Jello Shots 101: Everything You Need To Know

Jello shots are a fun party treat for the adults. Here are all your questions, answered! These jello shot tips and tricks will send you on your way to making great party treats.

Jello Shots 101: Your Ultimate Guide

Oh, jello shots! How fun you are! But you’re also full of questions and nuances. If you have ever wondered things like…

• how long jello shots take to set
• if jello shots can be frozen
• the best alcohol to use in jello shots

… then you’ve come to the right place. I have made thousands of jello shots for parties and have shared lots of jello shot recipes on this website. I put together a huge post of my top jello shot tips and tricks to answer all your questions.

Where to start

This basic jello shot recipe uses any flavor of boxed gelatin and vodka or rum, and it’s a good place to start if you’ve never made jello shots before. It’s an easy recipe that anyone (21+ of course!) can make.

The post below reads like a big jello shot FAQ. If you have more questions, post them in the comments and I’ll be happy to answer them!

Now, let’s get into these jello shot tips and tricks!

Alcohol for jello shots

Because it is light and unflavored, plain vodka is most people’s favorite alcohol for jello shots made with flavored gelatin. Flavored vodka — such as caramel vodka, marshmallow vodka or peach vodka — can be used, too.

However, the fun doesn’t stop with vodka jello shots. You can use a different type of alcohol such as rum, tequila, bourbon or gin to make these fun gelatin treats. Even liqueurs like coffee liqueur and Irish cream liqueur can be used to make jello shots.

How much alcohol to put in jello shots

There’s not very much alcohol per shot (roughly 4 jello shots would equal 1 ounce of booze) so you’d need to enjoy a lot of them to get tipsy, even if you add more alcohol.

If you’d really like to make a boozier shot, your best bet is to replace some of the cold water with the 80-proof liquor.

How many jello shots equal one shot

Roughly 4 jello shots equal about 1 ounce, or shot, of alcohol. Most cocktails contain 2 ounces of alcohol, so you’d need to enjoy quite a few jello shots to feel the effects of alcohol.

So… can you get drunk off of jello shots? Technically, yes, but it might take a while. There’s not that much alcohol per shot (roughly 4 jello shots would equal 1 ounce of booze) so you’d need to enjoy a lot of them.

How to make strong jello shots

Though it is possible to use higher-proof alcohol (e.g. 190-proof Everclear) for your jello shots, one or two probably won’t get anyone drunk. Even with a higher-proof alcohol, jello shots are still a lot less boozy than a standard cocktail.

There’s not very much alcohol per shot (roughly 4 jello shots would equal 1 ounce of booze) so you’d need to enjoy LOTS of jello shots to get tipsy. For a boozier shot, add more of the 80-proof liquor and reduce the amount of cold water you use.

Vodka vs. rum

When making jello shots from a box of flavored jello, you can use either vodka or rum. Vodka is a more popular choice, but white rum will work just as well and will have a slightly sweeter taste.

If you want to use a flavored spirit, there are some delightful variations of rum on the market you can use to make some winning combinations of different flavors. Try coconut rum with pineapple jello to make piña colada jello shots or try spiced rum or cinnamon whiskey with apple jello to make apple pie jello shots.

Best vodka for jello shots

The alcohol you use for Jell-O shots can be as potent as you like. As a general rule, use 80-proof vodka, which is 40% ABV meaning alcohol by volume, which won’t sully the flavor of your jello shots.

If you’d like to use a stronger alcohol to make stronger shots, you can. Try 100-proof (50% ABV) or 120-proof (60% ABV), but keep in mind your jello shots will have a stronger scent and flavor of alcohol, which may make them unappetizing for guests. Everclear makes a 190-proof alcohol which is 95% ABV, but it has a very alcoholic flavor, so I wouldn’t recommend it.

While it is tempting to use higher-proof alcohol for your jelly shots, they won’t get you drunk. Even with a higher-proof alcohol, they are still a lot less boozy than a standard cocktail. Jello shots will be much more flavorful and enjoyable if you stick to the middle-of-the-road.

Best brand of vodka

There are a number of vodka brands on the market, and it can be confusing to decide which one. Budget is an important factor, but keep in mind that less expensive brands are more likely to burn the mouth. Save these for flavorful cocktails like a Bloody Mary.

Remember that stores stock the cheap stuff on the bottom shelf and premium brands will be at eye-level to catch your attention. The best bargains will be somewhere in the middle.

Vodkas by price

If you are only making one or two batches of jello shots, you can get away with a smaller bottle of something cheap. If you’d like to have more leftover for vodka cocktails, grab a bigger bottle — perhaps with more quality as well.

If you plan to stick to 80-proof vodka (my recommendation for flavorful jello shots that don’t taste too boozy), then look for one of these brands in your budget:

Non-alcoholic jello shots

There are a couple of different ways to make non-alcoholic jello shots. Either of these would be a good option:

1. Prepare jello according to the box instructions. Then pour into molds.
2. Use a non-alcoholic, zero-proof alcohol such as Ritual rum alternative ^* in lieu of the alcohol in this recipe.

If you are serving alcoholic and virgin jello shots, you may want to use a different color/flavor so that guests can differentiate between the two.

Jello shots from a box

Flavored gelatin comes in a wide spectrum of different colors and tasty flavors that you can use to make tons of easy jello shot recipes. Here are a few flavor combos you can make with the different jello flavors:

• Cherry Coke shots — switch the water for cola when making black cherry jello, then top with a cocktail cherry
• Margarita jello shots — use lime jello with tequila (add some extra lime juice if you wish)
• Strawberry daiquiri shots — mix strawberry jello with rum
• Piña colada shots — prepare pineapple gelatin with coconut rum
• Grape ape shots — use grape jello and grape schnapps
• Lemon daiquiri shots — use lemon gelatin with white rum
• Peach cobbler shots — peach gelatin with peach schnapps, topped with whipped cream

How many jello shots per box

For 24 jello shots, you will need the 3-ounce box. You can make twice as many at once if you use the 6-ounce box, but you’ll need to double the rest of the ingredients in the recipe below.

Large-scale jello shot tips: To make 100 jello shots, use four 3-ounce boxes OR two 6-ounce boxes, then quadruple the rest of the ingredients in the recipe below.

P.S. Don’t get the instant pudding mix! (But if you do, you can make pudding shots. They have a fluffy, creamy texture that’s more like, well, pudding.)

Unflavored gelatin

Making jello shots with unflavored gelatin is one of my favorite ways to make jello shots because you can add it to just about any juice or liquid. The flavor combinations are endless, rather than limited to the flavored box choices.

Gelatin, or gelatine, is a translucent, colorless and flavorless powder made from collagen, a protein substance found in the bones, skin and connective tissue of animals. I use Knox gelatin for mine.

When using gelatin for jello shots, the powder has to “bloom” in liquid first and should follow a basic formula, so be sure to follow this tutorial on making jello shots with unflavored gelatin if you want to try making Knox jello shots.

Unflavored gelatin jello shots

These are some of the best jello shots recipes with unflavored gelatin to try out these jello shot tips:

• Mojito jello shots: lime juice + mint + rum
• Classic mMargarita jello shots: lime juice + tequila + triple sec
• Gin & tonic jello shots (that glow in the dark!): gin + tonic
• Moscow Mule jello shots: vodka + lime + ginger beer
• Fireball jello shots: Fireball + apple cider
• Champagne jello shots: lemonade + champagne + vodka

Layered jello shots

Layering different colors of boozy jello is always impressive! They are great for holidays and themed occasions, like these red, white and blue jello shots for patriotic celebrations, or red & green ones for Christmastime. These are great for using different colors/flavors of box gelatin.

You can do this method with unflavored gelatin too. These Irish coffee jello shots look like miniature beers — the bottom layer is coffee and Irish whiskey, and the top layer is milk and Irish cream liqueur.

How to make layers

The method to make them is similar. Once you know how to make layered jello shots, you can create your own with other color and flavor combinations!

1. Start by greasing your cups and set aside. (If using 1-ounce cups, you’ll be able to make approximately 40-50 jello shots of 3 layers each.) I find it easiest to place the cups on a baking sheet ^* to catch spills and to make it easier to transport the shots in and out of the fridge after you add each layer.
2. Prepare the bottom layer first, using your recipe. Pour the mixture into 1-ounce shot glasses ^*, filling up to one-third of the way. Place in the refrigerator to set, about 2-3 hours.
3. Once set, make the second layer. Cool the hot mixture to room temperature. (This is important, because we don’t want to melt the first layer!) Pour over the already-set first layer, filling another third of the cup. Place the cups back in the refrigerator and let set for another 2-3 hours.
4. Almost done! Finally, make the top layer. Once the second layer is set, make the third layer and cool to room temperature. Carefully pour on top, filling up the final third, right to the top of the glasses. Refrigerate until set, about 2-3 hours or overnight for best results.

Set times & timing tips

Typically 3 to 4 hours in the fridge is enough time for jello shots to set. If you want to make layered jello shots (more below), you’ll need to plan ahead so that each layer has time to set before adding the next one.

Set time can vary depending on the container. Jello shots in small plastic cups will set faster than jiggler-style jello shots. Jello shots can set at room temperature, but they will probably take a little longer.

Quick-set jello shots

To help jello shots to set more quickly, make sure you mix VERY COLD ingredients into your mixture. That means put your alcohol in the freezer and have some ice cubes ready to go.

If making them from a box of flavored gelatin: Dissolve the box of jello powder into boiling water and stir until dissolved. Then add ½ cup COLD alcohol and ice cubes to help cool down the mixture faster. Then pour into molds and place in the fridge immediately.

If using unflavored gelatin: Bloom and warm your mixture to dissolve the gelatin first — follow these instructions.) Then add COLD alcohol and ice cubes to cool down the gelatin mixture. Then pour into molds and place in the fridge immediately.

Serving jello shots

Present jello shots to your crowd on trays, serving dishes or even a cake stand. If your recipe calls for any garnishes, like whipped cream, sprinkles or candy, only add it just before serving. Adding it too soon can be disastrous, as the toppings can turn to liquid.

How to eat jello shots

The best way to eat jello shots is to do this:

1. Insert your finger along the inside edge of the container.
2. Trace the edge of the cup to loosen the gelatin. (If you grease the cups lightly beforehand, this will be easier.)
3. Then toss the shot back and suck it out.

It’s not very glamorous, is it?! A butter knife or spoon can be used to scoop out the jello if you prefer. There are no rules when it comes to eating jello shots! These plastic jello shot cups have an “easy squeeze” design to make them simpler to release.

How to make jello shots come out easier

Too-sticky jello shots are no good! Greasing your containers is always a good idea, and one of my top jello shot tips.

Simply spritz cooking spray around the interior of your jello shot containers, and use a paper towel to spread it around so that all that’s left is a light coating. To eat, use your finger to scoop out the jello shot and it should release from the cup much easier.

Jello shot cups

Jello shots are most often served in disposable plastic cups for individual enjoyment. Jello shot cups with lids are great for storing a lot in the fridge (they stack!) and for transporting (their smooth tops are protected!). They are sometimes called condiment cups.

Where to get jello shot cups

You may be able to find cups for jello shots at your grocery store or a big-box store such as Target or Wal-Mart. Look in the aisle with paper and plastic goods. Another place to try is a party-supply store like Party City.

You are most likely to find plastic shot cups or condiment cups with lids at big-box and party-supply stores; however, if you have time to shop online, there are lots more choices.

Best cups for jello shots

Plastic shot glasses ^*, which I use in these paloma jello shots, are great for shots that look like miniature cocktails. If you don’t have enough of the small jello shot glasses ^*, you can use ice cube trays or even a muffin tin.

favorite jello shot cups

squeezable jello shot cups

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jello shot cups with lids

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plastic shot glasses

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^*

You can also make jello shots jigglers-style (remember those?) by pouring the mixture into a lightly-greased baking pan, then cutting them into squares.

At Halloween, these syringe jello shots make for a super creepy presentation! (Especially if you pair them with vodka gummy worms.)

How to make jello shots without cups

You don’t need fancy cups to make jello shots! Jello shots can be made in a baking dish and cut into pieces, in a similar fashion to jello jigglers.

You can pour the liquid into a lightly-greased baking dish, then cut them into squares or shapes with cookie cutters. You can make a greater number this way, so I love it for my champagne jello shots especially. Another idea is to use a muffin tin or flexible ice cube tray.

Shelf life & storage tips

Wondering how long jello shots last in the fridge? You need to know that jello shots taste best fresh, so make them the day of your event or up to 2 days before. Technically, you can make them more in advance, but they tend to shrivel and shrink after a week in the fridge. Don’t serve them if they are more than a week old.

How to make jello shots not stick

The trick to getting jello shots not to stick is to lightly grease your containers. A light spritz of cooking spray will help them to release faster. Here’s what to do:

1. Lightly spritz cooking spray into your containers.
2. Use a paper towel to collect any that concentrates at the bottom, then wipe it around the interior of the cup to help spread the spray around. What you are going for is a very light coating.
3. Pour in your jello mixture (or use a turkey baster) and place in the fridge to set.

Can you freeze jello shots?

No, jello shots do not freeze well. You can make them a couple days ahead of your event, however.

Do jello shots go bad?

Yes. Jello shots are freshest the day they are made. They can be made 1-2 days in advance. Any longer, and they tend to shrivel and shrink in the fridge. Don’t serve them if they’re older than a week.

Have more questions? Leave a comment below and I’m happy to help you troubleshoot your jello shots!