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    Home » Recipes

    How to Make Jello Shots

    Published: May 28, 2022 · Modified: Jun 14, 2023 by Alison · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Jump to Recipe

    Jello Shots are the perfect party drink! This easy Jello Shots Recipe will show you how to make them at home. Whether you’re celebrating summer or just looking for a fun way to drink, these are sure to be a hit.

    Jello Shots Recipe

    Jello shots have become increasingly popular over the past few years, and it’s not hard to see why; they’re fun, they’re tasty, and they give you an excuse to throw a party on any night of the week!

    This step-by-step guide on how to make Jello shots will walk you through the process from start to finish. Be sure to bookmark this page so you can find it easily when you’re ready to make your next batch!

    how to make jello shots

    How to Make Jello Shots

    Step 1: Purchase Supplies

    Supplies can be purchased at your local grocery store or online. You will need 3 ounce boxes of Jello, water and alcohol. Purchase 2 ounce disposable plastic cups with lids as well. Once you have all of your supplies, then it’s time to get cooking!

    Step 2: Melt the Gelatin

    To ensure your jello shots are as smooth as possible, melt the gelatin first. Add 1 cup of water to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 2 minutes. Open Jello package and pour powder in the boiling water and mix until all of the powder is dissolved. (Alternatively, dissolve in a small saucepan on medium heat.) Add ½ cup vodka (or another alcohol alternative) and ½ cup water and mix together.

    basic jello shots recipe

    Step 3: Fill the Cups

    Lay cups out on a large cookie sheet. Using a syringe, turkey baster or measuring cup add liquid mixture evenly into each shot glass. Fill cups almost full but not too full.

    Step 4: Put in your refrigerator and enjoy!

    Put lids on each cup and put cookies sheet of Jello shots in refrigerator making sure it is level. Wait at least 2 hours for your shots to set completely. When your jello shots are set, it’s time to eat them! Serve them at your next party or event, or simply enjoy them with your friends.

    Recipe Tips and Variations

    • The basic Jello shot recipe is usually made with vodka but feel free to switch it other with other kinds of alcohol such as tequila, rum, or even flavored vodkas.
    • To avoid making a mess use a device such as a syringe, turkey baster or measuring cup to put liquid into each cup washing it out in between flavors.
    • Use a flat surface such as a large sheet pan to place cups on. This makes it easy to transport to the fridge and keeps them level while chilling.
    • Make sure leave enough time to chill so they can set up completely.
    easy jello shots

    FAQ

    What is the best liquor for Jello shots?

    Vodka is the most popular alcohol to put in Jello shots and pretty neutral taste. A few of my favorite vodka brands are Absolut, Grey Goose and Smirnoff. Flavored vodkas add more intense flavor to the mix. Rum is also another good option. It’s smooth and goes with just about any flavor.

    How do you make Jello shots stronger?

    If you want your Jello shots stronger add more vodka and less cold water. So in this recipe you would eliminate cold water all together and just add a cup of vodka instead of a half cup.

    How do you make Jello shots come out easier?

    Lightly spray cooking spray in the bottom and around the edges of the cup before pouring in the Jello mixture. This should make it slide out easier. You can also run a knife along the edges after it has set.

    jello shots with vodka

    How far in advance can you make Jello shots?

    You can make Jello shots 1-2 in advance. Just make sure to keep them chilled in the fridge.

    How long are Jello shots good for?

    When removed from the fridge they don’t take long to start melting (usually 30-45 mintues) especially in warmer weather. Place them in a cooler with ice to make them last a bit longer but be sure to check on them often to make sure they didn’t melt. You wouldn’t want them spilled all inside the cooler.

    How long do Jello shots take to set?

    Jello shots usually take about 2-3 hours to completely set. This could also depend on how big you make them. After you placed them in the fridge for several hours check to see if they still have liquid in them. If so, chill for a bit longer until there is no liquid.

    How long does it take to make Jello shots?

    From start to finish it takes about 2-4 hours to make Jello shots. This all depends on how many you make and how long they take to set.

    Recipe

    Jello Shots

    EverydayShortcuts.com
    Jello Shots are the perfect party drink! This easy Jello Shots Recipe will show you how to make them at home. Whether you're celebrating summer or just looking for a fun way to drink, these are sure to be a hit.
    No ratings yet
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    Print Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 2 minutes mins
    Additional Time 2 hours hrs
    Total Time 2 hours hrs 7 minutes mins
    Course Beverages
    Cuisine American

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 ounce boxed Jello any flavor
    • 1 cup boiling water
    • ½ cup cold water
    • ½ cup Vodka

    Instructions
     

    Step 1: Purchase Supplies

    • Jello Shot supplies can be purchased at your local grocery store or online. You will need 3 ounce boxes of Jello, water and alcohol. Purchase 2 ounce disposable plastic cups with lids as well. Once you have all of your supplies, then it’s time to get cooking.

    Step 2: Melt the Gelatin

    • To ensure your jello shots are as smooth as possible, melt the gelatin first. Add 1 cup of water to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 2 minutes. Open Jello package and pour powder in the boiling water and mix until all of the powder is dissolved. (Alternatively, dissolve in a small saucepan on medium heat.) Add ½ cup vodka (or another alcohol alternative) and ½ cup water and mix together.

    Step 3: Fill the Cups

    • Lay cups out on a large cookie sheet. Using a syringe, turkey baster or measuring cup add liquid mixture evenly into each shot glass. Fill cups almost full but not too full.

    Step 4: Put in your refrigerator and enjoy!

    • Put lids on each cup and put cookies sheet of Jello shots in refrigerator making sure it is level. Wait at least 2 hours for your shots to set completely. When your jello shots are set, it’s time to eat them! Serve them at your next party or event, or simply enjoy them with your friends.

    Notes

    Recipe Tips and Variations

    • The basic Jello shot recipe is usually made with vodka but feel free to switch it other with other kinds of alcohol such as tequila, rum, or even flavored vodkas.
    • To avoid making a mess use a device such as a syringe, turkey baster or measuring cup to put liquid into each cup washing it out in between flavors.
    • Use a flat surface such as a large sheet pan to place cups on. This makes it easy to transport to the fridge and keeps them level while chilling.
    • Make sure leave enough time to chill the Jello shots so they can set up completely.

    Nutrition Disclosure

    Nutritional facts are estimates and are provided as a courtesy to the reader. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. Nutritional values are calculated via a third party. Changing ingredients, amounts or cooking technique will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.

    Tried this recipe?Tag @everydayshortcuts or use #everydayshortcuts on Facebook, TikTok or Instagram to let us know!

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    Alison is a wife and mother of three who embraces the simple life, finding joy in easy recipes, DIY projects, life hacks, and her passion for travel. Learn more about me!

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    Alison McFadden

    Welcome to Everyday Shortcuts, where I share delicious and simple recipes that anyone can cook, practical household tips and clever shortcuts to help simplify your everyday life. 

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