June 5, 2023
Review RecipeTequila Sunrise Jell-O Shots

Table of Contents
Not only are these tequila sunrise Jell-O shots delicious, but they also look beautiful with their crimson and orange layers. Cherry and orange Jell-O are made with your favorite tequila and citrusy orange juice to create these fun party shots.

Tequila Sunrise Jell-O Shots Ingredients

You’ll need:
For The Cherry Layer:
- 1 (3-ounce) package of cherry Jell-O powder
- 1 cup of boiling water
- ¾ cup of tequila (I used Jose Cuervo Silver)
- ¼ cup of grenadine syrup
For The Orange Layer:
- 1 (3-ounce) package of orange Jell-O powder
- 1 cup of boiling water
- ½ cup of tequila (I used Jose Cuervo Silver)
- ½ cup of fresh-squeezed orange juice from 1 to 2 large navel oranges (pulp strained out)
For The Garnish:
- Maraschino cherries and small navel orange wedges
PRO TIP:
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: If you want to keep this recipe very simple, you can swap out the grenadine syrup for ¼ of the maraschino cherry juice from the jar of cherries. This will save you from purchasing an item that you may not use otherwise. Grenadine syrup is used in various other cocktails and has a long shelf life, so it will not go to waste if you choose to use it.
ORANGES: I purchased three large navel oranges for this easy recipe (for the juice and the garnish), but if you want to make these jello shots ahead of time, or want to omit the orange wedge garnish, then you can substitute a good quality pulp-free orange juice in place of squeezing your own juice.
TEQUILA: I used a mid-grade silver tequila for these tequila sunrise shots because it is mixed with the flavored gelatin. You can also use a gold tequila, but I suggest using one that you would drink in a standard cocktail. You do not need to use the expensive top-shelf varieties, but I would stay away from the low-end ones.
How To Make This Tequila Sunrise Jell-O Shots Recipe
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
If you are making this yummy Jell-O shot recipe for a party and need lots of shots, you can easily double this recipe.
STEP ONE: Place eighteen 2-ounce sized Jell-O shot/condiment cups onto a rimmed tray and set aside.
PRO TIP:
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.
PRO TIP:
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.
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.
MORE JELLO SHOT RECIPES
Storage
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!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If you have any leftover jello shots, you can store them in the fridge for up to two weeks with their lids tightly on. You can make them three days ahead of your party before serving, but make sure you are storing the containers with the lids on.
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.
Pick your favorite brand of tequila for this tequila sunrise recipe. Anything you enjoy drinking in your cocktails will work fine here.
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Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots
Ingredients
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.
Comments
Sue says
So pretty! Great for a weekend gathering.
Miriam says
Love these! I doubled the recipe for a party. Only added 1/2 the tequila with the orange jello. Added a little fresh lime juice to cherry jello. These are so so good! I think fresh squeezed juice is key. Not too sweet and doesn’t taste artificial. Will make these again!
Kathie says
Can you use sugar free jello?
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Kathie – that should probably work ok, enjoy!