Pina Colada Jello Shotsrn

a close up shot of Pina Colada Jello Shots with one topped with a cherry and a slice of pineapple

Add a little bit of summer to your next party with our pina colada jello shots that feature pineapple jello infused with coconut rum and pineapple juice to create a tasty adult treat.

Jump to Recipe

Prep Time30

Total Time4 30

Servings

Table of Contents

Pina Colada Jello Shots Ingredients
Pineapple Jello Shots Substitutions And Additions
How To Make Rum Jello Shots
How To Serve Pina Colada Shots
When To Serve Rum Jello Shots
Storage Tips for Pina Colada Shots
Why We Love These Coconut Rum Jello Shots
More Recipes You’ll Love
JUMP TO RECIPE
Even More Recipes You’ll Love

It’s time to get tropical with these pina colada jello shots. Whether you are heading to the beach or just dreaming of it, these shots are loaded with pineapple and coconut flavor and topped with an array of garnishes.

Pina Colada Jello Shots Ingredients

If you’re looking to add some pizzazz to your next pool party, this pina colada jello shots recipe is a must-try.

The taste is fruity, with a hint of sweet coconut and a subtle kick of alcohol. They are a unique jello shot to offer at any gathering.

With their vibrant and bright colors, they are pleasing to look at.

Simple components like hot water, a half cup rum, and a package of jello are the main ingredients for this adult treat. The best part is these fun summer treats come together quickly and taste delicious!

Follow our step-by-step instructions and full recipe below to get on island time!

You’ll need:

2 (3-ounce) boxes of island pineapple jello mix
¾ cup of boiling water
½ cup of pineapple juice
½ cup of Malibu coconut rum
¼ cup triple sec
Whipped cream (for garnish)
Toasted coconut (for garnish)
Maraschino cherries (for garnish)
Fresh pineapple chunks (for garnish)

PRO TIP:

If you can’t find the two-ounce plastic shot cups with lids, they may be labeled as plastic condiment cups. These can be used interchangeably.

You can use any mini shot cups you prefer, but keep in mind that your servings may differ from this recipe.

The two-ounce shot cups are the perfect size for serving.

Pineapple Jello Shots Substitutions And Additions

PINEAPPLE: I like to get the little mini six-ounce cans of real pineapple juice to keep on hand in my pantry.

This way, I do not need to open a large bottle of pineapple juice if I am only using it to make a small recipe.

RUM: For a non-alcoholic version, omit the rum altogether and replace it with extra pineapple juice.

You’ll still get the same flavor without the alcohol content.

If you’re looking for a different alcoholic twist, try spiced rum for a unique flavor profile. You could also use white rum.

MANGO JUICE: In case you’re out of pineapple juice, mango juice makes for a great alternative. It’ll add a different, but equally delicious tropical twist to your jello shots.

You could also use orange pineapple juice for more flavors.

FRUIT: Feel free to add fresh pineapple chunks or mango pieces instead of or alongside the maraschino cherries for a natural fruitiness and a burst of fresh tropical flavor.

ZEST: Finishing your jello shots with lemon or lime zest would also add a yummy citrus note that complements the tropical flavors beautifully.

JELLO: You can try other flavors of jello as well, like sweet cherry or strawberry jello or coconut cream jello instead of the box of island pineapple jello mix.

How To Make Rum Jello Shots

It’s so easy to make jello shots, and they make a fun party treat. Let’s walk through the steps to make these treats.

STEP ONE: In a medium bowl or large four-cup measuring cup with a spout, whisk together the pineapple jello mix and boiling water until the jello is fully dissolved.

jello mix and boiling water whisked together

STEP TWO: Once the pineapple jello packet is fully dissolved, stir in the pineapple juice, Malibu rum, and triple sec. Mix until combined.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

Use up to one and a half cups of alcohol for a stronger jello shot. For a lighter jello shot, you can use additional cold water or pineapple juice and less alcohol. You need four cups total of liquid to combine with the jello mixture.

pineapple juice, malibu, and triple sec mixed together

STEP THREE: Carefully pour the mixture between the small plastic shot cups. Fill just under the top so they don’t spill.

PRO TIP:

Transfer the jello shot cups in and out of the fridge on a cookie sheet or large flat platter. You could even use a muffin pan.

STEP FOUR: Transfer the jello shots to the refrigerator and chill for four hours until set.

PRO TIP:

To toast coconut, spread a few tablespoons of sweetened coconut out on a baking sheet.

Place in the oven at 350°F and bake for three to five minutes, stirring once until lightly toasted.

Transfer from the baking sheet to a dish immediately, or it will continue cooking and burn on the baking sheet even when it is out of the oven.

STEP FIVE: Just before serving, top each boozy jello shot with a swirl of whipped cream, toasted coconut, maraschino cherry, and a small pineapple wedge.

PRO TIP:

Dab the maraschino cherries on paper towels to make sure that all of the juice is removed. Otherwise, it will drip down and stain the whipped cream.

whipped cream, toasted coconut, cherry and small pineapple topped on each shot

How To Serve Pina Colada Shots

Add these delicious coconut rum jello shots to your next summer party, and we guarantee they will be a huge hit.

Stick with an island theme and add our pineapple salsa and Dole popsicles for more treats.

Want to offer a non-alcoholic tropical drink? Try our pina colada mocktails or blue mocktails.

Serve a platter of fresh fruits like mango, papaya, and kiwi or our fruit salsa alongside your pina colada jello shots.

You don’t need cutlery for these tropical jello shots, but you could serve them with small spoons if you wish.

For something a little heartier, how about our pineapple chicken kabobs, along with our grilled corn on the cob and broccoli salad.

Don’t forget to check out more of our jello shot recipes. Our tequila jello shots and peach jello shots are two that we highly recommend.

When To Serve Rum Jello Shots

SUMMER PARTIES: Pina colada jello shots are a perfect addition to summer parties, whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, poolside gathering, or beach picnic.

LUAU-THEMED EVENT: If you’re throwing a luau, Hawaiian-themed party, or any tropical-inspired celebration, these shots fit the theme beautifully.

COCKTAIL PARTIES: Incorporate pina colada jello shots into your next party menu as a fun and unique cocktail-inspired dessert.

GIRLS’ NIGHT IN: Hosting a girls’ night in? These pineapple jello shots can be an excellent addition to the evening’s menu.

BACHELORETTE PARTIES: Pina colada jello shots are the perfect addition to bachelorette parties with their delicious flavors.

MORE SHOT RECIPES

Shots

Fireball Jello Shots

Shots

Starburst Jello Shots

Storage Tips for Pina Colada Shots

Now that you’ve whipped up these fantastic jello shots with rum, let’s talk about how to store them.

MAKE AHEAD: If you’re planning ahead for a party or gathering, you can prepare these shots a day in advance.

Just skip the toppings until you’re ready to serve.

Once you’ve assembled them in your chosen serving containers, cover them with plastic wrap or a lid and place them in the refrigerator.

IN THE FRIDGE: Pina colada shots will keep in the refrigerator for up to seven days.

Cover if you use plastic cups that do not come with individual lids; otherwise, pop the lids on for storage.

Do not store with whipped cream or other garnishes on top of the jello.

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

Why We Love These Coconut Rum Jello Shots

EASY TO MAKE: The step-by-step instructions make it a hassle-free process, and you don’t need any special culinary skills or equipment to whip up these shots.

PERFECT FOR PARTIES: Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, poolside party, or a casual get-together, these jello shots are a fun and festive addition to any gathering.

MAKE-AHEAD FRIENDLY: You can prepare these shots in advance, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your event.

overhead shot of Pina Colada Jello Shots topped with cherry and a slice of pineapple

These pina colada jello shots are a little cup of boozy fun. Just as yummy as the classic and creamy drink, they are a great way to add another grown-up treat to your next social gathering.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I make these jello shots ahead of time?

These pina colada jello shots with pineapple jello can be made up to a week ahead of time.

How do I store these pina colada jello shots with Malibu rum?

If you have any leftover jello shots, you can store them in the fridge for up to a week with their lids tightly on.

Can you freeze piña colada jello shots?

No, 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.

More Recipes You’ll Love