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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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

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These colorful and festive little treats are sure to be a hit among your guests. With layers of tangy orange juice, sweet grenadine, and of course, tequila, these jello shots are bursting with flavor in every bite.

The texture is smooth and jiggly, making them a fun and playful addition to any party spread.

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

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

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.

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.

MORE JELLO SHOT RECIPES

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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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