A basic Jello Shots recipe is a quick and easy way to transform your favorite flavored gelatin into fun party food. These simple jelly shots can be made in minutes by mixing different fruity flavors with vodka and water to create a colorful display of a classic party cocktail.
The Best Jello Shot Recipe
The best Jello Shots with vodka begin with a box of jello but when fused with alcohol until firm, they become the ultimate single-serving sized cocktail that’s not just for the college crowd.
Each boozy bite of vodka jello shots is bursting with cool and refreshing flavors, prepared in a rainbow of colors that make them fun and festive.
Stock up on supplies and clear out your fridge, because this recipe makes a big batch of Jell-O shots spiked with booze; when it comes to potent party drinks, our make-ahead recipe is the ideal time-saver for serving.
For more boozy beverages in party food form, check out my list with tons of variations of Adult Jello Shots.
What is a Jello Shot?
A Jello shot is a party or cocktail drink made by mixing Jello gelatin with alcohol, typically vodka, and water, which is then set in small individual-sized cups until the mixture solidifies into a jiggly and colorful shot.
Why we love this Vodka Jello Shot Recipe
- Quick and easy to make in 15 minutes.
- Only uses 2 ingredients plus water to prepare a slurpable sweet treat.
- Delightfully delicious boozy beverage that tastes delicious when turned into bites.
- It’s always fun to consume a cocktail when it wiggles and jiggles!
- Best way to pre-batch mini-sized cocktails and makes serving much more convenient.
- Fitting for warm-weather festivities and perfect for pool parties, backyard barbecues, and summer get-togethers.
Jello Shots Recipe Ingredients
- Flavored jello powder
- Boiling water
- Cold water
- Vodka
What is the Best Vodka for Jello Shots?
You want to use a mid range bottle of vodka for your jello shots. Absolute is my go to brand when I make them. You will taste the vodka in the shot, so you don’t want to go with that big cheap bottle you used in college. But, you don’t need the super top shelf brand either. Kirkland vodka is a great choice as well!
Substitutions and Additions for the Best Jello Shots
- Select Your Spirit: Change up the booze – try rum, tequila, champagne, or even wine. Some of my favorite jello shots ideas include:
- Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots made with tequila
- Mimosa Jello Shots made with champagne
- Sangria Jello Shots made with wine
- Fireball Jello Shots with made whiskey
- Layered Jello Shots: Try making layered shots by pouring a darker-colored Jello in a shot glass or container, letting it chill, and then pouring a lighter-colored Jello on top. My 4th of July Red, White, and Blue Jello Shots are perfect for your summer celebrations!
- Grab A Garnish: You can easily add sprinkles, candies, fresh fruit, and whipped cream to a basic jello shot. Check out these fun options.
Jello Shot Flavors
- Customize The Colors and Flavors: Get creative and use your favorite flavored vodka and jello combinations.
- Lime vodka + Cherry gelatin = Cherry Limeade Jello Shots
- Vanilla vodka + Orange gelatin = Creamsicle Jello Shots
- Whipped vodka + Lemon gelatin = Lemon Meringue Pie Jello Shots
- Coconut vodka + Pineapple gelatin = Pina Colada Jello Shots
- Cake vodka + Strawberry gelatin = Strawberry Shortcake Jello Shots
Vodka Jello Shots Recommended Tools
- 2-ounce plastic cups with lids
- Baking sheets
- Measuring cup
- Whisk or spouted bowl
- Option: You can also make them into Jello Shot Syringes!
How to Make Jello Shots with Vodka
Making jello shots is as easy as pouring a packet of jello into boiling water, adding alcohol and cold water, and placing them in the fridge to fuse.
- Make Your Mixture: In a mixing bowl, add 1 packet of Jello to boiling water and whisk until completely dissolved. Add cold water and vodka and whisk. Repeat with all colors separately.
- Pour: Arrange the jello shot cups on your baking sheets and then pour the liquid mixture into the plastic cups or shot glasses until about ¾ full. Refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours).
Pro Tip: You should be able to get 12 shots per color if you follow the measurements exactly. - Serve: Serve and enjoy!
Jello Shots Recipe Tips
- Prepare space in your fridge to fit 2-3 baking sheets, depending on the size. If you use a 9×13 pan with deep edges, you can criss-cross them in the fridge on top of one another.
- I use an injector to fill my shot cups because it’s just quicker and less messy. However, a pourable measuring cup works as well or even a turkey baster.
- If you cannot find the 2-ounce plastic shot cups with lids, they may be labeled as condiment cups. These can be used interchangeably. You can use any shot cups you prefer but keep in mind that your servings may be different from this recipe.
- If you don’t want to use plastic cups, you can also pour it in a baking pan and cut the shots into squares after the jello cools. I like to call these Jello Shot Jigglers.
How to Take a Jello Shot
To easily eat your jello shot, you may want to run either a knife or a toothpick along the inside of the plastic cup (some have even been known to use their finger). This will loosen the jello from the sides of the cup. Then squeeze the sides of the shot cups and give it a good slurp!
How Long Do Jello Shots Take to Set?
It will take a minimum of 2 hours for jello shots to set. I like to give mine 4 hours to make sure the gelatin is good and set, but in a pinch, they can be ready in 2 hours.
How Strong is a Vodka Jello Shot?
A typical Jello Shot has approximately 10-percent ABV (alcohol by volume). Typically, 4 jello shots equals one shot of regular alcohol.
How to store Vodka Jello Shots
- To Store: You can store your jello shots covered in the fridge for up to a week.
- To Freeze: I do not recommend freezing.
How long do Jello Shots last?
When properly stored in the refrigerator, Jello shots can last for several days, usually up to a week, but it may start to lose its flavor and texture over time. It is important to keep them covered with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent drying out or absorbing odors from other foods in the fridge.
Can you freeze jello shots?
Yes, you can freeze Jello shots to extend their shelf life, but the texture may change slightly after thawing. For this reason, I do not recommend freezing Jello shots. When frozen, the Jello shots become more firm and icy, and the alcohol may separate from the Jello mixture, resulting in a slightly grainy texture. It is important to thaw them in the refrigerator before serving, and they may need to be stirred or mixed to re-incorporate any separated alcohol.
Other Easy Cocktail Recipes
Jello Shots Recipe
Ingredients
- 18 ounces (6 3-ounce) flavors of Jell-O mix
- 6 cups boiling hot water (divided into 6)
- 3 cups cold water (divided into 6)
- 3 cups vodka (divided into 6)
Instructions
- Prepare space in your fridge to fit 2-3 baking sheets, depending on the size. Tip: If you use a 9×13 pan with deep edges, you can criss-cross them in the fridge on top of one another.
- Add 1 cup of boiling hot water into a spouted bowl or 2-cup measuring cup.
- Pour in 1 packet of Jell-O and whisk for about 2 minutes ensuring all the sugar has dissolved.
- Add ½ cup cold water and ½ cup of vodka, and whisk.
- Pour into cup until about ¾ full. Note: You should be able to get 12 per color if you follow the measurements exactly.
- Refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours).
Jenn’s Notes
- To Store: You can store your jello shots covered in the fridge for up to a week.
- To Freeze: I do not recommend freezing these jello shots.
- Prepare space in your fridge to fit 2-3 baking sheets, depending on the size. If you use a 9×13 pan with deep edges, you can criss-cross them in the fridge on top of one another.
- I use an injector to fill my shot cups because it’s just quicker and less messy. However, a pourable measuring cup works as well.
- If you cannot find the 2-ounce plastic shot cups with lids, they may be labeled as condiment cups. These can be used interchangeably. You can use any shot cups you prefer but keep in mind that your servings may be different from this recipe.
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