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- Jello and Jelly Shots
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1Traditional Jello Shots
2Jello Shot Orange Slices
3Layered Shots
4Green Jello Shots
5More Potent Jello Shots (Vodka)
6Jellobah Jelly Shots
7Themed Jello Shots
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3 Recipe Ratings|Success Stories
Co-authored byYasmin Rosales
Last Updated: June 10, 2024Approved
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One of the most creative ways to serve alcohol at a party is to make colorful and fruity Jello shots. The process of making Jello shots is super easy, and is not that different than making regular Jello. This wikiHow will teach you how to make some deliciously simple Jello shots, and will then give you some ideas for more creative spins on the traditional shot.
Method 1
Method 1 of 7:
Traditional Jello Shots
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1
Gather your ingredients. To make approximately 32 1-ounce (30 ml) shots, all you'll need is:
- 1 6-oz. package of Jello (170 grams)
- Approximately 3 cups of water
- Approximately 1 cup of chilled alcohol of your choice
2
Mix the water and alcohol to make 2 cups. The proportions will depend on the proof of the alcohol you use. Use the following ratios to ensure that the shots will set:
- 13 oz. (26 tbsp., 390 ml) of 30 to 50 (~20%) proof alcohol with 3 oz. (6 tbsp., 90 ml) water
- 10 oz. (20 tbsp., 300 ml) 80 to 100 (~45%) proof alcohol with 6 oz. (12 tbsp., 180 ml) water
- 6 oz. (12 tbsp., 180 ml) 150 to 200 proof alcohol with 10 oz (20 tbsp., 300 ml) water
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3
Put the mixture in the refrigerator to chill. Wait until the mixture is completely chilled before moving onto the next step. This is important because the temperature at which alcohol evaporates (the boiling point) is 78.6 degrees C (173°F). Later you will mix the alcohol with a water that was just boiled at 100 degrees C (212°F). If the alcohol isn't cold, it might exceed its boiling point when mixed, and some of the alcohol will evaporate. This will make your shots less potent.
4
Bring more than 1 cup of water to a boil. You'll need exactly 1 cup of boiling water, so put a little more than that in the pot or kettle since some will evaporate.
5
Measure out 1 cup of boiling water and mix it with the powdered Jello. Stir constantly until the powder is completely dissolved.
6
Stir in the chilled water and alcohol mixture.
7
Spray the inside of the cups with cooking spray so the Jello easily slides out later. Adding small plastic spoons or Popsicle sticks can help, too.
8
Pour the mixture into the cups.
9
Place the shots on a tray in refrigerator (not the freezer). Chill them until they become firm (approximately 2 to 4 hours). Refrigerate until served and make sure to serve them cold.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 7:
Jello Shot Orange Slices
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Setting gelatin in orange slices provides a fun and unique presentation. Make sure to scoop the oranges out well so that none of the pith shows up in your shot.
1
Cut oranges in half.
2
Use a spoon to remove the pulp, leaving just the rind of half an orange.
3
Fill the halves with Jello mixture.
4
Refrigerate the filled orange halves overnight. Even though they'll set in a few hours, the extra time chilling helps them firm up even more so that they don't fall apart when you cut them.
5
Cut orange halves into thirds. See How to Make Jello Shots in an Orange for more information.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 7:
Layered Shots
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Layering shots allows you to create different colors as well as different flavor combinations. To create a gradient effect, only chill each layer for 10 minutes before adding the next layer.
1
Get three 3-ounce (85 g) packages of Jello, each of a different color.
2
Make a Jello shot mixture from one package by cutting the recipe given earlier in half.
3
Fill all the cups 1/3 of the way with the first batch of Jello.
4
Allow the Jello to set completely.
5
Repeat the same process for the second color. Pour the second batch into the same set of cups as the first. This will be your second layer of color. Your cups should be 2/3 of the way full now.
6
Allow the two layers of Jello to set completely.
7
Make a third batch and use that to fill all the cups. This will be your third (top) layer of color.
8
Allow the three layers to set completely before serving.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 7:
Green Jello Shots
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Green is just one color that you can create by adding food coloring. When you use unflavored gelatin, you basically have a blank canvas for any color that you desire.
Method 5
Method 5 of 7:
More Potent Jello Shots (Vodka)
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These are very strong Jello shots, with 3/4 oz. (22 ml) or 1-1/2 oz. (45 ml) of vodka in each shot, respectively. Eat them responsibly.
1
Start with a 3-ounce (85 g) package of Jello. Lime and orange flavors are ideal, as they will taste similar to vodka-based mixed drinks. Cherry may leave your Jello with a flavor reminiscent of cough syrup. Berry blue and grape are not recommended either.
2
Mix the powder with 1/2 cup of boiling water. Don't skimp on this step—the water needs to be actually boiling to effectively dissolve the powder, and the mixture won't set if you use less than 4 oz.
3
Stir the mixture until the powder is completely dissolved.
4
Add 1-3/4 cup of 80-proof vodka to the mixture. You can actually add up to 2-1/4 cups of 80-proof vodka and the Jello will still set. However, anything more than 1-3/4 cups will cause the gelatin to get soft and slimy, and the liquor will overwhelm all of the other flavors.
5
Pour the mixture into cups. If you used 1-3/4 cups of vodka, you will be able to make eighteen 1-oz. (30 ml) shots, or nine 2-oz. (60 ml) shots.
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Method 6
Method 6 of 7:
Jellobah Jelly Shots
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1
Add 1 packet of Jellobah shot mix to 200 milliliters (6.8floz) of water. Mix till dissolved.
2
Add 200ml of your favourite alcohol or 100 milliliters (3.4floz) of alcohol and 100ml of your mixer.
3
Pour into shot glasses.
4
Wait 5 to 10 minutes.
5
Bam! Instant Jello shot. No refrigeration required. Serve.
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Method 7
Method 7 of 7:
Themed Jello Shots
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1
Make some classic cocktail Jello shots. This is a great way to put a new spin on your favorite drink!
2
Try festive Jello shots for the holidays. If you're planning on having a holiday party, whip up a couple holiday-themed shots to set the mood.
3
Treat yourself to no bake dessert Jello shots. Sometimes it's hard to find the time to bake an entire cake or batch of cookies. Keep the taste but ditch the baking by creating Jello shots inspired by your favorite dessert!
4
Try some fruity Jello shots. These shots, which can be fruity only in taste or may contain actual pieces of fruit, are an awesome refreshment on any hot summer day.
5
Show team spirit with game day Jello shots. These Jello shots will put a spirited twist on the traditional beer during game day.
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Expert Q&A
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Question
How can I make St. Patrick's Day-themed jello shots?
Yasmin Rosales
Professional BartenderYasmin Rosales is a Bartending Expert based in South Florida. She is the Founder, CEO, and Lead Bartender at Stir it Up Mobile Bar, a mobile bar serving all of South, Florida. Since its founding in 2020, Stir It Up has become a highly respected name in the local event and mobile bartending industry, and prides itself in delivering excellence and an unmatched experience as a preferred luxury bar service. Yasmin has 18 years in the event and hospitality industry, and has made it her mission to infuse joy and a touch of sophistication into every event. In addition to Stir it Up, she owns several satellite bars, a refurbished horse trailer bar named “Glory” and manages a team of bartenders who love the industry as much as she does. She recieved an AS from Broward College in Crime Scene Technology.
Yasmin Rosales
Professional Bartender
Expert Answer
Start by mixing unflavored gelatin with boiling water, then add your choice of alcohol. For alcohol, choose either whiskey (or Irish whiskey for authenticity) or Guinness beer. Don't forget to add green food coloring for a festive touch. You can then pour them into your ice cube tray container and chill them before serving.
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Question
Can I use sugar-free Jello for the Jello shots?
Community Answer
You can, but it's not recommended. For some reason it doesn't set up as well with the alcohol. If you're determined to use it, get a box of Knox unflavored gelatin and sprinkle a little extra in there. But really, Jello shots aren't healthy anyway, so not having sugar in the mix isn't going to turn it into a health food!
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Question
Can I use coconut flavored rum for Jello shots?
Community Answer
You can. Coconut rum should mix well with any tropical fruit flavored gelatin.
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Tips
To make firm shots, add a packet of unflavored gelatin to the mix before adding the boiling water. Plain gelatin helps to make the shots firm, which helps when you are using Jello molds.
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You can use shot glasses, individual shot-size (1 oz. to 3 oz.) plastic cups or accordion-like squeezable cups manufactured specifically for Jello shots to make these treats. Although shot glasses look prettier and allow you to see the vibrant colors of the Jello, paper cups allow for easier Jello shot consumption as they can be turned inside out. Otherwise, you might need to bring some dessertspoons to the party, too.
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To make Jell-O shots kid-friendly, use fruit juice or water, instead of alcohol.
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Warnings
Make sure the kids don't mistake this for ordinary Jello.
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Even though Jello shots taste like candy, they each contain as much or more alcohol than a beer, wine or alcohol shot. Warn your guests, wait a few minutes between shots and count your drinks to avoid overindulgence.
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Jello is not a vegetarian dessert. Gelatin is a protein produced by partial hydrolysis of collagen extracted from the bones, connective tissues, organs and some intestines of animals. If any of your guests are vegetarian or vegan, consider vegan jelly mixes rather than gelatin. Most supermarkets will stock these.
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Kids can get very sick if they eat the ones involving beer, and they may get drunk.
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about alcoholic drinks, check out our in-depth interview with Yasmin Rosales.
References
- Palm, Michelle. The Jelly Shot Test Kitchen. Running Press, 2011.
About This Article

Co-authored by:
Yasmin Rosales
Professional Bartender
This article was co-authored by Yasmin Rosales. Yasmin Rosales is a Bartending Expert based in South Florida. She is the Founder, CEO, and Lead Bartender at Stir it Up Mobile Bar, a mobile bar serving all of South, Florida. Since its founding in 2020, Stir It Up has become a highly respected name in the local event and mobile bartending industry, and prides itself in delivering excellence and an unmatched experience as a preferred luxury bar service. Yasmin has 18 years in the event and hospitality industry, and has made it her mission to infuse joy and a touch of sophistication into every event. In addition to Stir it Up, she owns several satellite bars, a refurbished horse trailer bar named “Glory” and manages a team of bartenders who love the industry as much as she does. She recieved an AS from Broward College in Crime Scene Technology. This article has been viewed 9,605,966 times.
3 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 189
Updated: June 10, 2024
Views:9,605,966
Categories: Featured Articles | Jello and Jelly Shots
Article SummaryX
To make jello shots, first bring 1 cup (240 mL) of water to a boil. Then, add one 3.25-ounce (90-gram) packet of gelatin. One packet of gelatin will make about 12 jello shots. Stir until the gelatin is dissolved. Next, add ½ cup each (120 mL) of vodka and cold water. Use flavored vodka for extra sweet jello shots. Stir thoroughly, then pour into 2-ounce plastic containers. Finally, chill the jello shots in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving. Read on for more Jello shot recipes, like Jello shot orange slices or layered Jello shots!
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Jul 30, 2016
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