Big batch cocktails, Bellini bars, and forties of rosé are all good and dandy, but it’s not a party until someone busts out the jello shots. Fun to serve and even better to slurp, jello shots are that one boozy treat that you can’t say no too.
If you’re memory of jello shots is nothing more than a pungent shot of vodka in plastic cups of different colors, you haven’t had a real Jello shot. Margarita, birthday cake, champagne, these are the real flavors of these boozy treats.
So if you’re ready to take the leap and party down the jelly shot way, whip up one or all of these 15 jello shot recipes for your next get together
1. Orange Creamsicle Jello Shots
If the the orange creamsicle was your favorite ice cream truck frozen treat, you are going to love how these jello shots taste. Fix up a batch and share them with your friends.
2. Champagne Jello Shots
Who knew Jello shots could be so classy? Weddings, brunches, bridal showers, these are good for any gatherings, especially with the gal pals.
3. Watermelon Mojito Jello Shot
These juicy shots have summer written all over them. Layered with rum, real watermelon juice, and fresh mint, have a batch on hand for your next cookout.
4. Pink Lemonade Jello Shots
Having a picnic in the park? Bring a few of these yummy pink lemonade jello shots along. All you need to do is dissolve gelatin in pink lemonade, pour in the vodka, then let it rest inside lemon halves.
5. Pink Starburst Jello Shots
Did you think the Pink Starburst were the best when you were a kid? Me too. Let’s do a throwback to memory lane with a couple of these sweet shooters.
6. Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots
If there were one cocktail that was meant to be enjoyed in gelatin form, it’s the tequila sunrise. The trick to making these look so pretty is letting the orange layer rest before topping it off with the tequila soaked cherry layer.
7. Cherry Cola Jello Shots
Remember how excited you were as a kid when you got Cherry Cola instead of regular Cola? You’ll get that feeling again when you get a shot of this boozy treat. Filled with all the cherries you can handle, it has Maraschino cherries, Cherry Cola, and cherry brandy.
8. Margarita Jello Shots
Still doing tequila shots? It’s time to upgrade to these yummy margarita shots.
In a small saucepan, stir lime gelatin in boiling water until it has completely dissolved. Add in Cointreau, lime juice and tequila, pour mixture into a lime wedge, and grab the salt because it’s shots time.
Chef’s Note: You can also use triple sec instead of Cointreau.
9. Mint Julep Jello Shots
Jello may not have been around during William Faulkner’s time, but I have a feeling if it had, he would have indulged in a few of these.
10. Bacon Bourbon Apple Jello Shots
Everything is better with bacon. Even jello shots. I bet your curiosity is killing you right now. Go on, give in.
11. Sweet Tea and Ginger Lemonade
We love spiked sweet tea, especially when it jiggles. Equal parts sweet tea and bourbon, these will be perfect for your next lazy afternoon.
12. Bailey’s Irish Cream Jello Shots
If you still think all Jell-O shots taste like vodka, give these a try. The base is comprised of a thin layer of espresso then topped with a creamy layer of Bailey’s Irish liqueur and a dollop of whipped cream. Bet you’ve never had an Irish coffee like this before.
13. Double Stuffed Oreo Jello Shots
You may have a hard time sticking to a normal cookie serving size once you try this recipe. Using unflavored gelatin, doctor it up with milk, white chocolate Godiva liqueur, and vanilla flavored vodka. Then take real Oreo cookies, scrape out the inside, and sandwich the shot in between. Forget the shot glasses, this party shot is best enjoyed in cookie form.
14. Birthday Cake Jello Shots
Another stellar recipe from jello shot experts A Beautiful Mess are these festive birthday cake vodka jello shots. Similar to the filling of the Oreo Jello Shots, you’ll want to use cake flavored vodka and add on the sprinkles and whipped cream. Birthday party, or no birthday party, the recipients of these will love their surprise.
15. Pecan Pie Jello Shots
How awesome are these? Completely smashing any preconceived notions about the jello shot, these pecan pie slices are what winning is all about. Bring them to your next family gathering or whip up a batch for the neighbors. Everyone will simply adore them.
