How to Make Jello Shots

Christine Albury

Learn how to make jello shots - the perfect way to get the party started!

Everyone loves jello shots and they make a great addition to any party!

They are easy to whip up (although they need to be done in advance) and are tasty too! You can get very creative with flavors and the types of alcohol you use, meaning you can tailor them to your preferences and those of your guests. 

Champagne Jello Shots Photo

Let’s take a look at how you make a basic jello shot.

For starters, you will need a measuring cup, a whisk, small shot glasses or plastic cups and boiling water.

Next, choose your favorite jello flavor and the alcohol you'd like to use.

Fill the measuring jug with 1 cup of boiling water and add your jello powder. Whisk until the jello has dissolved completely into the water.

Champagne Jello Shots Picture

Allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding your alcohol - many people make a huge mistake in adding the alcohol to boiling water and burning it off. How much alcohol you use is up to you - just add a little for a gentle kick or pour more generously if you REALLY want to get the party pumping!

One important thing to remember, though, is to avoid using more than 2/3 cup of alcohol per one cup of water, otherwise you may change the texture and stop the shots from setting properly.

Pour the jello and alcohol mixture into shot glasses and place them into the fridge for about four hours, until they are set. 

How to make jello shots with a difference!

How Long do Jello Shots Take to Set Photo

Why not try using Goldschlager, which features gold speckles throughout, to make your jello shots look pretty? Or serve up shots in an apple? Hey, we could all use a little extra fruit in our lives, right? This is a lot of fun and will sure to be a game changer at your next party.

  1. Slice apples into halves, lengthwise. Use a melon baller to hollow them out, up to about half a centimeter from the edge.
  2. Squeeze or brush lemon juice onto the apples and place them in a muffin tray, hollow-side up; the lemon juice helps prevent your apples from browning. 
  3. Now, bring 3/4 cup water to a boil and add jello powder and whisk. Remove from the heat and allow to cool for a few minutes. 
  4. Add in half a cup of lemon-lime soda and half a cup of your favorite alcohol. Pour the mixture into the hollowed out apples and place them into the fridge for four hours, until they are firm. 
How Long do Jello Shots Take to Set Picture

If you want to create layered jello shots, which are great for Halloween parties and 4th of July, pour your first flavor into a thin layer and allow it to chill until just firm. Repeat this with each color you have. It is more time consuming, but the end result is so attractive! You can even lay your shot glasses on their sides, propped up with a small piece of foil, and then pour in each layer. 

Tip: You can always prepare shots a couple of days in advance if you know you will be busy! Just make sure you also know how long your Jello shots will last in the fridge.

More shot recipes to try

Captain Crunch Shots

Paloma Cheesecake Shots

Mexican Hot Chocolate Shots

Champagne Jello Shots

Alcohol Recipes

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Christine Albury

About Christine

I'm a mom of 5 and love making healthy baby food with wholesome, natural ingredients. In 2005 I started the Homemade Baby Food Recipes website, sharing recipes for everything from simple fruit purees to gourmet curries for the baby food connoisseur! You'll also find plenty of tried and tested tips to help encourage even the most reluctant diner to enjoy a wide range of nutritious new foods. If you enjoy cooking, then you will LOVE learning to become head chef for a very special little customer!