow these steps for each layer:
- Start by making your first jello batch as usual, but only pour a thin layer into your shot cups.
- Refrigerate the first layer until it’s almost set (about 20–30 minutes).
- Once firm, prepare your second jello flavor, pour it over the first layer, and let it set in the fridge.
- Repeat the process for as many layers as you like—get creative with colors and flavors!
This extra effort is perfect for holidays or themed parties. You can even match the layers to your event’s color scheme!
Learn more: 8 Popular Layered Cocktails that Always Make a Splash
Fun flavor combos to try
Take your jello shots to a whole new level by experimenting with exciting flavor pairings! Here are some suggestions:
- Cherry and Amaretto: A subtle nutty twist for cherry lovers.
- Lime and Aperol: If you’re looking for a bittersweet citrus kick, Aperol brings just the right flavor.
- Orange and Grand Marnier: For a touch of elegance, mix orange jello with Grand Marnier.
- Strawberry and SKYY Vodka: SKYY Vodka’s smooth flavor profile makes this combo a crowd-pleaser.
Also see: How Many Ounces Are in a Shot?
Can I make jello shots with sparkling alcohol?
Yes, you can! Sparkling wine, Prosecco, or Champagne jello shots add a bubbly twist to your recipe. Here’s how:
- Make your jello as normal, but instead of using all cold water, swap out a portion of it with chilled bubbly.
- To keep the fizz, add the sparkling alcohol after the jello mixture has cooled down a bit. This way, you won’t lose too much carbonation.
These sparkling jello shots are great for celebrations like New Year’s Eve or weddings!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Vodka is a good starting point, but you can use any spirit for your shots. Any alcohol that is higher than 80-proof might struggle to freeze. You would need to balance it out with more water
We suggest diluting the vodka with an equal part of water, but you can go all vodka for a stronger shot.
One or two days in advance is great because it takes the worry out of whether they’re going to set in time. That said, you can make the shots on the morning of your party if it’s an evening occasion.
Using store-bought jello is the simplest way to make jello shots. It’s already portioned and flavored for your convenience.
To make stronger jello shots, you can reduce the water content and increase the alcohol ratio. Just be careful not to overdo it—too much alcohol can prevent the jello from setting properly.
If you’re using plastic shot cups, you can loosen the jello by running a butter knife around the edge, or gently squeeze the cup to release the jello. For silicone molds, the jello should pop out easily with a little pressure.
