Whether you’re tailgating before the big game or simply want to do something fun for a party, vodka Jell-O shots are an entertaining way to start the celebration. They get a bad rap for being a college drink because, well, a lot of the vodka shots we served back then were made with cheap alcohol! This Jell-O shot recipe is a grown-up version, giving you permission to make fruity, colorful shots that actually taste great. Plus, they’re straight-up fun to eat (err, drink).
Our vodka Jell-O shot recipe is easily customizable. You can play around with different gelatin flavors and colors, or vary the type of alcohol. Make green shots for St. Patrick’s Day shots, a mix of red and green for Christmas, or red, white and blue for Fourth of July festivities. The colors are helpful for distinguishing different flavors, too, if you decide to make any of the variations below.
How long do Jell-O shots take to set?
This Jell-O shot recipe comes together in only 15 minutes, but the gelatin takes about three hours to set. If the shots are still runny after three hours, your ratio of liquid to gelatin may have been off. You can try fixing it by whisking a new box of flavored gelatin with boiling water. Mix it with the unset shots, and re-chill.
Jell-O Shot Ingredients
- Flavored gelatin: Each 3-ounce box of flavored gelatin will make about 12 Jell-O shots. Jell-O is the brand name, but you can use any brand of sweetened, flavored gelatin for this recipe.
- Vodka: You don’t want to use the cheapest vodka on the shelf (it will make the shots taste bitter!). But you don’t need the most expensive bottle, either. The best vodka brands for Jell-O shots are in the mid-price range.
- Water: We use a ratio of 3 parts water to 1 part vodka to ensure the shots aren’t too strong.
Directions
Step 1: Bloom the gelatin
In a small saucepan, sprinkle the cherry gelatin over 1 cup of water. Let stand for one minute.
Editor’s Tip: Gelatin needs to “bloom,” or hydrate in cold liquid. This step softens the gelatin so it melts properly for smooth, lump-free Jello-O shots. If you’re new to working with gelatin, check out more helpful tips for cooking with gelatin.
Step 2: Cook the gelatin
Stir over low heat until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in 1/2 cup of vodka and 1/2 cup of cold water.
Repeat the process with the berry gelatin.
Step 3: Let the Jell-O Shots set
Pour each flavored gelatin into separate 2-ounce shot glasses.
Refrigerate until set, about three hours.
Editor’s Tip: Line the glasses on a baking sheet to make them easier to transfer to the refrigerator. If you plan to make the Jell-O shots in advance or you’re transporting them to a party, portion the shots into plastic condiment cups with lids.
Jell-O Shot Variations
- Layered shots: Prepare multiple colors of flavored gelatin. Pour the first layer into the shot glass, and let it set completely. Then, repeat the process with one or more layers.
- Margarita shots: Use unflavored gelatin, frozen limeade, tequila and Tripel Sec to turn margaritas into margarita Jell-O shots.
- Strawberry lemonade shots: Use strawberry Jell-O and lemon-flavored vodka.
- Mixed berry shots: Use raspberry Jell-O and blueberry-flavored vodka.
- Dreamsicle shots: Use orange Jell-O and vanilla-flavored vodka.
- Peaches and cream shots: Use peach Jell-O and vanilla-flavored vodka.
- Pina colada shots: Use pineapple Jell-O and coconut-flavored vodka.
- Key lime pie shots: Use lime Jell-O and cake-flavored vodka.
- Apple cider shots: Use unflavored gelatin, apple cider, ginger-flavored vodka and warming spices for spiced apple cider shots.
Can you make Jell-O shots ahead of time?
You’ll need to make Jell-O shots at least three hours ahead of time, as the gelatin needs time to set up in the refrigerator. If you want to make them further in advance, we recommend using a shot glass with a lid to keep the Jell-O from absorbing any funky flavors in the refrigerator.
How long do Jell-O shots last?
We recommend serving Jell-O shots within five days. Store them, covered, in the refrigerator. They may be good for longer, but the texture will deteriorate over time.
Jell-O Shot Tips
How strong are Jell-O shots?
We use 1 cup of vodka for a batch of 24 Jell-O shots, or 1/3 ounce vodka per shot. You can adjust the strength by reducing the amount of alcohol (and increasing the water), but it doesn’t always work the other way around. You may be able to increase the ratio of alcohol to water, but too much alcohol can affect the gelatin’s ability to set, creating shots with a weird texture. Plus, they won’t taste as good if they’re too strong.
What alcohol should you use for Jell-O shots?
Standard vodka is neutral-tasting, so it’s a great option for making Jell-O shots. You can use other flavorful alcohols, like flavored vodka, rum or tequila. However, as a general rule, stick to 80-proof alcohols (40% ABV). Higher-proof alcohols can prevent the gelatin from setting up properly.
How do you eat Jell-O shots?
Loosen up the Jell-O from the sides of the glass with a spoon or your finger. If you’re serving in a plastic cup, you can squeeze the shot into your mouth. Otherwise, flip the cup over and let gravity do the work. Bottoms up!
Are Jell-O Shots vegan?
Most flavored gelatin is derived from animal collagen. To make vegan Jell-O shots, use plant-based flavored jel dessert or make your own by thickening fruit juice with agar agar, a gelling agent derived from red algae.
