The Best Jello Shot Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the best alcohol to put in jello shots? ›

Colorful and delicious, boozy Jell-O shots are always a sure hit at any party. Sometimes called "jelly" shots, these popular shooters can be made in any gelatin flavor and spiked with your favorite liquor. Vodka and rum are the most popular options, but you can use just about anything.

Ratios for Standard and Strong Jello Shots

A standard recipe made with 3 ounces of Jell-O powder calls for 5 ounces of 80-proof vodka and 11 ounces of water, but this results in a shot that tastes watered-down. To make a stronger shot, use just 4 ounces of water and between 8 and 14 ounces of vodka (to taste)

Jello Shots, like life, are all about balance. That said, if you want a strong one, it is possible if you leave it in the fridge long enough. In a Supercall experiment, we found that the strongest Jello Shot that will set is three-to-one ratio of 80-proof alcohol to water, and it took a full day to become mostly solid.

In a mixing bowl, pour the gelatin powder and add the boiling water. Stir until the gelatin powder is completely dissolved. Add the vodka and cold water to the bowl and stir until well combined. Pour the mixture into small cups or shot glasses.

Jello shots won't set properly if you add too much alcohol.

1 small box of jello yields about 15 jello shots (2 cups of liquid). 2 boxes (or 1 large 6 oz. box) yield 30 shots, which will fit nicely on a baking sheet to transport them easily to the refrigerator.

You do not want to freeze jello shots. You can speed up the set time by placing it in the freezer, but you'll have to keep checking them to make sure they don't freeze. Jello shots can last in the fridge for up to three to five days, so you can still make them in advance of the party without having to freeze them!

If you add the alcohol to the boiling hot Jello and water mixture, all the alcohol will just evaporate because alcohol has a lower boiling point than water. Be sure to allow the Jello/Knox/water mixture to cool to about room temperature before adding the alcohol.

Jello shots will last 3-5 days in the fridge for optimal flavor and texture, and up to 7-10 days total. What is this? After the 5-day mark, you may notice them starting to dry out, and the flavor and texture will change. Glass shot glasses help the shots last longer than plastic ones.

Add cold water or equivalent amount of ice, fruit juice, and then liquor. Definitely use ice instead of the cold water if you are having the party in less than 4 hours because it will solidify faster. Taste to ensure there is enough liquor and consider adding more.

How to make jello shots without plastic cups? ›

All you'll need to do is pour the mixture into a glass dish or baking pan, allow it to set, cut the Jell-O into individual mini squares, and let guests help themselves.

That's where a new trick comes into play that promises to make downing those Jell-O shots at the party so much easier to consume: turn the shot upside down to prevent the Jell-O from sticking to the cup.

Freezing gelatin causes the water in it to crystslize and expand, which breaks down the structure. The shot just melts to be goo when it thaws. And alcohol doesn't freeze, so you can't make then like the way ice cubes either.

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.

Pour gelatin mixture into paper or plastic shot cups* and chill in refrigerator until set, 1 hour or more. *Reviewers suggest coating the shot cups lightly with cooking spray so the shots slide right out.

Use molds for fun shapes like these banana jello shots, or fill hollowed-out citrus peels and slice into fruit slices like we did with these jello shots in orange wedges. Just make sure to spray any molds or containers you'll be using with a thin layer of cooking spray.