Jello Shots – Edible Party Cocktails!

There is no party at my house without my famous rainbow jello shots – classic edible cocktails in different flavors, spiked with vodka and served in mini cups. These are easy to make and instantly elevate any party! They are tasty, very easy to make with only 2 ingredients, and suitable for large gatherings.

Serving these at your next get-together will just amp up the fun. They are so versatile that you can use your favorite Jell-O flavors and the liquor you like, adding your own twist to a jiggly, wobbly, edible cocktail. I usually serve these alongside other crowd favorites, such as this grown-up s’mores milkshake and Irish coffee.

Vodka Jello Shots are probably the most beloved party cocktails ever, and for a good reason. Technically, they are more of a boozy dessert than a traditional cocktail, but that’s exactly what’s charming and inviting about them. I like to make a variety of colors, so I have a rainbow of Jell-O shots to add color and fun to my party! Fuss-free, easy to make, and the best part is that they can be prepared in advance.

Why you will love this recipe 

• Easy to make with just 2 ingredients: These are the easiest cocktails to make with just 2 ingredients, and they can be stored for up to 3 days before the party.   
• A fun way to celebrate: There is just enough booze in each shot to give your guests a warm, happy feeling. Also, the best part is that these are edible, so they count as both a dessert and a cocktail.
• Easy cleanup: Since they are served in their own cups, there is no need to worry about glasses or cleanup after the party.
• Everyone loves Jello: no matter where they grew up, it was part of everyone’s childhood and remains a popular treat with a nostalgic flavor.

What you will need

• Jello: I use several 3-ounce boxes in different flavors.
• Vodka: It doesn’t have to be the most expensive, but don’t get the cheapest option. Since vodka is the main ingredient, I recommend using a high-quality vodka in the $15 price range. For this budget range, you can get the Absolute or Smirnoff brand.

How to make 

Boil the Jello: First, I heat 1 cup of water in a saucepan until it boils. Then I add the Jell-O powder and stir until completely dissolved. Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in ½ cup of cold water until thoroughly combined.

Add the booze: Then, I let the mixture cool before stirring in the vodka. 

Chill the shots: Next, I place the plastic shot cups on a baking sheet covered in parchment paper and pour the Jello mixture into the cups. I put the entire sheet pan in the fridge for about 3 hours, or until firm. 

Serve and store: Serve chilled. Any leftovers are stored in the refrigerator. 

Expert tip

Setting shots in a hurry

There are always those days when you’re running behind, or people decide to stop by at the last minute, and Jello shots are needed quickly. In those cases, use the speed-setting method. First, boil 1 cup of water. Then, whisk the Jello pack into the boiling water for about 2 minutes. Now, add ½ cup of ice cubes and ½ cup of vodka and stir until the ice is melted. After, pour the liquid into the cups and let them chill for about 1½ hours. Chilling the vodka in the freezer beforehand can also speed up the process. 

More tips to consider:

• I place my shots on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper to catch the spills as I transfer them to the fridge. 
• For easier pouring, I use a glass measuring cup with a thin spout. 
• Give the shots plenty of time to chill so they will be firm for the party. I make mine at least 4 hours in advance. 
• Don’t put the lids on the shot cups until they’ve finished chilling.
• Be sure not to add too much alcohol. The usual ratio (and the one I use in this recipe) is 1 cup of boiling water, ½ cup of cold water, 1 (3-ounce) box of Jello, and ½ cup of vodka. Adding too much alcohol will prevent it from setting. 
• Do not boil the vodka. Dissolve the Jello in the boiling water and remove it from the heat before adding the cold water. Then, add the alcohol once it has cooled. 

Recipe variations and add-ins:

• Virgin Jello shots: For designated drivers and those who do not drink alcohol, use apple cider, lime juice, or lemon juice instead of alcohol.
• Add topping: To make these more festive, I sometimes add my homemade whipped topping. It is easy to make with just 3 ingredients. 
• Other alcohols: In addition to vodka, tequila, whiskey, rum, and schnapps are acceptable. 
• Add fruit: Make these even more fun by mixing in minced pineapple, maraschino cherries, or chopped peaches.   
• Jello shot jigglers: Rather skip the cups? Use a baking sheet or jelly-roll pan to form a 1-inch-thick layer of Jell-O/alcohol mixture. Then, chill it until it sets, for about 3 hours. Silicone or ice cube trays will also work. 
• Tropical: Use pineapple vodka with orange or strawberry gelatin!
• Hot Buttered Rum: Replace the vodka with hot buttered rum and use lemon gelatin.
• Fireball: Dissolve orange or cherry Jell-O in boiling water, then add whiskey.
• Tequila Sunrise: Dissolve the cherry gelatin in boiling orange juice, then add tequila once the mixture has cooled.

Serving suggestions:

I love making Jello shots because they are so easy, and I don’t have to really serve them. They serve themselves. I often serve them at parties with my Bailey’s Jello shots, which are creamy and delicious, with a mixture of caffeine and alcohol that warms you up and gives you a buzz! They are super simple to make with just 5 ingredients, too. I place them next to my Bailey’s chocolate truffles for a table full of decadent boozy treats. 

Another sweet delight I like to serve is these drunken cherries. Although the recipe is made for Christmas, the colors can be adapted to any holiday, and they can be made in minutes with just 3 ingredients. Not everything has to be made with alcohol, though. These baked buffalo wings are always a hit with my Jello shots. I like them for appetizers or even for dinner. 

How to store leftovers:

• Refrigerate: Jello shots can be kept in the fridge in their original cups with lids for up to 4 days. 
• Freezing: They can also be frozen, but they will not freeze solid due to the alcohol content. They will stay fresh for about 3 months. I place mine in freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.
• Defrost: I thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving. 

Frequently asked questions

More party drinks to try: