Jello Shot Recipe: Sip, Savor, Repeat

Hey, Welcome to my little corner of the internet on Beyond the Bayou Blog. Today, I’m excited to share with you Jello shots one of my favorite party tricks, let me take you back to a memorable night a few summers ago.

We were having a backyard bash, and as the sun dipped below the horizon, the real party began. Amidst the laughter and music, someone whipped out a tray of colorful, wobbly treats – Jello shots!

At first, I was hesitant. I mean, who wouldn’t be? But after a bit of encouragement (and maybe a little peer pressure), I decided to give them a try. And oh boy, was I glad I did! These little cups of joy were bursting with flavor and packed quite the punch.

From that night on, I became the designated Jello shot maker for every gathering. So, grab your gelatin and let’s whip up some fun memories together! But first, let me show you how it all began.

What is Jello Shot?

How to make Jello Shot?

1. Boil Water:
   • Bring 1 cup of water to a boil. You can use a kettle, pot, or microwave-safe container to heat the water. If using a microwave, heat the water in short intervals, stirring in between, to ensure it doesn’t boil over.

Step 2: Mix Gelatin:

• Select your favorite flavor of gelatin (common options include strawberry, lime, orange, or any other flavor you prefer). In a mixing bowl, empty the contents of the flavored gelatin package. Make sure the bowl is heatproof, as you’ll be pouring boiling water into it.
• Slowly pour the boiling water over the gelatin mix in the bowl. Use a whisk or spoon to stir continuously until all the gelatin is completely dissolved. This step ensures that the gelatin is evenly distributed and fully incorporated into the water.

Step 3: Add Alcohol:

• Once the gelatin is fully dissolved, it’s time to add the alcohol. Choose your preferred type of alcohol—common choices include vodka, rum, tequila, or flavored liqueurs. Pour 1 cup of cold alcohol into the bowl with the dissolved gelatin mixture.
• Stir the alcohol into the gelatin mixture until everything is well combined. This step ensures that the alcohol is evenly distributed throughout the jello shots.

Step 4: Pour into Cups:

• Prepare your plastic shot cups or molds by arranging them on a tray or flat surface. You can find disposable plastic shot cups at most party supply stores, or you can use silicone molds for fun shapes.
• Carefully pour the gelatin-alcohol mixture into each cup or mold, filling them nearly to the top. Take care not to overfill, as the jello shots need space to set without overflowing.

Step 5: Chill:

• Once all the cups or molds are filled, transfer the tray to the refrigerator. Allow the jello shots to chill and set for at least 2-4 hours, or until they are firm to the touch. The cold temperature of the refrigerator helps the gelatin solidify and set properly.

Step 6: Serve:

• Once the jello shots are set, they’re ready to be served and enjoyed! You can serve them as they are or add some creative touches for presentation, such as whipped cream, fruit slices, or colorful sprinkles.
• Consider arranging the jello shots on a platter or serving tray for easy sharing at your next gathering or party.

What is the Best Vodka to use for Jello Shots?

You don’t need to break the bank when choosing a vodka for your jello shots, but you don’t want the intense taste of a really cheap option, so go for something mid-price range like Absolut or Smirnoff. They will be smooth enough to not distract from the taste of your jello while still being easy on the wallet overall.

Wanna Make it Faster?

If you are in a hurry, you can set your jello faster by having your liquids as cold as possible when starting to make your shots. You can have your alcohol in the freezer to get it cold, and/or you can add some ice cubes in with your cold water and remove the ice that’s left after 2-3 minutes.

The Best Alcohol for Jell-O Shots!

Because of its neutral taste, vodka is widely considered the best liquor for Jell-O shots. It’s like a blank canvas for the other flavors. This recipe doesn’t require a fine vodka; a good enough budget-friendly bottle will do since, in this case, it’s all about the sweet gelatin that balances the vodka.

If you prefer a more flavor-forward shot, rum also works well. Alternatively, use tequila, whiskey, brandy, or gin or experiment with flavored liquors, such as lemon vodka.

For the best results, stick to a liquor that’s about 80-proof (40% alcohol by volume). Even if you’d like boozier shots, resist the urge to use a higher-proof liquor such as Everclear.

Molding Jello-Shots!

To mold the shots, you can use 1-ounce disposable plastic cups, shot glasses, or silicone molds in any shape. If using individual cups, place them on a sheet pan so it’s easy to transfer them to to the fridge. For easy pouring into the shots, use a turkey baster or a pitcher with a thin spout.

Although individual shots are easier to serve and involve very little cleanup, you can also make a tray of spiked Jell-O and cut it into cubes to serve. Any baking pan with sides will do, even a glass pie dish. Once it’s set, simply cut the gelatin into portions and either lay them out on a serving tray or leave them in the dish for guests to grab as they wish.

Which Glass and Garnish Should I Use?

It’s a shot, so a shot glass, obviously. You may have noticed this Jell-O doesn’t require cups and cups and sugar. If you want to sweeten it, give your shot glasses a sugar rim by running a slice of lemon around them then dipping them upside down into a shallow dish of white granulated sugar. You can also make it into more of a dessert by topping each shot with a shot of whipped cream.

Want some Tips and Tricks!

1. Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality flavored gelatin and your favorite spirits. The better the ingredients, the tastier your shots will be.
2. Balancing Act: Finding the right balance between gelatin and alcohol is key. Too much alcohol can prevent the gelatin from setting properly, so follow the recipe closely.
3. Cold is Key: Make sure your alcohol is chilled before mixing it with the gelatin mixture. This helps the shots set faster and prevents separation.
4. Layering for Visual Appeal: Want to impress your guests? Try layering different colored gelatins in the shot cups for a visually stunning presentation. Just make sure each layer is set before adding the next.
5. Control the Sweetness: If you find the gelatin mixture too sweet, you can balance it out by adding a splash of lemon or lime juice.
6. Get Creative with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations! From fruity to creamy to spicy, the possibilities are endless.
7. Silicone Molds Are Your Friends: Silicone molds make it easy to pop out perfectly shaped Jello shots. Plus, they come in all sorts of fun shapes and sizes!
8. Easy Serving: For a hassle-free serving experience, consider using disposable shot cups with lids. This makes transporting and serving the shots a breeze.
9. Garnish with Flair: Take your Jello shots to the next level by adding fun garnishes like whipped cream, fruit slices, or colorful sprinkles.