This Jello shots recipe contains fruit flavored gelatin and vodka, which are mixed together, poured into cups, then chilled until firm. A fun and festive addition to any party!
Whenever I’m hosting a gathering, I make sure to have plenty of options for the adults, including champagne punch, pineapple punch (just add rum!) and these super easy Jello shots.
Jello shots have been a classic party offering for decades, and for good reason. They’re colorful, easy to make, and taste great. I like to use a variety of colors as pictured here to make a rainbow of shots that no one can resist.
Jello shots ingredients
This recipe contains just three ingredients: Jello, water and vodka.
How do you make jello shots?
Jello shots are just Jello made with a kick. To make the shots, first boil water and pour it in a bowl with your favorite flavor of Jello powder. Whisk the Jello powder to make sure it dissolves in the water. Whisk in cold water and vodka and the mixture is ready to pour into shot glasses or containers. The shots chill in the refrigerator until they are firm and ready to serve.
Tips for the perfect shots
- Place your shot glasses or containers on a sheet pan before placing the Jello mixture in the glasses or containers. This makes it easy to place the sheet pan with all the Jello shots in the refrigerator.
- To pour the Jello evenly into the cups, try using a turkey baster to suction the liquid and place it in the containers. You can also use a measuring spoon.
- Try making several flavors of Jello shots for a variety that will please all of your guests.
- You can pour the Jello in a baking pan to cool and then cut out small squares instead of using individual cups.
Recipe FAQs
If you have a plastic container, run a dull knife or your finger around the inside edge of the container to remove the Jello. If you use shot glasses made of glass, make sure you have little spoons to remove the Jello from the glass. Break the shots up and don’t try to swallow them all at once; you don’t want to choke on them. As with all alcohol, consume the shots responsibly.
These shots take about 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours to firm up, depending on the size of the shots. If you take the shots out of your refrigerator and they are still liquid, place them back in the refrigerator. They will set faster in the freezer, just watch out so that you do not get harder “frozen” shots, unless you’re looking to actually make frozen shots.
You can freeze the shots. They get colder and more firm than shots in a refrigerator but they do not freeze solid. The texture can get a little grainy or icy. You can eat them straight out of the freezer if you don’t mind the cold. Make sure to store them in an airtight container.
Jello shots don’t last long outside of the refrigerator. They melt faster in warmer temperatures. You should plan to consume or refrigerate the shots within 30 – 45 minutes.
Flavor variations
There are many ways to customize your gelatin shots to make them fun for any type of gathering.
- While standard vodka is a classic ingredient, you can use other liquors such as flavored vodka or white rum.
- Try making layered shots by pouring a darker colored Jello into a shot glass or container, letting it chill and then pouring a lighter colored Jello on top.
- Finish your shots with sprinkles or a squirt of whipped cream.
These Jello shots are an easy and fun addition to any party or get-together. I love making shots with different colors and flavors for all tastes. Give them a try at your next event.
Party snacks to pair with your jello shots
Jello Shots
Ingredients
- 3 ounce box Jello pick your favorite flavor
- 1 1/2 cups water divided use
- 1/2 cup vodka
Instructions
- Heat one cup of water until it's boiling.
- Pour the boiling water into a bowl containing your Jello powder and whisk the mixture until the powder is completely dissolved.
- Pour in 1/2 cup cold water and whisk until combined.
- Pour in the vodka and whisk until thoroughly blended.
- Pour the Jello mixture into plastic shot cups, glasses or a small baking dish.
- Refrigerate the Jello shots for 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours until they are firm, then serve. Store any leftover shots in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Place your shot glasses or containers on a sheet pan before placing the Jello mixture in the glasses or containers. This makes it easy to place the sheet pan with all the Jello shots in the refrigerator.
- To pour the Jello evenly into the cups, try using a turkey baster to suction the liquid and place it in the containers. You can also use a measuring spoon.
Cindy says
What size ? 1oz or 2oz for the “ cups”?
Sara says
The cups I use are 2 ounces.
Michelle says
Love your site! It’s my go to for awesome recipes. I’ve never made Jell-O shots and I can only find 6oz jello boxes. It states 2 cups of hot water and 2 cups of cold water. Should I do 2 cups of vodka instead of the cold water? Please advise. Thank you.
Sara says
It would be one cup of vodka, 3 cups water, just follow the recipe but double the amounts!
Kikidi says
How do you serve these if set in a baking dish instead of shot cups?
Sara says
You’d want to cut them into squares and remove from the dish with a thin spatula!
Austin says
Alcohol will vaporize at 170 degrees, so make sure the mixture is below 170 before adding the booze or you’ll burn off the alcohol! Cheers!!
Corey says
How long do these keep after they’re made? I’d like to make them the morning of 12/24 and keep them for New Year’s Eve.
Sara says
That should be fine, just keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve them!
Bernie Miller says
I’ve used them months later and they were fine
Jeff says
Could you make these with more vodka and less water? Will they still set up?
Thanks for the recipe! I’ve always wondered how they were made.
Sara says
Yes that should be fine as long as the total liquid amount stays the same.
regina williams says
Ready to make shots for the 4th who ready to try one
X man says
I’m ready!!!
Lisa says
I made these today for my party! I’m so excited to try them! Thank you for sharing your recipe!!
Donna says
How many Jell-O shots does this recipe make?
Sara says
12 shots
Kelly Anthony says
These jello shots are so pretty and colorful. These are sure to make any party fun.
Toni says
This is such a fun idea for Halloween!
Jen says
We are SO doing this for halloween! How pretty do these look in rainbow?!
Shadi Hasanzadenemati says
Love how easy and delicious this recipe is. It’s perfect for a gathering or a party.
Katie says
A staple for parties. Love making certain colors for themed parties!
Katie says
Jello shots are always such a fun party idea!
Jennifer says
Will always love jello shots for parties! Such a fun idea! Need to do these for Halloween!
Pam Dana says
Made Orange and Green ones for our Halloween party! Always a hit!
April says
Jello Shots are a party must have!
Sara says
These are fantastic! Next I want to try that champagne punch – now to convince the hubs I need another girls night in 🙂