These margarita Jello shots are flavored with lime, tequila and triple sec, then topped with fresh lime slices, sugar and salt. All the flavors of a classic margarita in a fun and portable presentation!

You can not go wrong with margaritas for festive drink recipes. Whether it’s a cranberry margarita, pomegranate margarita, or blood orange margarita, this traditional cocktail is always a hit. These margarita gelatin shots are a fun twist that are easy to make and look so impressive!

Margarita Jello shots with sugared rims and fresh lime slices as garnish.

Jello shots are always the hit of any party, and these margarita Jello shots are as delicious as they are adorable!

Margarita Jello Shots Ingredients

Ingredients including limemade, tequila, triple sec, gelatin and agave syrup.

To make this recipe, you will need limeade, unflavored gelatin, tequila blanco alcohol (silver tequila), triple sec (such as Cointreau), agave syrup, sugar and salt. You can garnish the shots with lime slices if you like.

How Do You Make Margarita Jello Shots?

Place the limeade in a pan, then sprinkle the gelatin packets over the top. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until the gelatin absorbs the liquid. Transfer the pan on the stove and cook over low heat until the gelatin dissolves. Remove the pan from the heat, then stir in the tequila, triple sec and agave syrup. Whisk everything together. Divide the margarita mixture evenly between 10 2-ounce shot glasses or shot cups. Chill the shots for at least 2 hours, or until they are completely set. When you’re ready to serve the shots, mix the sugar and salt together on a small plate. Dip the rim of each shot glass into water, and then into the salt and sugar mixture. Add lime slices for garnish, then serve.

Gelatin, tequila, triple sec and agave being poured into limeade.

Tips For The Perfect Shots

  • Place the shots on a rimmed baking sheet. This makes it easy to transfer them all at once in and out of the fridge.
  • Use a measuring spoon or turkey baster to fill the shot cups without a mess.
  • It’s best to wait until serving to add the sugar rim.
  • You can also pour the margarita Jello shots mixture into a square baking pan or large bowl to cool and then cut out small squares instead of using individual cups.
  • If you have trouble getting the sugar and salt to stick to the rims of your cups, try dipping the rims in light corn syrup instead of water.

Quick Tip

Choose a high quality refrigerated limeade for the freshest flavor. If your limeade contains a lot of pulp, you may want to strain it before you make the shots.

Gelatin shots being dipped into a mixture of sugar and salt.

Recipe FAQs

How long do Jello shots last?

Jello shots will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to keep them covered with plastic wrap until you’re ready to serve them. If you’re using disposable shot cups, you can cover the cups with the lids that come in the package.

What alcohol is best for Jello shots?

Vodka is the most popular choice for Jello shots. For these margarita Jello shots, it makes more sense to use the liquors that are featured in margaritas, which are triple sec and tequila.

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Margarita Jello shots on a plate garnished with limes.

Flavor Variations

This recipe is delicious as-is, but you can easily customize the ingredients to your taste.

  • Spicy: Place 3-4 slices of jalapeno in the tequila and let it sit for 5-7 minutes. Strain the jalapenos out of the tequila, then proceed with the recipe.
  • Lime: Instead of making your own gelatin mixture, you can use a 3 ounce box of lime jello with 1 cup of boiling water, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, 1/2 cup tequila, 2 tablespoons triple sec and 5 tablespoons cold water.
  • Strawberry: Use 3/4 cup of limeade and 1/2 cup strawberry puree.

When I bring these margarita Jello shots to parties, everyone always asks for the recipe. They’re just that delicious! It’s a great way to get that classic cocktail flavor. Don’t miss my red white and blue Jello shots for a boozy yet patriotic treat!

More Drinks & Shots You’ll Love

Love This Recipe?

Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments section further down the page.

5 from 34 votes

Margarita Jello Shots

AuthorSara Welch
Margarita Jello shots with sugared rims and fresh lime slices as garnish.
These margarita Jello shots are flavored with lime, tequila and triple sec, then topped with fresh lime slices, sugar and salt. All the flavors of a classic margarita in a fun and portable presentation!
Time
Prep Time15 minutes
Chilling Time2 hours
Total Time2 hours 15 minutes
Course Drink
Cuisine Mexican
Serves 10

Ingredients 

  • cups limeade
  • 2 packets unflavored gelatin .25 ounces per packet
  • ½ cup tequila blanco
  • 2 tablespoons triple sec
  • 1 tablespoon agave syrup
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • fresh lime slices for garnish optional

Instructions 

  • Place the limeade in a medium pan. Sprinkle the gelatin over the limeade and let it bloom for 2-3 minutes.
  • Transfer the pan to the stove and cook on low heat until the limeade is dissolved, about 4-5 minutes.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the tequila, triple sec and agave syrup. Pour the liquid evenly between 10 two-ounce shot cups or glasses.
  • Transfer the cups to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours or until set.
  • Place the salt and sugar on a plate and stir to combine.
  • Dip the rim of a shot cup into water, then place the rim into the salt and sugar mixture.
  • Repeat the process with all the Jello shots. Garnish with a small lime slice, then serve.

Notes

  1. Add the salt and sugar rim and lime garnish right before serving for best results.
  2. Place all the shots on a rimmed baking sheet. This makes it easy to transfer them to and from the refrigerator.
  3. Use a measuring spoon or turkey baster to fill your shot cups without spilling.
  4. If your limeade contains a lot of pulp, you may want to strain it before you use it.
  5. If you have trouble getting the sugar and salt to stick to the rims of your cups, try dipping the rims in light corn syrup instead of water.

Nutrition

Calories: 70kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.03g | Saturated Fat: 0.003g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.003g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.002g | Sodium: 393mg | Potassium: 1mg | Fiber: 0.003g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 0.03mg

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5 from 34 votes (29 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Perfect timing – I was looking for different types of jello shots I could make for our summer cook out! These will work out great!

  2. 5 stars
    These are perfect! So much better than a traditional Jello shot with vodka. I really enjoy the flavors in a margarita but I can’t drink them anymore – it’s just too much sweet for me. But these Jello shots give the flavor in a small dose.