Boozy margarita Jell-O shots are the party showstopper your bar cart or cocktail table needs. Easy to make and fun to toss back, your guests (adults only!) will love this blast-from-the-past cocktail mashup.
Making margarita Jell-O shots is as easy as making a pitcher of margaritas. Simply combine unflavored gelatin with limeade, then add tequila and Triple Sec, and chill. Using an unflavored gelatin keeps the balance of tart lime and sweetness, plus the bite from tequila.
You can tailor these shots to your own taste and decoration. Try using hollowed-out limes as a mold, then slicing in wedges just before serving. Or serve these in shot glasses with a salt or Tajin seasoning rim. For even easier cleanup, you can make and serve these tequila shots in disposable condiment cups with a lime garnish.
Margarita Jell-O Shots Ingredients
- Unflavored gelatin: Using unflavored gelatin packets as opposed to boxed gelatin makes it easier to impart your own flavor (and avoids adding artificial ones). Gelatin packets can be found in the baking aisle of most grocery stores. They’re easy to keep on hand as most brands have a shelf life of over a year. Whether for Jell-O shots or desserts, here are some general tips for using gelatin.
- Frozen limeade: Frozen juice concentrates add sweetness and fresh fruit flavor without the hassle of juicing a dozen limes. Frozen limeade is sweetened, so there’s no need to add extra sugar, plus it keeps this recipe to under a handful of ingredients. This homemade limeade combines lemon and lime juice and zest if you want to go that route.
- Tequila: Like any classic margarita, you need tequila! Make margarita Jell-O shots with any variety or brand of tequila you like. Since you’re mixing it with other ingredients, the best tequila for margaritas should taste great but still remain affordable.
- Triple Sec: You’ll find Triple Sec in any classic margarita. This orange liqueur adds a citrus flavor to the drink, balancing the lime and tequila to create a harmonious cocktail.
Directions
How to Make Margarita Jell-O Shots
Step 1: Make the margarita base
In a small saucepan, sprinkle the gelatin over cold limeade, and let it stand for one minute. Heat and stir over low heat until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Remove the mixture from the heat, then stir in the tequila and Triple Sec.
Editor’s Tip:Â Make sure the limeade is cold for the gelatin to bloom. Using cold tequila (keep it in your freezer!) and Triple Sec will help the gelatin to set faster, too.
Step 2: Pour into desired molds
Have fun with this step, and add a personal touch based on what type of mold you choose to use for the shots. For shots, pour the margarita mixture into 2-ounce shot glasses, and refrigerate until set.
To make lime wedges, half and juice six limes (save the juice for another use), scrape out the pulp, and arrange the halves in muffin tins for stability. Fill the lime halves with gelatin mixture, and refrigerate until set. Cut each lime into two wedges.
Editor’s Tip: To add a salt or Tajin rim to glass shots, pour either in a small plate. After the margarita Jell-O shots are set, rub some lime on the edge of the glass, then dip in the salt or Tajin. Serve with lime slices or wedges.
Margarita Jell-O Shots Variations
- Use premade margarita mix: For an even more authentic margarita taste, you can swap the limeade with premade margarita mix. Just make sure to choose a mix that doesn’t have alcohol in it, or the booze will all burn off when it’s heated with the gelatin.
- Make them booze-free: To make these shots nonalcoholic for a family-friendly get together, omit the alcohol completely, and replace it with more limeade.
- Add different fruits: Add a few tablespoons of fresh fruit puree to make strawberry, pineapple or mango margarita Jell-O shots. Portion off the mix, and add puree to each portion for a variety of flavored shots.
- Make a sugar rim: If you’re not a fan of a salt rim on your margaritas, swap the salt out for sugar. Running a lime wedge around the edge of the shots will help the sugar or salt stick to the rim.
How to Store Margarita Jell-O Shots
To store extra Jell-O shots, cover with plastic, and keep them in the fridge for up to five days. If using disposable condiment cups, be sure to grab the lids so that you can pop them on and place them in the fridge with ease. You can also make the Jell-O shots a couple of days in advance and keep them wrapped in the fridge until it’s time to serve.
Can you freeze margarita Jell-O shots?
It’s not suggested to freeze Jell-O shots as the gelatin base loses its jiggly texture and clear look when frozen. Make sure to keep them in the fridge to set, even if you’re in a hurry.
Margarita Jell-O Shots Tips
How can you make margarita Jell-O shots set faster?
If you want the Jell-O shots to set faster, make sure the tequila and Triple Sec are extra cold before adding them to the gelatin mix. One way to do that is to keep tequila in the freezer! You can also freeze your shot glasses or lime halves before adding the gelatin (not after, as the rims will freeze before the gelatin sets). You can also use smaller molds to help them set faster.
What tequila should you use for margarita Jell-O shots?
Veer away from cheap and low-quality tequilas for any cocktail, even Jell-O shots. It’s worth finding a good blanco tequila that won’t break the bank. There are plenty of bottles of tequila with different price points that offer a great product. Make it one you’d like to drink in other cocktails or use in other recipes that use tequila!
