Jello shots

Jello shots are a fun and playful party treat made by mixing flavored gelatin with alcohol, typically vodka or rum.

5 min
Easy
Shot glass
3 ingredients

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Ingredients

Vodka2 cups
Jello3 packages
Water3 cups

Method

Boil 3 cups of water then add jello.
Mix jello and water until jello is completely disolved.
Add the two cups of vodka and mix together.
Pour mixture into plastic shot glasses and chill until firm.
Then, eat away...

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What you need

Nothing fancy. Here is what to look for. We earn a small cut if you buy through these links, at no cost to you.

Shot glasses

A tall, narrow shape makes layering much easier.

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A double jigger

Marked in oz and ml, with lines inside for the small measures.

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The hero bottle

Vodka stands as the ultimate blank canvas in the spirits world, offering mixologists and home bartenders unparalleled versatility. Unlike whiskey's oak complexity or gin's botanical symphony, vodka's neutral character allows other ingredients to shine while providing a clean, smooth alcoholic backbone.

See 113 Vodka drinks

Where it comes from

An iconic symbol of party culture and youthful excess, Jello shots emerged in the mid-20th century as a playful way to consume alcohol in a dessert-like format. They gained massive popularity at college parties and bar celebrations, becoming a staple of casual drinking culture.

Tips from the bar

Dissolve gelatin completely in hot liquid before adding cold spirits to ensure proper setting
use a 1:1 ratio of liquor to liquid for optimal alcohol retention and texture
add a touch of corn syrup to prevent the shot from becoming too rubbery
let set for minimum 4-6 hours in refrigerator for proper consistency
use silicone molds for easy removal and creative shapes

Twists worth trying

Fruity Gelatin Shots: Uses fruit juices and vodka with colored gelatin for bright, accessible flavors
Layered Rainbow Shots: creates visual impact through careful layering of different colored spirits and gelatins
Tropical Jello Shots: incorporates coconut rum and pineapple juice for tropical party vibes