Jello Shots Recipe (2024)

We’ve made dozens of Jello Shots on this site and this our basic jello shots recipe. These quick vodka jello shots 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:

Jello Shots Recipe (1)

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.

Jello Shots Recipe (2)

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.).

Jell-o 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.

Jello Shots Recipe (3)

Tips and Tricks for Vodka Jello Shots:

  • Try squeezable shot cups to get your jello shot out easier.
  • Use a flavored vodka (like vanilla vodka or watermelon vodka) to add another layer of flavor to your shot.
  • Experiment with different jell-o flavors such as orange jello, lime jello and blue jello to create a rainbow of colors.
  • 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!
Jello Shots Recipe (4)
Jello Shots Recipe (5)

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.

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Jello Shots Recipe (7)

Add your liquid: Pour in your remaining 1/2 cup cold water and 1/2 cup alcohol and whisk until combined.

Jello Shots Recipe (8)

Pour into cups: Pour your mixture into your jello shot 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.

Jello Shots Recipe (9)
Jello Shots Recipe (10)
Jello Shots Recipe (11)

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, tequila or coconut rum 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.

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Jello Shots Recipe (13)Get the Recipe

Just 3 ingredients are needed to make these easy vodka jello shots

Cost $7

Yield 12 shots

Prep 10 minutes mins

Chill Time 3 hours hrs

Total 3 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

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 intoyour small cups 3/4of the way full (it’s easiest to pour froma 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

This recipe is for a 3-ounce box, so just double the water and alcohol if you are making a 6-ounce box.

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.

Tips and Tricks for Vodka Jello Shots:

  • Trysqueezable cupsto 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!

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Keywords jello shot recipe, jello shots, vodka jello shots

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

How To Make Vodka Jello Shots

Amount per Serving

Calories

50

% Daily Value*

Sodium

35

mg

2

%

Potassium

1

mg

%

Carbohydrates

6

g

2

%

Sugar

6

g

7

%

Protein

1

g

2

%

Calcium

1

mg

%

Iron

0.01

mg

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.

Jello Shots Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the ratio of alcohol to water in jello shots? ›

A standard recipe made with 3 ounces of Jell-O powder calls for 5 ounces of 80-proof vodka and 11 ounces of water, but this results in a shot that tastes watered-down. To make a stronger shot, use just 4 ounces of water and between 8 and 14 ounces of vodka (to taste)

What is the best alcohol to use for jello shots? ›

Vodka and white rum are both great options for your alcohol, although other spirits, like gin, whiskey, tequila and brandy all work.

How many jello shots does a 6 oz box make? ›

1 small box of jello yields about 15 jello shots (2 cups of liquid). 2 boxes (or 1 large 6 oz. box) yield 30 shots, which will fit nicely on a baking sheet to transport them easily to the refrigerator.

Is 1 cup of vodka too much for jello shots? ›

Jello shots won't set properly if you add too much alcohol. Generally, a basic batch of jello shots is made with one cup of juice or water, one packet of gelatin, 1/2 cup of cold water and 1/2 cup of alcohol. However, jello shots can be made with as much as 2/3 cup alcohol without changing their texture.

Do jello shots get stronger the longer they sit? ›

Jello Shots, like life, are all about balance. That said, if you want a strong one, it is possible if you leave it in the fridge long enough. In a Supercall experiment, we found that the strongest Jello Shot that will set is three-to-one ratio of 80-proof alcohol to water, and it took a full day to become mostly solid.

Does the alcohol have to be cold for jello shots? ›

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.

Do you spray cups for jello shots? ›

Pour gelatin mixture into paper or plastic shot cups* and chill in refrigerator until set, 1 hour or more. *Reviewers suggest coating the shot cups lightly with cooking spray so the shots slide right out. Give each mini cup a quick wipe with a paper towel to remove excess and spread oil evenly.

Can you put jello shots in the freezer to set faster? ›

You do not want to freeze jello shots. You can speed up the set time by placing it in the freezer, but you'll have to keep checking them to make sure they don't freeze. Jello shots can last in the fridge for up to three to five days, so you can still make them in advance of the party without having to freeze them!

Can you put lids on jello shots before they set? ›

Pour the jello mixture into the plastic cups, filling about 3/4 full so there is room for the lid to be put on later. Refrigerate the shots for 2-3 hours or until set. Put a lid on each cup and store in the fridge until ready to serve.

Why aren't my jello shots getting hard? ›

To help jello shots to set more quickly, make sure you mix VERY COLD ingredients into your mixture. That means put your alcohol in the freezer and have some ice cubes ready to go. If making them from a box of flavored gelatin: Dissolve the box of jello powder into boiling water and stir until dissolved.

Do jello shots get you drunk? ›

If you make the basic Jell-O shot with a single 80-proof liquor, the alcohol content comes out to be about 12 percent ABV (24 proof). That's equivalent to the average wine. While a couple of 1-ounce shots may not get you drunk, overindulging on these shots can happen more quickly than you might expect.

What size cups are best for jello shots? ›

You will need to find the 2oz. plastic cups and lids from your local restaurant supply store."

Do you have to use boiling water for jello shots? ›

How To Make Jello Shots. The instructions are so simple! All you have to do is pour the Jell-O into a large bowl, then pour boiling the water over top. Whisk to mix, then add the cold water and alcohol, and whisk again.

How long do jello shots last in the fridge? ›

Jello shots will last 3-5 days in the fridge for optimal flavor and texture, and up to 7-10 days total. What is this? After the 5-day mark, you may notice them starting to dry out, and the flavor and texture will change. Glass shot glasses help the shots last longer than plastic ones.

What is the ratio of water to jello? ›

The easiest way to make jello is to use a powdered mix. Whisk together 1 cup of hot water with 1 packet of jello in a large bowl. Add 1 cup of cold water to the mixture and whisk it in. Pour the mixture into a jello mold and add some fruit, if desired.

Does the alcohol have to be cold for Jello shots? ›

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.

How much alcohol is in 4 Jello shots? ›

How much alcohol is in a jello shot? This jello shot recipe uses 1/2 cup vodka for 12 shots = 1/3 ounce vodka per shot. That's 4 jello shots to equal 1 regular shot of vodka. Even if you take out the cold water and use 1 cup vodka = that's still only 2/3 ounce vodka per shot.

What happens if you add too much water to jello? ›

Runny gelatin desserts may as well just be sugar soup, so first let's cover what you did wrong. Chances are you didn't follow the directions exactly, adding too much water or watery fruit (via Butter With A Side Of Bread). Jell-O also won't set if left on the counter; it needs to chill in your refrigerator.

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