These Christmas Jello shots are layers of red and green gelatin mixed with vodka, then finished with whipped cream and holiday sprinkles. A fun addition to any Christmas party!

It isn’t the holidays without some fun drink recipes! When I’m entertaining, I offer festive favorites such as a Grinch cocktail, Christmas sangria, Jack Frost cocktail, cranberry mimosa and these beautiful and easy Christmas Jello shots.

Christmas Jello shots topped with whipped cream and holiday sprinkles.

Classic Jello shots are a treat that are always a hit at gatherings, but I also love to make holiday themed shots recipes like these red and green layered Christmas Jello shots.

Christmas Jello Shots Ingredients

Ingredients including Jello, water, vodka and sprinkles.

To make this recipe, you will need red Jello, green Jello, vodka, water, whipped cream or whipped topping and red and green sprinkles.

How Do You Make Christmas Jello Shots?

Prepare the green layer first by dissolving the lime gelatin powder in boiling water. Add vodka, then whisk in cold water. Fill each shot cup halfway with the green Jello, then chill. After the first layer is mostly set, make the second layer. Mix the red gelatin with boiling water, then stir in the vodka and cold water. Carefully pour the red layer on top of the green layer. Chill until the shots are completely set. When you’re ready to serve your holiday Jello shots, add whipped cream and sprinkles.

Green jello being made and poured into shot cups.

Tips For The Perfect Shots

  • I recommend using 2 ounce shot glasses for these Christmas Jello shots. You can buy disposable plastic shot glasses online.
  • Place all the shot glasses on a baking sheet. This makes it easier to transfer them in and out of the fridge.
  • You can use thawed frozen whipped topping, freshly whipped cream or a can of aerosol whipped cream to top the shots. If you’re using whipped topping or freshly whipped cream, you can pipe the cream onto the shots with a piping bag and star tip.
  • It’s best to wait until you serve the shots to add the whipped cream and sprinkles.
  • Choose your favorite flavor of red Jello – I typically use cherry but strawberry is also great.

Quick Tip

Use a small spoon or turkey baster to easily transfer the liquid Jello into the shot cups.

Red gelatin being made and layered into cups with whipped cream.

Recipe FAQs

How long do alcohol Jello shots last in the fridge?

Jello shots will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week. I recommend covering your shots if you’re planning to store them for more than 24 hours. You can use lids if they come with your shot cups, or simply put plastic wrap over the top.

What alcohol is good in Jello shots?

The most popular alcohol for Jello shots is vodka. White rum, tequila or a flavored vodka are also great choices.

What size cups are best for Jello shots?

I use 2 ounce cups or glasses for my Jello shots. This is the perfect size for one shot. If you’d like mini shots, you can use 1 ounce cups.

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A tray of Christmas Jello shots decorated with sprinkles.

Flavor Variations

While these Christmas Jello shots are delicious as-is, you can customize some of the ingredients to suit your tastes.

  • Rim: Coat the rims of your cups in a bit of water, then dip them in red or green sugar for a fun presentation. You can do this step right before serving after the gelatin is completely set.
  • Layers: You can make a more elaborate looking shot by doing multiple layers of red and multiple layers of green gelatin. This takes a bit longer in terms of prep and chilling time, but looks beautiful.
  • Toppings: Instead of whipped cream and sprinkles, place a maraschino cherry in the middle of the shot before the gelatin sets up. You can also top your shots with edible glitter or crushed candy canes.
  • Alcohol: Try a flavored vodka such as vanilla vodka, or another liquor like rum, peppermint schnapps or even tequila.

I always serve Christmas Jello shots at my holiday parties. They’re easy to make, look so impressive and also taste fabulous! You can’t go wrong with these boozy treats.

More Holiday Drinks

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Christmas Jello Shots

AuthorSara Welch
Christmas Jello shots topped with whipped cream and holiday sprinkles.
These Christmas Jello shots are layers of red and green gelatin mixed with vodka, then finished with whipped cream and holiday sprinkles. A fun addition to any Christmas party!
Time
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Chilling Time2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time2 hours 45 minutes
Course Drink
Cuisine American
Serves 24

Ingredients 

For the green layer

  • 3 ounce box lime Jello
  • 1 1/2 cups water divided use
  • 1/2 cup vodka

For the red layer

  • 3 ounce box strawberry or cherry Jello
  • 1 1/2 cups water divided use
  • 1/2 cup vodka
  • whipped cream or whipped topping
  • 1 tablespoon red and green sprinkles

Instructions 

For the green layer

  • Place the green Jello powder in a medium bowl. Boil one cup of the water on the stove, then pour the boiling water on top of the Jello. Whisk until the powder dissolves.
  • Add 1/2 cup of cold water to the gelatin mixture and whisk again.
  • Add the vodka and whisk until thoroughly blended.
  • Fill 24 2-ounce shot glasses or plastic cups halfway with the green Jello. Chill for at least one hour. It should be just under 2 tablespoons per cup.

For the red layer

  • Place the red Jello powder in a medium bowl. Boil one cup of the water on the stove, then pour the boiling water on top of the gelatin.
  • Whisk until the powder dissolves.
  • Add 1/2 cup of cold water to the red gelatin mixture and whisk again.
  • Stir in the vodka and whisk once more.
  • Pour the red Jello on top of the green Jello layer in the shot glasses. It should be just under 2 tablespoons of red Jello per cup.
  • Chill for at least 1 1/2 hours or until shots are firm.
  • When you're ready to serve the shots, top them with some whipped cream or whipped topping and Christmas sprinkles, then serve immediately.

Notes

  1. Place your shot glasses or plastic cups on a sheet pan before placing the liquid Jello in them. This makes it easy to carry the pan with all the Jello shots in the refrigerator.
  2. To pour the gelatin mixture evenly into the cups, try using a turkey baster to suction the liquid and squirt it in the containers. 
  3. You can use thawed frozen whipped topping, freshly whipped cream, or an aerosol can of whipped cream to top the shots.

Nutrition

Calories: 72kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Sodium: 37mg | Potassium: 1mg | Sugar: 8g | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 0.01mg

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