Fitness / March 4, 2024

Easy Jello Shot Recipe

A jelly treat for the adult crowd—Vodka Jello shots are fun to make and even more fun to drink!

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Vodka and Jell-O make quite the pair. One is made with adults in mind; the other, with kids. (I’ll let you figure out which is which.) One is totally sweet, the other is anything but. The one thing they have in common is, consuming a lot will make you sick.

Yet somehow they work so well in a shot glass. Maybe it brings out the kid in me and my friends. All I know is, whenever we want to let loose, someone inevitably suggests Vodka Jell-O shots. Then the whole gang crams into the kitchen because not one wants to miss out on all the fun of boiling water and adding mix. Then we put them in the fridge, wishing just this once, our fridge doors were see-through so we could watch the gelatin “magically” harden.

Then we would use a spoon, use our hands, or even suck back the shot. The messier the better. It’s all part of the fun.

Can I make this into a cocktail?

You most certainly can! In fact, you have a number of options to choose from.

Jell-O Shot Martini: Pour it into a martini glass, garnish with a twist of lemon, and you’ve got a sophisticated drink fit for your LBD and a night on the town.

Jell-O Shot Spritzer: Mix a shot with club soda for a refreshing aperitif.

Jell-O Shot Mimosa: Take a shot and put it into a champagne flute. Take a second to appreciate how silly that looks. Then, add sparkling wine.

Jell-O Shot Slushie: Place a shot in a blender along with ice chips and blend away. Fun and chill… like you!

What is the Best Vodka to Use In A Vodka Jell-O Shot?

I know I should really lay out for you the different kinds of vodkas you can find on the shelves of your local liquor store. I know I should contrast and compare one brand with another, listing their pros and cons so that you can decide which is the best for you. But honestly, for this particular recipe, you don’t need to worry about any of that stuff. For starters, this is a shot. It is meant to be consumed quickly with little thought for its subtleties as a spirit. Second, it is mixed with lemon Jell-O, which, for better or worse, will totally mask any taste of alcohol. So, my advice? Any remotely reputable brand will do. And while you have the option of going with a flavored vodka, try this recipe as-is first and decide whether the lemon flavor will even allow for other flavors to hone in on its turf.

FAQs & Tips

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.

How do I prep and store vodka Jell-O shots?

This is one recipe that requires you to prep them. You’ll need time to let the Jell-O solidify so the sooner you make these shots, the better. Any shots that don’t get, er… shot, should be covered in plastic and stored in the fridge. Finish them off within 5 days, though. While Jell-O doesn’t exactly “expire” like most foods, its quality will be compromised the longer it sits in your fridge.

How many calories are in a vodka Jell-O shot?

There are 70 calories in this particular shot. We used lemon Jell-O, FYI, so that number may change depending on the flavor, though I can’t imagine it would change by much. The vodka represents a majority of those calories, so shop around for a low-cal vodka if that’s a concern.

Do I need to add sugar to the Jell-O?

No. The Jell-O mix usually contains a bit of sugar already, just enough to make the shot go down well (perhaps too well!). Of course, it’s your shot; if you want it sweeter then by all means, add some sugar. Just start with a small amount; too much will make your teeth ache. Or fall out.

I don’t have that many shot glasses. any suggestions?

Not a problem. If you don’t have many shot glasses, you can make these shots in an ice cube tray. They’re about the same size as a shot. You can also have fun with them and use ice tray molds that come in different shapes. Keep an eye out for silicone trays, which make it easier to remove the shots.

Can I change up the amount of vodka?

You can, but too much vodka will interfere with the solidification of the Jell-O.

Other Fun Shots For You To try With Friends

Blow Job: 1/2 oz. Kahlua, 1/2 oz. Baileys, topped with whipped cream
B-52: 1/2 oz. Kahlua, 1/2 oz. Baileys, 1/2 oz. Grand Marnier
Easy Lemon-Drop Martini: Not a shot exactly but lemon-flavored and enjoyed on more than one evening out with the girls. 2 oz. vodka, 1/2 oz. triple sec, 1 oz. lemon juice, 1/2 oz. simple syrup
Virgin Vodka Jell-O Shot: Drop the vodka and enjoy your kid-friendly Jell-O shot!

Vodka Jell-O Shot

A jelly treat for the adult crowd—Vodka Jell-O shots are fun to make and even more fun to drink!

Course Cocktails

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Servings

Calories 70kcal

Author FoodFaithFitness

Ingredients

1 package 3 oz of Jell-O, any flavor
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup cold water
1/2 cup vodka

Instructions

In a bowl, pour in the Jell-O and then add the boiling water. Stir until the Jell-O is fully dissolved.
Into the same bowl, add the cold water followed by the vodka. Mix everything together thoroughly.
Pour the mixture into shot glasses or any small containers, and then chill them in the refrigerator. This will take about 2 hours, until the Jell-O is set.