If you want to add some classic fun to your next party, jello shots are the best portable cocktail that can be themed for just about any occasion! These quick vodka jello shooters only have three ingredients, they are easy to make in bulk, and you can make them ahead of time so it’s one less thing to worry about on the day of your event.
You can easily make these in different colors and flavors to match the theme of your next party, and you can sub out vodka for other alcohols if you prefer. We’ve even got a video to show you how easy it is! Let’s get started!
Looking for more fun jello shot ideas? Check out:
- Candy Corn Jello Shots
- Pink Lemonade Jello Shots
- Lemon Drop Jello Shots
- Pineapple Upside Down Cake Jello Shots
- Mojito Jello Shots
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you eat a jello shot?
Use your finger to trace the inside walls of the cup to loosen the jello from the sides (you can also use some nonstick cooking spray to help them come out before filling the cups). Flip the cup up near your mouth and suck the shot out.
Ingredients for Jello Shots:
Vodka: We are using vodka for these shooters, but you can use lots of different spirits, too. A lighter flavor like white rum will still allow the jello taste to be dominant, but you can also use stronger tasting options like gin, whiskey, or tequila, if that’s your preference or goes best with your flavor profile (like tequila for a Strawberry Margarita Jello Shot, etc.).
Jello Box Mix: Using a boxed jello mix is the easiest way to get your jello shots made and in the fridge quickly to set, so pick your favorite flavor and get started! This recipe is for a 3-ounce box, so just double the water and alcohol if you are making a 6-ounce box.
Water: Water and alcohol will be the two liquids that you use for your jello shots.
What is the best vodka to use for jello shots?
You don’t need to break the bank when choosing a vodka for your jello shots, but you don’t want the intense taste of a really cheap option, so go for something mid-price range like Absolut or Smirnoff. They will be smooth enough to not distract from the taste of your jello while still being easy on the wallet overall.
Tips and Tricks for Vodka Jello Shots:
- Try squeezable cups to get your jello shot out easier.
- Use a flavored vodka (like vanilla or chocolate) to add another layer of flavor to your shot.
- Use a turkey baster to suck up your liquid jello and squirt them into your shot cups.
- Serve with toppings like whipped cream and/or sprinkles that you add right before serving.
- Layer your shots with different flavors and colors by pouring a small amount of one flavor in each cup, let that flavor set in the fridge, and add another flavor on top. Repeat with as many flavors as you would like!
How to Make Vodka Jello Shots:
Boil your water: Boil 1 cup of water and add it to a mixing bowl that contains your flavored gelatin powder. Whisk the powder and hot water until the powder is dissolved.
Add your liquid: Pour in your remaining 1/2 cup cold water and 1/2 cup alcohol and whisk until combined.
Pour into cups: Pour your mixture into your small cups 3/4 of the way full (it’s easiest to pour from a spouted measuring cup) and add lids. Make sure your liquid is completely cool before adding lids so you don’t get condensation forming on the inside of the lid.
NOTE: If you don’t want to use disposable cups, you can pour your mixture into a baking pan and cut them into squares or pour into small glass cups and serve with little spoons.
Set your jello shots: Put your jello shots in the fridge for 2-4 hours until set. Once ready to eat, set them out for your guests and enjoy!
Is there a way to set jello shots faster?
If you are in a hurry, you can set your jello faster by having your liquids as cold as possible when starting to make your shots. You can have your alcohol in the freezer to get it cold, and/or you can add some ice cubes in with your cold water and remove the ice that’s left after 2-3 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will jello shots last in the fridge?
Jello shots will last in the fridge for 3-5 days so you can make them in advance for your party. After that, they may lose their flavor and the consistency of the shot will start to change.
Want more tips and tricks? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Jello Shots!
Frequently Asked Questions
What alcohol is good in jello shots? Do I have to use vodka?
While vodka is the most classic alcohol to use in jello shots, you can use lots of different spirits. A lighter flavor like white rum will still allow the jello taste to be dominant, but you can also use stronger tasting options like gin, whiskey, or tequila, if that’s your preference or goes best with your flavor profile.
Can you make a jello shot vegan?
Yes! You can use non-animal-based ingredients like agar agar instead of the traditional gelatin. Agar agar is made from red algae and is used in lots of different food items since it has powerful thickening and gelling properties. See how we make our vegan jello shots here!
How do you get a jello shot to come out easier?
Before pouring your liquid into your little plastic cup containers, you can spray a small amount of nonstick cooking spray into each cup and use a paper towel to wipe it evenly around the inside. You can also pour the jello in a baking dish instead of individual cups and then cut out squares for people to take and eat directly rather than use the cups.
How much alcohol is in a jello shot?
With a recipe that calls for 1/2 cup of alcohol per 3-ounce box of jello, you would need four shots to equal one shot of vodka.
Check out our jello shot archive for more ideas or you could also make easy Pudding Shots instead!
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Ingredients
- 1 3-ounce box of flavored jello
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup vodka (or other alcohol)
- ½ cup cold water
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 whisk or mixing spoon
- 1 cup with spout for pouring optional but helpful
- 12 small cups with lids
Instructions
- Boil your water: Boil 1 cup of water and add it to a mixing bowl that contains your flavored gelatin powder. Whisk the powder and hot water until the powder is dissolved.
- Add your liquid: Pour in your remaining 1/2 cup cold water and 1/2 cup alcohol and whisk until combined.
- Pour into cups: Pour your mixture into your small cups 3/4 of the way full (it’s easiest to pour from a spouted measuring cup) and add lids. Make sure your liquid is completely cool before adding lids so you don’t get condensation forming on the inside of the lid.
- Set your jello shots: Put your jello shots in the fridge for 2-4 hours until set. Once ready to eat, set them out for your guests and enjoy!
Notes
Tips and Tricks for Vodka Jello Shots:
- Try squeezable cups to get your jello shot out easier.
- Use a flavored vodka (like vanilla or chocolate) to add another layer of flavor to your shot.
- Serve with toppings like whipped cream and/or sprinkles that you add right before serving.
- Layer your shots with different flavors and colors by pouring a small amount of one flavor in each cup, let that flavor set in the fridge, and add another flavor on top. Repeat with as many flavors as you would like!
Nutrition
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
Question: I just put up a post. I use Amazon’s pre-mixed shots. NOW: you boil 2.5 cups of water, add their mix and stir until dissolved. Then add 1.5 cups of alcohol. I just realized it must be some sort of a custom mix as the water and alcohol additions do not add up to 3 ounce boxes. HELP!
I have been buying mixes from Amazon. I was afraid of failure trying it on the fly. Now, thanks to your recipe, I am going to get regular Jello from the food store and give it a go. I buy cups with lids from Amazon. I am buying ‘tasting spoons’ from an online company called Temu. I just discovered they also have the cups with lids. Price is 1/4 of Amazon’s. Watch sizes; seeing is NOT believing here. Delivery will be 2 to 4 weeks, so prepare.
Best recipe for a party!
The perfect basic recipe. Thanks Laura!