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If you’re wondering how to make jello shots for the first time, listen up: After recently hosting my first-ever holiday party this weekend, I decided to also make jello shots for the first time as well. I was pleasantly surprised with how simple it was not only make the shots, but to also get creative and customize the recipes without screwing them up!
Initially, I was thinking, “Ugh – seriously, I have to boil water to make these? This is going to be too much trouble – heck naw, honey“, but then I realized that I am just impatient, so I decided that I would make them anyways. (PSA: To avoid the agony of waiting for the water to boil, I ended up doing some kitchen squats and interpretive dance to pass the time. I mean, It only takes a few minutes, so I’m not only impatient, but a little dramatic).
So yes, I started out feeling stressed, but ended up feeling blessed due to how great the shots ended up being! Making Jell-O alone is pretty simple, so it is funny how it can feel intimidating to make these, but if I can do it, you can do it. Trust me. 😂
Obviously, the net is filled with incredible cocktail and jello shot recipes, but the following list are some of my favorites since they include the perfect ingredients for a perfect recipe that will always be a success:
- Specific Ingredients
- Clear instructions
- Examples & pictures!
Now the question is….Are you ready for this jelly? Here is how to make jello shots in all your favorite flavors!
1. Cherry Coke Jello Shots
This is one of the easiest options, which just happens to taste like a bold, crisp, and most importantly, SPIKED, cherry cola! ❤️
What you Need: Cherry flavored gelatin, Coca-Cola, Rum & Maraschino cherries.
Recipe & Directions: Karacreates – Cherry Coke Jello Shots
Optional Additions:
These shots would look adorable in these mini red solo cup shot glasses!
2. Peanut Butter Whiskey Jello Shots
For lovers of peanut butter, jelly & whiskey – this one is going to blow your mind! Made with grape gelatin, these peanut butter whiskey-infused shots are guaranteed to satisfy & impress.
What you Need: Grape gelatin, peanut butter whiskey & chopped peanuts!
Recipe & Directions: Troprockin – Peanut Butter Whiskey Jello Shots
3. Cotton Candy Jello Shots
These adorable shots are likely to be your favorite pick on this list! Full of sugar, eye-catching colors & textures, they will definitely give your guests more than just a buzz! If a cotton candy, sprinkled topping isn’t enough for you, my personal recommendation is to add a dash of pop-rocks to make these even more extra than they already are.
What you’d need: Jell-O, vodka, cotton candy, vanilla frosting & sprinkles (or pop rocks if you prefer!) Also, I was unable to find cotton candy gelatin, so I would recommend using cotton candy flavored vodka (or mixing plain vodka with this cotton candy mixer syrup) along with unflavored gelatin.
Recipe & Directions: Simplistically Living by Brittanie – Cotton Candy Jello Shots
Optional Addition Ideas
Neon Disposable Shot Glasses
You can make the colors on these adorable shots pop even more than they already do with these disposable shot glasses in fun colors! Get them here on Amazon: Glow-in-the-Dark Neon Shot Glasses
4. Lemon Drop Jello Shots
A jello shot recipe that will truly awaken your taste buds? These lemon drop shots with a colored sugar rim will do the trick so pucker up, princess! 😂
What you’d need: Lemon vodka, lemon jello & colored sugar
Recipe & Directions: Jello Shot King – Lemon Drop Jello Shots
For these, there is a perfect yellow sugar on Amazon for the rimming – Lemon Drop Flavored Sugar
5. Butterbeer Gelatin Shots Recipe
If there were a prize for world’s most gorgeous jello shots, these would win! Although there are slightly more ingredients in this recipe, it is still simple and definitely worth it! Whether you’re throwing a New Year’s party or a Harry Potter marathon party with your pals, these will be a hit.
What you’d need: Cream soda, unflavored jello, butterscotch schnapps, vanilla vodka, butter flavor extract, caramel, gold sprinkles & whipped cream.
Recipe & Instructions: Princess Pink Girl by Jenn
Optional Addition
Gold Glitter Mix
Infuse this fun & edible glitter into your mixture before pouring the jell-o into the shot glasses for some extra sparkle! Available on Amazon: Edible Gold Glitter Mixture
6. Crown Royal Peach Jello Shots
O-M-G. Imagine how peachy sweet these babies taste? Also, I am pretty sure that any peach-flavored alcohol can work as a substitute if Crown royal isn’t your thing!
What you’d need: Peach Jello, Crown Royal Peach & Peach Rings (gummy candy)
Recipe & Instructions: The Soccer Mom Blog – Crown Peach
7. Root Beer Float Jello Shots
Another classic drink with a jelly boozed twist that is oh-so-delish!
What you’d need: Root beer, vodka, unflavored jello, whipped topping & maraschino cherries.
Recipe & Instructions: Delish – Root Beer Float Shots
Shot Glass Recommendation – Mini Plastic Mug Shot Glasses
8. Yellow Starburst Jello Shots
The pink starburst version of this recipe is more popular, but shake it up with the lesser-known, but just as delicious alternative! Here is how to make jello shots that are sweet as candy with a lemony spike!
What you’d Need: Yellow Starburst Jell-O ,Lemonade Vodka, Lemon slice & Yellow Starburst
Recipe & Instructions: Sparkles to Sprinkles – Yellow Starburst Shots
It is more than appropriate that I include these fun party game ideas that can accompany your upcoming amazing gelatin shot presentation!
Tic Tac Toe – Shot Glass Drinking Game
Available on Amazon: Tic-Tac-Toe Drinking Game
You can use the shot glasses it comes with in the set, or simply use your own disposable ones. 🥃
Jell-O Shot Jenga (Little Tipsy)
Available here: Let’s Get Tipsy
This has to be the most incredible drinking game EVER, because the shots are actually placed in the slots that are embedded into the wooden wedges! Be careful about letting your neighbors know about this one if you don’t want them always on your lawn, asking you to get a “little tipsy” with this one!
DRINKO
Available Here: DRINKO Party Game
If you enjoyed watching people play “Plinko” from the game show, “The Price is Right“, then try this drinking game out using any of the recipes above or for more lowkey nights with liquid booze!
Final Thought
The best thing about Jell-O shots is how incredibly affordable it is! I mean, even if you choose the cheapest bottle of booze at the liquor store in your recipe, that flavor-packed gelatin mix covers up any of the cheap taste that the alcohol has when slurped straight. That is a WIN. It is almost impossible to mess them up, so CHEERS TO THAT, right?
Share your favorite recipes in the comments below & let’s make this list grow!
