Inspired by the Butterbeer drinks at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, this Butterbeer Jell-O Shots recipe is an easy-to-make adult treat that adds a boozy twist to the bona fide beverage. In only 10 minutes using a few simple ingredients you can create a decadent Jell-O shot drink that tastes just as creamy, sweet, and delicious as Harry’s favorite indulgence, but because this includes alcohol, it’s inappropriate for Potter and his underage pals!
Boozy Butterbeer Jell-O Shots
If you’ve ever visited a Universal Park and are familiar with the Harry Potter universe, then you’re also well aware of the most famous drink in all the books and movies–Butterbeer! And while I love the taste of the kids’ version, flavored with butterscotch and hints of cream and vanilla, this homemade Butterbeer beverage is so simple to make boozy and then revise it into Jell-o shot form.
Jell-O shots are my favorite way to get any party started and this Butterbeer Jell-O shots recipe makes it so much fun to consume a classic cocktail that wiggles, even if you are not a Potter fan!
This decadent Jell-O shot “drink” is made with butterscotch schnapps, vodka, and cream soda, and topped generously with caramel, gold sugar sprinkles, and whipped topping. And just like the original, it has a cold fizzy element with a thick and creamy head.
This gelatin version is so delicious and tastes as butter-y as the real thing, but you don’t need to visit the Three Broomsticks Bar to experience and enjoy it because I’ve worked my “magic” to enhance the amusement with a little added alcohol!
Everything you need to know on how to make the best Jello Shots.
Why We Love This Butterbeer Jell-O Shots Recipe
- Quick and easy to make.
- Fun to consume a classic cocktail that wiggles.
- A boozy twist on the iconic Butterbeer.
- Tastes just as creamy, sweet, and delicious as the original drink, but in Jell-O shot form!
- Perfect for a Harry Potter themed cocktail party, a movie marathon, book club meeting, or Halloween party.
Other Jell-O Shots Recipe
Ingredients / Shopping List
- Cream soda
- Butterscotch schnapps
- Vanilla vodka
- Unflavored gelatin
- Butter-flavored extract
- Caramel drizzle in a squirt bottle, like Ghirardelli caramel coffee topping
- Gold colored sugar sprinkles
- Caramel topping (jarred)
- Whip topping for garnish with a squirt top
Substitutions and Additions
- Vodka: If you already have an unflavored vodka at home, you can substitute it for the vanilla vodka and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, along with the butter-flavored extract, to your liquids.
- Sprinkles: If you cannot find the gold sugar sprinkles, you can add 1-2 drops of gold or yellow food coloring to ¼ cup large grain sanding sugar, mix well and you will have created your own gold sugar sprinkles. Food grade GEL colorings work best. I like to use the Americolor brand.
Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe
- 12 (2 oz.) plastic shot glasses
- Small saucepan
- Shallow dish
- Small bowl
- Glass measure cup with a handle and pourable spout
How to Make Butterbeer Jell-O Shots
This Butterbeer Jell-O Shots recipe is an easy-to-make adult treat that adds a boozy twist to Harry Potter’s bona fide beverage. In only 10 minutes using a few simple ingredients you can create a decadent Jell-O shot drink that tastes just as creamy, sweet, and delicious as Harry’s favorite indulgence, but because this includes alcohol, it’s inappropriate for Potter and his underage pals!
- Add cream soda to a saucepan and sprinkle gelatin packets over the top. Swirl to combine and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Once the gelatin has bloomed in the cream soda, heat the liquid until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
Pro Tip: Do not boil it and make sure to stir it well. - Turn off the heat and add the butterscotch schnapps, vanilla vodka, and butter-flavored extract. Stir well.
- Transfer the liquid to a large glass measure cup. Fill each shot glass, leaving a ¼ inch at the top for the garnish.
Pro Tip: Make sure your measuring cup has a handle and pourable spout so that it is easy to fill the shot glasses. - Place your tray of filled shot glasses into the refrigerator to firm up.
- Once firm, dip the top rim of each jello shot into the bowl of thick caramel and then into the dish of gold sugar sprinkles.
- Squirt the whipped topping onto each jello shot, drizzle with the squirt caramel topping.
Pro Tip: Feel free to add extra sugar sprinkles to the top if desired. Do not add the squirt whipped topping and the caramel drizzle until just before you are ready to serve your Jell-O shots. - Serve responsibly and enjoy!
Tips from Our Recipe Developer
- Different stores carry various-sized plastic shot glasses, ranging from 1.5 oz. to 2.5 oz. Feel free to use what you can find and be aware that this recipe will make more or less Jell-O shots depending on the size of your disposable shot glasses.
- I like to arrange my plastic shot glasses on a small rimmed tray in advance. This makes it easy to transport the filled shot glasses to the refrigerator.
Storage Tips
- To Store: These Butterbeer Jello Shots can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just wait to top them off with the whipped cream and toppings until ready to serve.
Other Easy Harry Potter Recipes
Butterbeer Jell-O Shots
Ingredients
- 1 cup cream soda
- ¾ cup butterscotch schnapps
- ¼ cup vanilla vodka
- 2 (.25 oz.) packets unflavored gelatin
- 1 tsp butter-flavored extract
- ¼ cup caramel drizzle in a squirt bottle like Ghirardelli caramel coffee topping
- ¼ cup gold colored sugar sprinkles
- ¼ cup thick jarred caramel topping
- Squirt whip topping for garnish
Instructions
- Pour your cream soda into a small saucepan, then sprinkle both packets of the unflavored gelatin evenly over the top. Swirl the gelatin around so that it gets absorbed by the cream soda. Let it sit for 5 mins to allow the gelatin to bloom.
- Set out your plastic shot glasses onto a small rimmed tray (this makes it easy to transport your filled shot glasses to the refrigerator). Set aside.
- Once your gelatin has bloomed in the cream soda, turn on the saucepan to medium heat and gently heat up your cream soda for 3 minutes or until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Do not boil it. Make sure to stir it well. Turn off the heat and add the butterscotch schnapps, vanilla vodka and the butter-flavored extract. Stir well.
- Transfer your liquids, carefully, from the saucepan to a large glass measure cup with a handle and pourable spout. This makes filling the small shot glasses much easier.
- Fill each of your shot glass, leaving a ¼ inch at the top so once your jello shots set up you can rim your glasses with the garnish. Place your tray of filled shot glasses into the refrigerator for 2 hours (up to overnight) to firm up.
- In a small, shallow dish, pour in your gold sugar sprinkles. In a separate small bowl place your thick jarred caramel sauce. You will first dip the top rim of your jello shot into the thick caramel, then into the gold sugar sprinkles. Repeat with the remaining jello shot glasses.
- Squirt the whipped topping onto each jello shot, then drizzle with the squirt caramel topping. You can add extra sugar sprinkles to the top if desired.
Jenn’s Notes
- Different stores carry various-sized plastic shot glasses, ranging from 1.5 oz. to 2.5 oz. Feel free to use what you can find and be aware that this recipe will make more or less Jell-O shots depending on the size of your disposable shot glasses.
- I like to arrange my plastic shot glasses on a small rimmed tray in advance. This makes it easy to transport the filled shot glasses to the refrigerator.
- Do not add the squirt whipped topping and the caramel drizzle until just before you are ready to serve your Jell-O shots.
5 Stars will try it out soon
Do you have to use butter extract? Or is there an alternative? We don’t have that in New Zealand
Here are some alternatives – https://richardpantry.com/substitute-for-butter-extract/
How would you make this non alcoholic?