November 22, 2023
Review RecipeCandy Cane Jello Shots
Candy cane jello shots have plenty of peppermint vibes in an easy-to-prepare, make-ahead recipe that's an excellent choice for any gathering.
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Welcome the holiday spirit with our candy cane jello shots, a blend of sweet and minty flavors that will make your gatherings unforgettable. This festive treat combines the nostalgic taste of candy canes with a playful twist.
Candy Cane Jello Shots Ingredients
This jello shots recipe requires a handful of ingredients you might already have in your pantry.
You’ll start with a gelatin base that gives these shots the classic jello texture.
Next, peppermint schnapps give our candy cane shots their distinctive mint flavor, reminiscent of traditional candy canes.
The condensed milk adds a creamy sweetness to the shots, balancing out the flavor of the peppermint schnapps.
You can’t serve these pink treats without whipped cream, candy canes, and sprinkles.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup of cold water
- 2 (0.25-ounce) packets of unflavored gelatin
- ½ cup of sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup of peppermint schnapps
- 2-3 drops of red food coloring
- Extra creamy whipped topping, thawed
- Mini candy canes, finely crushed, optional garnish
- Candy cane-shaped jimmies sprinkles, optional garnish
PRO TIP:
When choosing your peppermint schnapps, make sure that you are using one with a red label and candy cane on it. We used DeKuyper brand.
Some bottles of peppermint are actually a spearmint flavor. These typically have a green label and show mint leaves.
These have a thin mint cookie flavor, not a true peppermint flavor like a candy cane.
Substitutions And Additions
PEPPERMINT SCHNAPPS: If you’re not a fan of peppermint schnapps, you can substitute it with a non-alcoholic peppermint extract.
Just remember, this will alter the flavor and remove the alcoholic content.
SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK: You can use coconut condensed milk as a dairy-free option.
It has a similar texture and sweetness but adds a subtle coconut flavor.
RED FOOD COLORING: If you prefer natural alternatives, beetroot juice can be used to achieve a similar red color.
Adding a natural alternative like beetroot juice will slightly alter the taste.
WHIPPED TOPPING: For a dairy-free or vegan alternative, coconut whipped cream can be used. It’s light, fluffy, and a perfect substitute.
You can also add the extra creamy whipped topping from the tub. First, thaw the topping and then add to a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip.
Use this to add a decorative dollop piped onto your Jello shot before serving.
Alternatively, you can use the can of squirt whipped topping or a homemade stabilized whipped cream.
How To Make This Candy Cane Jello Shots Recipe
Let’s dive into making these candy cane jello shots.
Don’t worry; it’s simple and straightforward, perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike.
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
If you fill your shot cups completely full, you will only get 11 servings.
Alternately, if you use a different-sized jello shot cup, then that will also alter the total number of servings.
STEP ONE: Add the cup of water to a small saucepan and sprinkle the unflavored gelatin granules over the top of the water.
Stir the gelatin into the water until fully absorbed.
Turn the heat to medium-low and allow the gelatin to heat up for one to two minutes or just until fully dissolved and the gelatin is warm but not too hot.
Do not allow the gelatin to get to a simmer or a boil.
STEP TWO: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the sweetened condensed milk.
Slowly pour the warm gelatin mixture into the sweetened condensed milk while whisking constantly until fully combined.
PRO TIP:
An eight-cup glass liquid measure cup with a pour spout works great to mix your candy cane jello shot mixture in.
It will make pouring the liquid into the small cups much easier than in a regular medium bowl.
You can also transfer your liquid mixture into a smaller spouted measuring cup to pour the liquid into the shot cups easily.
STEP THREE: Add the peppermint schnapps and red food coloring. Whisk until your candy cane jello shot mixture is pink.
PRO TIP:
You can add a couple of extra drops of the red food color if you want your candy cane jello shots to be red instead of pink.
STEP FOUR: Place 12 jello shot cups onto a rimmed tray and pour the candy cane jello mixture into each of the plastic shot glasses.
Pour to the fill line, which will be slightly more than two-thirds full.
Tip: We used the two-ounce shot cups for this recipe.
PRO TIP:
The large tray will help you easily transport the little plastic cups to and from the fridge.
STEP FIVE: Refrigerate the tray of jello shots for two to three hours or until fully set.
STEP SIX: Add a dollop of extra creamy whipped topping and the optional garnish of crushed candy canes and sprinkles when ready to serve.
You can combine the suggested garnishes or just stick to one.
Do not garnish until just before serving.
PRO TIP:
You can run a sharp, thin-bladed knife along the outside edges of the jello shot just before garnishing. A paring knife works great!
This will ensure the candy cane jello shots come out of the cups with ease.
How To Serve
These candy cane jello shots are a versatile treat that can be served in a variety of ways.
Serve them as a dessert at your next party. They’re a playful twist on the traditional candy cane and are sure to be a hit with your party guests.
Pair these jello shots with a plate of assorted Christmas cookies, including our Grinch cookies and Christmas shortbread cookies, for a playful dessert spread.
Serve these alongside a hot chocolate bar for a fun dessert option. The flavor of the shots complements the rich chocolate perfectly.
Ring in the New Year with these jello shots. They’re a treat that’s perfect for toasting to new beginnings. Add our stuffed mushrooms and hot crab dip for your guests.
If you’re celebrating a winter birthday, these jello shots, along with a Christmas red velvet poke cake, are a great way to celebrate.
If you are looking to offer a variety of jello shots, we have plenty more jello shot recipes, including our butterbeer jello shots and eggnog jello shots to choose from.
When To Serve
HOLIDAY PARTIES: Candy cane jello shots are an ideal fit for Christmas and holiday gatherings.
NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH: Ring in the New Year with style by serving candy cane jello shots.
WINTER WEDDINGS: If you’re having a winter wedding, consider incorporating candy cane jello shots into your cocktail hour or dessert table.
UGLY SWEATER PARTIES: Ugly sweater parties are all about having fun, and candy cane jello shots fit right in with the quirky atmosphere.
OFFICE HOLIDAY POTLUCKS: Spice up your workplace holiday potluck by bringing in candy cane jello shots.
MORE SHOT RECIPES
Storage
These Christmas jello shots are not only delicious but also convenient. They can be made ahead and stored, making them a great choice for parties and gatherings.
MAKE AHEAD: You can make these jello shots up to five days in advance.
Just remember to cover the jello shot cups with the lids that come in the package to keep them fresh.
IN THE FRIDGE: Store these boozy treats in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Make sure they’re covered to prevent them from absorbing any unwanted flavors.
IN THE FREEZER: Due to the gelatin and alcohol content, it’s not recommended to freeze these jello shots. Freezing could alter the texture and consistency.
Why We Love This Recipe
There’s a lot to love about this candy cane jello shots recipe.
FLAVORS: The flavors perfectly capture the essence of the season. It’s like enjoying a candy cane in a fun, new way.
EASY TO MAKE: This recipe is simple and straightforward, making it perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
Plus, it’s a great way to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
MAKE-AHEAD CONVENIENCE: You can make these fun jello shots up to five days in advance, making them great for planning.
Just whip up a batch, store them in the fridge, and you’re ready to go.
Our candy cane jello shots recipe is a treat that’s sure to be a huge hit at your gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, a New Year’s Eve bash, or a casual get-together, these jello shots are an excellent way to celebrate the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of alcohol for this peppermint jello shots recipe?
You can substitute the peppermint schnapps with another type of alcohol, but it will alter the flavor.
You could use a mint-flavored vodka or rum for a similar flavor.
Can I make these jello shots non-alcoholic?
You can substitute the peppermint schnapps with a non-alcoholic peppermint extract.
Just remember, this will alter the flavor and remove the alcoholic content.
Can I use a different type of gelatin?
This recipe calls for unflavored gelatin to allow the flavors of the sweetened condensed milk and peppermint schnapps to shine.
If you use flavored gelatin, it will alter the taste of the jello shots.
How long do these jello shots last in the fridge?
These jello shots can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Can I freeze these Christmas shots?
Due to the gelatin and alcohol content, freezing these jello shots is not recommended. Freezing could alter the texture and consistency.
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Candy Cane Jello Shots
Candy cane jello shots have plenty of peppermint vibes in an easy-to-prepare, make-ahead recipe that's an excellent choice for any gathering.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 5 minutes
Servings 12
Ingredients
- 1 cup cold water
- 0.50 ounces unflavored gelatin
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup peppermint schnapps
- 2 to 3 drops red food coloring
- Extra creamy whipped topping, thawed
Optional Garnish
- Mini candy canes, finely crushed
- Candy cane-shaped jimmies sprinkles
Instructions
- To a small saucepan, add the cold water and sprinkle the unflavored gelatin granules over the top of the water. Stir the gelatin into the water until fully absorbed. Turn the heat to medium-low and allow the gelatin to heat up for 1-2 minutes or just until fully dissolved and the gelatin is warm but not too hot. Do not allow the gelatin to get to a simmer or a boil.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl (an 8-cup glass liquid measure cup with a pour spout works great), add the sweetened condensed milk. Slowly pour the warm gelatin into the sweetened condensed milk while whisking constantly until fully combined.
- Add the peppermint schnapps and red food coloring. Whisk until your candy cane jello shot mixture is pink.
- Place 12 (2-ounce) jello shot cups onto a small rimmed tray and pour the candy cane jello mixture into each shot cup to the fill line (slightly more than ⅔ full).
- Refrigerate the candy cane jello shots for 2-3 hours or until fully set.
- Add a dollop of extra creamy whipped topping and optional garnish when ready to serve. You can use a combination of the suggested garnishes or just stick to one. Do not garnish until just before serving.
Notes
- When choosing your peppermint schnapps, make sure that you are using one with a red label and candy cane on it (DeKuyper brand), as some peppermint (with a green label and mint leaves) is actually a spearmint flavor (similar to creme de menthe – think thin mint cookie flavor) not a true peppermint flavor like a candy cane.
- If you fill your shot cups completely full, you will only get 11 servings. Alternately, if you use a different-sized jello shot cup, then that will also alter the total number of servings.
- An 8-cup glass liquid measure cup with a pour spout works great to mix your candy cane jello shot mixture in. It will make pouring the liquid into the small cups much easier than in a regular medium bowl. You can also transfer your liquid mixture into a smaller spouted measuring cup, if you do not have the larger size to use as a bowl, to pour the liquid into the shot cups easily.
- You can add a couple of extra drops of the red food color if you want your candy cane jello shots to be red instead of pink.
- The large tray will help you easily transport the little plastic cups to and from the fridge.
- You can run a sharp, thin-bladed knife (a paring knife works great) along the outside edges of the jello shot just before garnishing. This will ensure the candy cane jello shots come out of the cups with ease.
Nutrition
Calories: 70kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 19mg | Potassium: 47mg | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 34IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 0.04mg
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