These Mardi Gras Jello Shots are a fun and festive twist to your Fat Tuesday celebration! Layered with the traditional colors of Mardi Gras, these are sure to be a hit!
I’ve never been to New Orleans but have always wanted to go and participate in the Fat Tuesday celebration. From the flock of people in the streets to the food and music, it looks like so much fun.
What is Fat Tuesday?
Fat Tuesday, also known as Mardi Gras, is a day of revelry and indulgence. The name comes from the tradition of eating rich and fatty foods on this day before the fasting of Lent begins.
Since we can’t be in New Orleans for the festivities we like to participate with friends and family at home with our own Mardi Gras celebration. We usually make lots of cajun food, King Cake Dip, and of course jello shots.
If you’ve never made layered Jello Shots they are actually easier than you think but take a bit more time than traditional Jello Shots. So, let’s raise a shot to Mardi Gras and Laissez les bons temps rouler (let the good times roll)!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires only a few simple ingredients and is easy to put together.
- Perfect for Parties: Jello shots are a classic party treat and are sure to be a hit at your Mardi Gras celebration.
- Fun & Festive: A great way to show your Mardi Gras spirit with the layers of purple, green and gold colors representing the holiday.
What You Need
- Knox unflavored gelatin
- Island pineapple jello
- Water
- Vodka or Rum
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Purple food gel
- Lime green food gel
- Purple, Green & Gold sanding sugar, for garnish
- Whipped cream, for garnish
- Plastic cups with lids
How to Make Mardi Gras Jello Shots
Prepare the Yellow Layer – Add one cup water with 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk and bring to a boil via stovetop or microwave. Whisk in island pineapple gelatin mix. Add ½ cup cold water plus ½ cup vodka or rum and whisk until fully combined.
Pour yellow gelatin up to ⅓ of the way for each cup and place in the fridge for about 2 hours or until set.
Prepare the Green Layer – Add one cup water with 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk and bring to a boil via stovetop or microwave. Whisk in one envelope of unflavored Knox gelatin. Add 4 drops lime green food gel and ½ cup cold water plus ½ cup vodka or rum and whisk until fully combined.
Pour a layer of the green gelatin on top of the yellow layer about ⅓ of the way up and place in fridge for about 2 hours or until set.
Prepare the Purple Layer – Add one cup water with 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk and bring to a boil via stovetop or microwave. Whisk in one envelope of unflavored Knox gelatin. Add 2 drops purple food gel and ½ cup cold water plus ½ cup vodka or rum and whisk until fully combined.
Pour a layer of the purple gelatin on top of the green layer about ⅓ of the way up and place in fridge for about 2 hours or until set.
Garnish & Serve – Add a dollop of whipped cream on top with a sprinkle of purple, green, and gold sanding sugars.
Recipe Tips
- Make to allow adequate time in between layers so they set up properly.
- Save time by skipping the layering and go with a single color in each plastic cup.
- If you plan on garnishing it with whipped cream or sprinkles, wait until ready to serve.
- If you want to make without alcohol just replace the ½ cup alcohol in each layer with water.
FAQs
How long does it take for the jello shots to set?
Usually, jello shots take about 2-4 hours to set in the refrigerator.
Can I use a different type of alcohol besides rum?
Yes, you can use vodka or tequila in place of rum.
Can I make the jello shots ahead of time?
Yes, jello shots can be made a day or two ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
How do I store Mardi Gras jello shots?
Place a lid on top of the jello shots and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. DO NOT freeze as jello shots do not freeze well.
Recipe
Mardi Gras Jello Shots
Ingredients
- 2 envelopes clear gelatin knox
- 3 oz. box island pineapple jello
- 6 cups water
- 1 ½ cups vodka or rum
- 6 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 2 drops purple food gel
- 4 drops lime green food gel
- Purple Green & Gold sanding sugar, for garnish
- Whipped cream for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Yellow Layer – Add one cup water with 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk and bring to a boil via stovetop or microwave. Whisk in island pineapple gelatin mix. Add ½ cup cold water plus ½ cup vodka or rum and whisk until fully combined.
- Pour yellow gelatin up to ⅓ of the way for each cup and place in the fridge for about 2 hours or until set.
- Prepare the Green Layer – Add one cup water with 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk and bring to a boil via stovetop or microwave. Whisk in one envelope of unflavored Knox gelatin. Add 4 drops lime green food gel and ½ cup cold water plus ½ cup vodka or rum and whisk until fully combined.
- Pour a layer of the green gelatin on top of the yellow layer about ⅓ of the way up and place in fridge for about 2 hours or until set.
- Prepare the Purple Layer – Add one cup water with 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk and bring to a boil via stovetop or microwave. Whisk in one envelope of unflavored Knox gelatin. Add 2 drops purple food gel and ½ cup cold water plus ½ cup vodka or rum and whisk until fully combined.
- Pour a layer of the purple gelatin on top of the green layer about ⅓ of the way up and place in fridge for about 2 hours or until set.
- Garnish & Serve – Add a dollop of whipped cream on top with a sprinkle of purple, green, and gold sanding sugars.
Notes
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.
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