tequila sunrise jello shots featured image
Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots are quick and easy to make in mere minutes and taste just like the classic cocktail, in a perfect party size. Serve them at pool parties and summer celebrations, each sweet sip is refreshing and delicious.
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Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots takes a classic tequila cocktail and turns it into fun party food in 5 minutes! With their bright crimson and orange colors and burst of refreshing fruity flavors, each slurpable sweet treat tastes like sipping on a summertime sunrise!

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Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots – The perfect summer cocktail

This Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots recipe quickly transforms the boozy beverage Mick Jagger made famous into an easy-to-make picture-perfect shot filled with spiked cherry and orange jello.

You don’t need any special skills to create the “sunrise” effect, but in order to achieve this layered look, it must be constructed according to my simple and easy steps.

Tequila has a smooth, mellow flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the orange juice and grenadine in these small-sized cocktails.

Fitting for warm weather festivities, and perfect to serve poolside, when it comes to easy entertaining, Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots are tasty twist on the traditional tequila drink, simply made mini.

Everything you need to know on how to make the best Jello Shots.

Why We Love This Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make in 5 minutes.
  • Only uses 5 ingredients plus water.
  • No shakers or blenders needed to make these delicious boozy bites.
  • Make-ahead recipe is the ideal time-saver for party prep.
  • Tasty twist on the classic cocktail.
  • Recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to feed any sized crowd.
  • Perfect for backyard BBQs, pool parties, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, or Labor Day celebrations, and summer gatherings.

Other Jell-O Shots Recipe

hand holding tequila sunrise jello shots

Ingredients

  • Cherry flavored Jello gelatin 
  • Water
  • Tequila: I used Jose Cuervo Silver.
  • Grenadine syrup
  • Orange flavored Jello gelatin
  • Fresh squeezed orange juice
  • Maraschino cherries and navel orange wedges for garnish

Substitutions and Additions

  • Great Garnishes: Garnish your jello shots with a cute cocktail umbrella, a maraschino cherry and/or a small naval orange wedge.
  • Swap The Syrup: If you want to keep this recipe very simple, you can swap out the grenadine syrup for ¼ of the juice from the jar of the maraschino cherries. This will save you from having to purchase an item that you may not use otherwise. Grenadine syrup is used in a variety of other cocktails and has a long shelf life so it will not go to waste if you do choose to use it.
  • Omit The Fresh Orange: I purchased 3 large navel oranges for this 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.
stacked tequila sunrise jello shots
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How to Make Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots

Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots are easy to make in 5 minutes and are a fun way to chew your booze! It’s so simple to turn a classic cocktail into a cool and refreshing sweet treat and serve it as a small-sized shot.

  1. Make The Cherry Mixture: Combine the cherry flavored jello gelatin powder and boiling water and stir until dissolved. Add the tequila and grenadine syrup, stir, and pour the liquid into the bottom ⅓-½ of each plastic cup. Refrigerate for 2 hours.
  2. Make The Orange Mixture: Combine the cherry flavored jello gelatin powder and boiling water and stir until dissolved. Add the tequila and orange juice, stir, and pour the liquid on top of the set cherry layer. Refrigerate for an additional 3-4 hours or until fully set.
  3. Serve: Garnish with a small wedge of fresh orange and a maraschino cherry, serve, and enjoy!
Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots process collage

Tips From Our Recipe Developer

  • When making layered shots be sure to let the first layer set fully before adding the second layer so you get a defined line between the layers.
  • I like to line up my shot glasses on a flat, firm, moveable surface like a tray or cookie sheet. This makes it easier to move them back and forth from the fridge.
  • This recipe is really easy to double or triple.

Storage Tips

  • To Store: You can store these Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
  • To Freeze: I do not recommend freezing these jello shots.
3 tequila sunrise jello shots on a plate

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to keep my jello shots refrigerated?

Yes, Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots need to be refrigerated. Jello shots are made with gelatin, which needs to be kept cold in order to set properly.

Can I make jello shots without alcohol?

Yes, you can make these jello shots without alcohol and serve them to your kids. To make these virgin jello cups, replace the tequila with cold water.

Can I freeze jello shots?

It is not recommended to freeze these shots because the consistency and texture will change. It is best to keep them covered in the fridge until use.
If you choose to freeze your Jell-O shots, they will not freeze solid. The texture may be grainy or icy, but you can eat them straight from the freezer if you don’t mind the cold.

What is the best tequila to use for Jello shots?

I used a mid-grade silver tequila for this recipe because it is mixed with the flavored gelatin. You can use a gold tequila also but I do 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 really low end ones.

How should I store jello shots?

If you will not be serving your Jello Shots immediately then I suggest placing the plastic lid onto the tops so that they can be stacked and stored easily in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Do not place your garnish onto the jello shots until you are ready to serve them.

tequila sunrise jello shots with cherry and orange wedges garnish

Other Easy Summer Cocktail Recipes

5 from 3 votes
tequila sunrise jello shots featured image

Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots

Serves — 18
Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots are quick and easy to make in mere minutes and taste just like the classic cocktail, in a perfect party size. Serve them at pool parties and summer celebrations, each sweet sip is refreshing and delicious.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Chill Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 5 minutes

Ingredients
  

Cherry layer:

  • 3 oz (1 box) Cherry flavored Jello gelatin
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • ¾ cup Tequila (I used Jose Cuervo Silver)
  • ¼ cup Grenadine syrup

Orange layer:

  • 3 oz (1 box) Orange flavored Jello gelatin
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • ½ cup Tequila (I used Jose Cuervo Silver)
  • ½ cup fresh squeezed orange juice from 1-2 large navel oranges (pulp strained out)

Garnish:

  • Maraschino cherries & Navel orange small wedges

Instructions
 

  • Place (18) 2 oz. sized, jello shot/condiment cups onto a rimmed tray and set aside.
  • You will need to make the cherry layer first by adding to a large mixing bowl, with a pour spout, the cherry flavored jello gelatin powder and boiling water. Stir to completely dissolve the gelatin powder.
  • To the cherry liquid add the tequila and grenadine syrup. Stir to combine.
  • Carefully pour the cherry liquid into the bottom ⅓-½ of each of the 2 oz. plastic cups.
  • Refrigerate for 2 hours before proceeding with the orange layer.
  • For the orange layer add to a large spouted mixing bowl the orange flavored jello gelatin and boiling water. 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 of the plastic cups.
  • Refrigerate for an additional 3-4 hours or until fully set.
  • Garnish each tequila sunrise jello shot with a small wedge of fresh orange and a maraschino cherry.

Jenn’s Notes

Storage:
  • To Store: You can store these Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
  • To Freeze: I do not recommend freezing these jello shots.
Tips:
  • When making layered shots be sure to let the first layer set fully before adding the second layer so you get a defined line between the layers.
  • I like to line up my shot glasses on a flat, firm, moveable surface like a tray or cookie sheet. This makes it easier to move them back and forth from the fridge.
  • This recipe is really easy to double or triple.
  • If you want to keep this recipe very simple, you can swap out the grenadine syrup for ¼ of the juice from the jar of the maraschino cherries. This will save you from having to purchase an item that you may not use otherwise. Grenadine syrup is used in a variety of other cocktails and has a long shelf life so it will not go to waste if you do choose to use it.
  • I purchased 3 large navel oranges for this 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.
  • I used a mid grade silver tequila for this recipe because it is mixed with the flavored gelatin. You can use a gold tequila also but I do 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 really low end ones.

Nutrition Info

Calories: 90kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 47mg | Potassium: 16mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 14IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 1mg

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