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How To Make Jello Shots

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close up shot of plastic containers of Jello Shots stacked on top of each other
Bright and delicious, the fruity flavors of these jello shots are sure to delight your party guests!
Jump to Recipe
Table of Contents
  1. Ingredients For Jello Shots
  2. Substitutions And Additions
  3. How To Make Jello Shots with Vodka
  4. How To Serve Jello Shots
  5. Jello Shot Recipe Storage
  6. Throw A Party With Jello Shots
  7. Best Jello Shot Recipe FAQ
  8. More Recipes You’ll Love
  9. JUMP TO RECIPE

These jello shots are such an easy “cocktail” to make! Lots of bright vibrant colors and delicious fruity flavor combinations make them ideal to add to your next party menu.

close up overhead shot of plastic containers of Jello Shots in a bowl

Ingredients For Jello Shots

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You’ll need:

  • 1 cup of boiling water
  • 3 ounces of jello gelatin powder mix, varying flavors
  • ½ cup of cold water
  • ½ cup of vodka, plain or flavored
  • 2-ounce plastic cups with lids or shot glasses
  • Whipped cream, optional
  • Fruit toppings, optional

PRO TIP:

I usually serve our simple Jello shots in mini 2-ounce cups with lids. For Halloween, you could also make Jello shot syringes for a great themed option.

Substitutions And Additions

JELLO FLAVOR: This recipe is basic, and you can use it to create many great-tasting flavors for any event.

I love making strawberry, lemon, grape, and orange. But you could truly make any flavor of Jello you love, plus mix them up into fun new pairs.

For a party or gathering, you could even make different colors that match your decor, holiday, or your favorite sports team.

VODKA: There are so many fun and different flavors of vodka available now. Here are a few ideas for fun flavor combinations that you’ll have to try!

  • berry jello with lemon or berry acai vodka
  • lemon jello with lemon vodka
  • lime jello with lime vodka
  • strawberry jello with vanilla vodka
  • orange jello with citrus vodka

ALCOHOL: There is so much flexibility with this simple recipe. Try peach schnapps or Malibu Rum. What about champagne jello shots or margarita jello shots?

How To Make Jello Shots with Vodka

STEP ONE: In a small pan, boil one cup of water.

Jello Shots process shot of a pot of water

STEP TWO: Once boiling, add the jello powder mix to the hot water and whisk until completely dissolved.

Remove the pan from the stove and pour the jello mixture into a separate pourable container. This can be either a glass measuring cup or a small pitcher.

Jello Shots process shot of jello mix being added to water in a pot

STEP THREE: Begin by whisking in cold water, and then add the vodka.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

Allow the dissolved gelatin mixture to cool slightly before adding the vodka. This will prevent the alcohol from boiling out, resulting in weaker shots.

By pouring the mixture into a separate container will allow the mixture enough time to cool to a sufficient temperature and make it easier to pour into your containers.

Jello Shots process shot of vodka being added to a measuring cup of jello mix

STEP FOUR: Once combined, pour the mixture into 2-ounce plastic containers or any plastic shot glass until almost full.

Jello Shots process shot of jello mix being added to plastic containers

STEP FIVE: Allow shots to set in the fridge for a minimum of one hour. Two to three hours is really ideal for great consistency.

Jello Shots process shot of jello shots in a baking dish

STEP SIX: When you’re ready to serve, you could even top with a dollop of whipped cream and fruit or even a maraschino cherry!

PRO TIP:

If you’re feeling fancy, feel free to combine two flavors together!

Fill a 2-ounce container up halfway, allow the first layer to set in the freezer for about 20 minutes, just to help it firm up a little faster, and then pour on the second flavor.

Allow the mixture to set in the fridge for a couple of hours until completely set.

How To Serve Jello Shots

Serve these yummy shots for a party any time of year. They are so easy to make and keep in the fridge well for up to a week. 

Whip up a few appetizers, such as jalapeño popper dip, stuffed mushrooms, and cucumber bites, and you’ll be all set!

Pssst…Jello isn’t just for drinks! You’ll want to try this jello poke cake or no-bake strawberry Jello pie as well.

Jello Shot Recipe Storage

IN THE FRIDGE: You can use baking sheets or dishes to stack your jello shot cups on while they’re chilling so that you can stack them in the fridge.

You can also store them in airtight containers to keep them contained from toppling over. 

How long do Jello shots last? Jello shots will last from three to five days in the fridge.

IN THE FREEZER: Because of the gelatin and alcohol, this jello shot recipe doesn’t tend to freeze very well.

close up shot of plastic containers of Jello Shots

Throw A Party With Jello Shots

These classic jello shots are perfect for any grown-up party. Fun flavor combinations and bright colors that your party guests will love will make them the hit of the party!

Best Jello Shot Recipe FAQ

What alcohol is good for jello shots?

Traditionally, jello shots are made with vodka. You could also make them with schnapps or rum if you’d prefer. Try fun flavors like peach schnapps or Malibu Rum. 

How many shots are in a jello shot?

About four jello shots will equal one regular shot.

How do I store vodka jello shots?

If you have any leftover jello shots, you can store them in the fridge for up to a week with their lids tightly on. You can make them 1-2 days ahead of your party before serving, but make sure you are storing the containers with the lids on.

Can you freeze jello shots?

I don’t find that jello shots freeze well because of the gelatin and alcohol. While you can pop them in the freezer for a few minutes to help speed along the setting process, you shouldn’t store them in the freezer after they’re done.

How long does it take to make jello shots?

Jello shots are quick and easy to make, requiring only about ten minutes of active time and three hours of chilling time.

How many jello shots per box?

You will get approximately 10-12 jello shots from a single box of jello powder.

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close up shot of plastic containers of Jello Shots stacked on top of each other

Jello Shot Recipe

5 from 3 votes
Bright and delicious, the fruity flavors of these jello shots are sure to delight your party guests!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 3 ounces jello gelatin mix, various flavors
  • ½ cup cold water
  • ½ cup vodka, plain or flavored
  • 2 ounce plastic containers with lids, or shot glasses
  • whipped cream, optional
  • fruit toppings, optional

Instructions
 

  • In a small pan, boil one cup of water.
  • Once boiling, add in the jello gelatin mix and whisk until completely dissolved. Remove the pan from the stove and pour the mixture into a separate pourable container. This can be either a glass measuring cup or a small pitcher.
  • Begin by whisking in cold water, and then add in the vodka.
  • Once combined, pour the finished mixture into the 2-ounce containers or any plastic shot glass until almost full.
  • Allow to set in the fridge for a minimum of 1 hour, preferably 2 to 3 hours.

Notes

  • I usually serve our simple jello shots in mini 2-ounce cups with lids. For Halloween, you could also make jello shot syringes for a great themed option. 
  • Allow the dissolved gelatin mixture to cool slightly before adding in the vodka. This will prevent the alcohol from boiling out, resulting in weaker shots. By pouring the mixture into a separate container will allow the mixture enough time to cool to a sufficient temperature and make it easier to pour into your containers.
  • If you’re feeling fancy, feel free to combine two flavors together! Fill a 2-ounce container up halfway, allow the first layer to set in the freezer for about 20 minutes, just to help it firm up a little faster, and then pour on the second flavor. Allow mixture to set in the fridge for a couple of hours until completely set.

Nutrition

Calories: 50kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: 35mg | Potassium: 1mg | Sugar: 6g | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg
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Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

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