Christmas Jello Shots
These festive and boozy treats consist of one red layer of strawberry/cherry-flavored jello nestled on one green layer of lime-flavored jello, all topped with whipped cream and holiday sprinkles.
Makes24 (1 1/2-ounce) shots
Prep25 minutes
Cook3 minutes
Turn your next holiday gathering into a party with holiday-themed jello shots. In this recipe, spiked green and red jello — made with your choice of vodka or rum — are layered into sprinkle-rimmed cups and garnished with sweetened whipped cream for extra-festive treats. They add an air of nostalgia to your soirée and are bound to bring a smile to even the grumpiest Grinch.
For the best-tasting results, abandon the bottom shelf bottles and buy a quality liquor you would enjoy drinking in another cocktail. Vodka and white rum are the best choices for these jello shots.
What Is the Ratio of Alcohol in Jello Shots?
For each box of jello, you will need 1 1/2 cups water and 1/2 cup liquor. Because these holiday jello shots have 2 layers, you will need 2 boxes of jello (one red and one green), 3 cups water, and 1 cup vodka or rum.
Tips for Making Christmas Jello Shots
- Whisk the boiling water and jello for a full minute to make sure the gelatin has dissolved completely in the liquid.
- Use a measuring cup with spout or a half jigger from your cocktail set to divide the jello mixture into individual cups.
- Make sure the first layer is completely set before adding the next. This will take about two hours in the refrigerator.
How Long Will Christmas Jello Shots Last in the Fridge?
Christmas jello shots are the perfect make-ahead party recipe. Prepare the shots up to one week in advance and store, covered, in the refrigerator. Wait until you are ready to serve before adding the sugared rim or whipped cream garnish.
Christmas Jello Shots Recipe
These festive and boozy treats consist of one red layer of strawberry/cherry-flavored jello nestled on one green layer of lime-flavored jello, all topped with whipped cream and holiday sprinkles.
Prep time 25 minutes
Cook time 3 minutes
Makes 24 (1 1/2-ounce) shots
Nutritional Info
Ingredients
- 24
(2-ounce) plastic condiment cups or plastic shot glasses
- 1 (3-ounce) box
lime-flavored powdered gelatin
- 3 cups
water, divided
- 1 cup
very cold vodka or white rum, divided
- 1 (3-ounce) box
strawberry- or cherry-flavored powdered gelatin
Serving options:
- 1
small lime plus 2 tablespoons red, green, or white sugar sprinkles
Whipped cream and holiday sprinkles
Instructions
Clear a space in your refrigerator so that a large rimmed baking sheet can lay flat. Arrange 24 plastic condiment cups or shot glasses in a single layer on the baking sheet. (If your cups have lids, you can stack them covered on a small platter or smaller baking sheet instead.)
Place 1 (3-ounce) box lime-flavored powdered gelatin in a large heatproof measuring cup. Bring 1 cup of the water to a boil. Pour over the gelatin and whisk until the gelatin is completely dissolved, about 1 minute. Add 1/2 cup cold water and 1/2 cup cold vodka or white rum and whisk to combine.
Pour about 3/4 ounce of the gelatin mixture into each condiment cup or shot glass; the cup should be half-filled. Cover the cups if stacking. Carefully place the tray in the refrigerator and refrigerate until fully set, about 2 hours.
Meanwhile, wash the measuring cup and whisk. Repeat making the strawberry- or cherry-flavored gelatin mixture with the remaining water and vodka or white rum. Do not transfer the mixture to the cups yet — let it sit at room temperature while the first layer sets.
When the first layer is set, divide the strawberry- or cherry-flavored mixture evenly among the cups. Cover the cups if stacking.Refrigerate until fully set, at least 4 hours. If you’re not ready to serve yet, cover the cups — especially if you will be transporting them. When ready to serve, garnish the cups as desired.
To rim with sugar: Juice 1 small lime onto a small, rimmed plate. Measure 2 tablespoons coarse red, green, or white sugar sprinkles onto a separate small, rimmed plate. Dip the rim of a cup into the lime juice and let the excess drip off, then dip into the sugar.
To top with whipped cream and sprinkles: Top each shot with a small dollop of whipped cream and top with sprinkles.
Recipe Notes
Storage: The covered shots (without whipped cream) can be refrigerated for up to 10 days.