Tequila Sunrise Jell-O Shots

These yummy tequila sunrise jello shots feature two distinct layers to recreate the stunning drink of the same name and make for a great party treat.

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Get ready to be the life of the party with our Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots! These playful little cups are like a mini fiesta in every serving, bursting with the tangy freshness of real orange juice, the fruity sweetness of grenadine, and the smooth kick of tequila. ot only do they taste amazing, but they also look stunning with their iconic layered effect, making them as Instagram-worthy as they are delicious. Skip the standard versions and wow your guests with these.

Let’s Dish: About These Shots

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Main Ingredients: Cherry Jell-O, orange Jell-O, tequila, grenadine, orange juice.
Quick Steps: Make cherry and orange layers with tequila, garnish.
Total Time & Yield: 6 hours 5 minutes total, makes 18 shots.

Why This Recipe

• This Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots recipe stands out from others because it emphasizes the use of fresh ingredients for a more vibrant, layered shot.

• While many recipes rely on bottled orange juice, ours uses freshly squeezed orange juice, enhancing the natural flavor and freshness of the jello shots. This gives the orange layer a more authentic, zesty taste.

• Additionally, the splash of grenadine creates a visually appealing and distinctive sunrise effect in every shot. Unlike some recipes that might simply mix everything together, this method ensures a clean, aesthetic presentation.

• The balance of tequila and fruit juices offers a well-rounded flavor without being overly sweet, providing a refreshing twist that isn’t too sugary compared to others out there.

Tequila Sunrise Jell-O Shots Ingredients

If you can’t find the 2-ounce plastic shot glasses with lids, they may be labeled as plastic condiment cups. These can be used interchangeably. You can use any shot cups you prefer, but keep in mind that your servings may differ from this recipe.

Substitutions And Additions

GRENADINE: To simplify the recipe, you can substitute grenadine with ¼ cup of maraschino cherry juice from the jar, which saves you from buying an extra ingredient. However, grenadine is versatile, used in many cocktails, and has a long shelf life, so it’s a good investment if you enjoy making drinks.

ORANGES: We used three large navel oranges for fresh juice and garnish, but if you’re prepping ahead or prefer skipping the garnish, a high-quality pulp-free orange juice works just as well.

TEQUILA: A mid-range silver tequila is perfect for these shots since it blends well with the flavors. Gold tequila is an option, but avoid low-end brands for the best taste. No need to splurge on premium varieties.

How To Make This Tequila Sunrise Jell-O Shots Recipe

STEP ONE: Place eighteen 2-ounce sized Jell-O shot/condiment cups onto a rimmed tray and set aside.

Setting the Jell-O shot containers on a baking tray will help make it easier to transport them to the fridge for chilling.

STEP TWO: You will need to make the cherry layer first by adding the cherry-flavored Jell-O gelatin powder and boiling water to a large mixing bowl with a pour spout. Stir until the gelatin dissolves completely.

A quick and easy way to boil your water is to place the 1 cup of water into a microwave-safe 2-cup spouted glass measuring cup. Microwave on high for 3½ to 4 minutes to boil the water. 

STEP THREE: Add the tequila and grenadine syrup to the cherry liquid. Stir to combine.

STEP FOUR: Carefully pour the cherry liquid into the bottom third to half of each of the 2-ounce plastic cups.

STEP FIVE: Refrigerate for 2 hours before proceeding with the orange layer.

STEP SIX: For the orange layer, add the orange-flavored Jell-O gelatin and boiling water to a large spouted mixing bowl. Stir to completely dissolve the gelatin powder.

STEP SEVEN: Add the tequila and fresh-squeezed orange juice. Stir to combine.

STEP EIGHT: Carefully pour the orange liquid on top of the cherry layer (make sure the cherry layer has been completely set first) to fill each plastic cup.

STEP NINE: Refrigerate for an additional 3 to 4 hours or until fully set.

STEP TEN: Garnish each tequila sunrise Jell-O shot with a small wedge of fresh orange and a maraschino cherry.

How To Serve

These yummy tequila sunrise Jell-O shots will be the life of the party. Serve them alongside appetizers, including our cucumber bites and stuffed mushrooms, to keep your guests fed and happy. 

Other great options that come to mind include fresh guacamole with crispy tortilla chips, zesty pico de gallo, or even some juicy citrus fruits to balance out the flavors.

Check out our fireball Jell-O shots and creamsicle Jell-O shots to add a variety of delicious jello shot recipes to your next party.

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Storage

Follow along for all the tips and tricks you’ll need to store and enjoy these delightful treats at your leisure.

MAKE AHEAD: Tequila sunrise jello shots can certainly be prepared ahead of time, making them a perfect choice for stress-free event planning. Simply follow the recipe instructions right up until the final chilling step. You can prepare these shots up to 2-3 days in advance.

Make sure to cover the shots with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Remember to add any garnish just before serving for the freshest taste and presentation.

IN THE FRIDGE: You can store these tequila sunrise Jell-O shots in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If you are not serving these immediately, then I suggest placing the plastic lid onto the tops of the Jell-O shots so that they can be stacked and stored easily in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Do not place your orange slices or cherries onto the Jell-O shots until you are ready to serve them.

IN THE FREEZER: This tequila sunrise Jell-O shot recipe doesn’t tend to freeze very well because of the gelatin and alcohol.

These tasty tequila sunrise Jell-O shots boast a classic tequila sunrise taste in a fun new way. The red layer and orange layer create a beautiful, layered treat that will have your guests oohing and aahing. They are almost too pretty to enjoy!

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Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots

5 from 2 votes

These yummy tequila sunrise jello shots feature two distinct layers to recreate the stunning drink of the same name and make for a great party treat.

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 6 hours hours 5 minutes minutes

Servings 18

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Ingredients

  

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Cherry Layer

• 3 ounces cherry-flavored jello gelatin
• 1 cup boiling water
• ¾ cup tequila (I used Jose Cuervo Silver)
• ¼ cup grenadine syrup

Orange Layer

• 3 ounces orange-flavored jello gelatin
• 1 cup boiling water
• ½ cup tequila (I used Jose Cuervo Silver)
• ½ cup fresh-squeezed orange juice from 1to 2 large navel oranges, pulp strained out

Garnish

• maraschino cherries & navel orange small wedges

Instructions

 

• Place 18 (2-ounce) jello shot/condiment cups onto a rimmed tray and set aside.
• You will need to make the cherry layer first by adding the cherry-flavored jello gelatin powder and boiling water to a large mixing bowl with a pour spout. Stir to completely dissolve the gelatin powder.
• Add the tequila and grenadine syrup to the cherry liquid. Stir to combine.
• Carefully pour the cherry liquid into the bottom third to half of each of the 2-ounce plastic cups.
• Refrigerate for 2 hours before proceeding with the orange layer.
• For the orange layer, add the orange-flavored jello powder and boiling water to a large spouted mixing bowl. Stir to completely dissolve the gelatin powder.
• Add the tequila and fresh-squeezed orange juice. Stir to combine.
• Carefully pour the orange liquid on top of the cherry layer (make sure the cherry layer has completely set first) to fill each plastic cup.
• Refrigerate for an additional 3 to 4 hours or until fully set.
• Garnish each tequila sunrise jello shot with a small wedge of fresh orange and a maraschino cherry.

Notes

• If you can’t find the 2-ounce plastic shot glasses with lids, they may be labeled as plastic condiment cups. These can be used interchangeably. You can use any shot cups you prefer, but keep in mind that your servings may differ from this recipe.
• If you are making this yummy jello shot recipe for a party and need lots of shots, you can easily double this recipe.
• Setting the jello shot containers on a baking tray will help make it easier to transport them to the fridge for chilling.
• A quick and easy way to boil your water is to place the 1 cup of water into a microwave-safe 2-cup spouted glass measuring cup. Microwave on high for 3½ to 4 minutes to boil the water.

Nutrition

Calories: 89kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.01g | Saturated Fat: 0.001g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.002g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.001g | Sodium: 47mg | Potassium: 10mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 11IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 0.03mg

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