Print

Jello Shots Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

These easy homemade jello shots are the perfect party addition! Made with just three simple ingredients, these colorful, jiggly boozy treats are fun to make, customizable in flavor, and guaranteed to be the hit of any celebration. Perfect for birthdays, tailgates, bachelorette parties, and holiday gatherings!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (3 ounces) Jell-O gelatin mix (any flavor)
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • ½ cup vodka (or rum, tequila, or spirit of choice)
  • ½ cup cold water
  • 12-16 small plastic cups (1-2 ounce size)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your workspace: Arrange 12-16 small plastic cups on a baking sheet or large tray. This makes it easier to transport them to the refrigerator without spilling.
  2. Boil the water: Bring one cup of water to a rolling boil in your saucepan or using an electric kettle.
  3. Dissolve the Jell-O: Pour the boiling water into your large heat-safe mixing bowl. Add the entire box of Jell-O powder. Whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until the powder is completely dissolved and no granules remain. This step is crucial—undissolved gelatin means your shots won’t set properly!
  4. Add the cold liquids: Pour in the cold water first, stirring to combine. Then add your vodka (or chosen spirit) and stir well to incorporate everything evenly. The mixture should be uniform in color with no streaks.
  5. Fill the cups: Carefully pour the jello mixture into each plastic cup, filling them about ¾ full to leave room for easy handling. A small measuring cup with a spout or a liquid measuring cup makes this step much easier and less messy.
  6. Chill until set: Place the baking sheet with filled cups into the refrigerator. Chill for at least 4 hours, though overnight is ideal for perfectly firm shots. Don’t cover them until they’ve set—this prevents condensation from dripping into the shots.
  7. Serve and enjoy: Once fully set, your jello shots are ready to party! If transporting them, keep them cold. To eat, guests can use their fingers to loosen the edges and slurp the shot out, or use a small spoon.

Notes

  • For stronger shots, use ¾ cup vodka and ¼ cup cold water instead
  • For lighter, easier-drinking shots, use ⅓ cup vodka and ⅔ cup cold water
  • The shots must chill for at least 4 hours to set properly—plan accordingly!
  • If making multiple flavors, prepare each batch separately and use different colored cups to distinguish flavors
  • Always let your guests know these contain alcohol—they taste so good, it’s easy to forget!
  • For best results, use quality vodka—cheap vodka can leave an unpleasant aftertaste

Nutrition