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Home » Drinks » Jello Shots Recipe

Published: October 15, 2019 Last Modified: October 15, 2019 By Sara 27 Comments

Jello Shots Recipe

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Jello Shots Recipe #shots #jello #vodka #dinneratthezoo

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 Recipe #shots #jello #vodka #dinneratthezoo Jello Shots Recipe #shots #jello #vodka #dinneratthezoo

All different colored Jello shots on a sheet pan.

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.

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.

Boxes of jello with plastic shot cups.

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 east 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.
  • 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 in a shot glass or container, letting it chill and then pouring a lighter colored Jello on top.
  • You can pour the Jello in a baking pan to cool and then cut out small squares instead of using individual cups.

Bowls of liquid gelatin in different colors.

How do you take a jello shot?

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.

A stack of jello shots in a variety of colors.

How long does it take for gelatin shots to set?

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.

Can you freeze Jello 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.

How long do jello shots last out of the fridge?

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.

A bowl of jello shots packed in plastic containers.

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

  • Cheese Ball
  • Rotel Dip with Beef
  • Potato Skins
  • Hot Spinach Dip
  • Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
All different colored Jello shots on a sheet pan.
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5 from 16 votes

Jello Shots

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!
Course Drink
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Chilling Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 36 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 50kcal
Author Sara Welch

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.

Nutrition

Calories: 50kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: 35mg | Sugar: 6g
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @DinnerAtTheZoo or tag #dinneratthezoo!
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    Comments

    1. Cindy says

      June 24, 2022 at 4:31 am

      What size ? 1oz or 2oz for the “ cups”?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        June 24, 2022 at 9:51 am

        The cups I use are 2 ounces.

        Reply
    2. Michelle says

      December 11, 2021 at 9:13 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Sara says

        December 13, 2021 at 8:36 am

        It would be one cup of vodka, 3 cups water, just follow the recipe but double the amounts!

        Reply
    3. Kikidi says

      August 12, 2021 at 7:45 am

      How do you serve these if set in a baking dish instead of shot cups?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        August 13, 2021 at 12:16 pm

        You’d want to cut them into squares and remove from the dish with a thin spatula!

        Reply
    4. Austin says

      January 28, 2021 at 11:46 am

      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!!

      Reply
    5. Corey says

      December 23, 2020 at 8:22 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Sara says

        December 24, 2020 at 10:42 am

        That should be fine, just keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve them!

        Reply
      • Bernie Miller says

        June 18, 2021 at 9:26 pm

        I’ve used them months later and they were fine

        Reply
    6. Jeff says

      December 15, 2020 at 3:14 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Sara says

        December 15, 2020 at 8:22 pm

        Yes that should be fine as long as the total liquid amount stays the same.

        Reply
    7. regina williams says

      July 1, 2020 at 1:01 pm

      5 stars
      Ready to make shots for the 4th who ready to try one

      Reply
      • X man says

        July 2, 2020 at 8:16 am

        5 stars
        I’m ready!!!

        Reply
    8. Lisa says

      March 28, 2020 at 11:21 am

      5 stars
      I made these today for my party! I’m so excited to try them! Thank you for sharing your recipe!!

      Reply
    9. Donna says

      December 4, 2019 at 5:24 am

      How many Jell-O shots does this recipe make?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        December 4, 2019 at 9:52 am

        12 shots

        Reply
    10. Kelly Anthony says

      October 17, 2019 at 10:35 am

      5 stars
      These jello shots are so pretty and colorful. These are sure to make any party fun.

      Reply
    11. Toni says

      October 17, 2019 at 10:33 am

      5 stars
      This is such a fun idea for Halloween!

      Reply
    12. Jen says

      October 17, 2019 at 10:06 am

      5 stars
      We are SO doing this for halloween! How pretty do these look in rainbow?!

      Reply
    13. Shadi Hasanzadenemati says

      October 17, 2019 at 9:34 am

      5 stars
      Love how easy and delicious this recipe is. It’s perfect for a gathering or a party.

      Reply
    14. Katie says

      October 17, 2019 at 9:29 am

      5 stars
      A staple for parties. Love making certain colors for themed parties!

      Reply
    15. Katie says

      October 16, 2019 at 11:47 am

      5 stars
      Jello shots are always such a fun party idea!

      Reply
    16. Jennifer says

      October 16, 2019 at 11:23 am

      5 stars
      Will always love jello shots for parties! Such a fun idea! Need to do these for Halloween!

      Reply
    17. Pam Dana says

      October 16, 2019 at 11:20 am

      5 stars
      Made Orange and Green ones for our Halloween party! Always a hit!

      Reply
    18. April says

      October 16, 2019 at 10:25 am

      5 stars
      Jello Shots are a party must have!

      Reply
    19. Sara says

      October 16, 2019 at 10:24 am

      5 stars
      These are fantastic! Next I want to try that champagne punch – now to convince the hubs I need another girls night in 🙂

      Reply

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