Vodka jello shots are the best way to kick off any party. It is easy to make jello shooters that everyone loves. They can also be made in any flavor. Make sure to whip up multiple batches because these party favorites will disappear quickly.
Make some appetizers like pinwheel sandwiches, baked macaroni & cheese bites, or party dip recipes like my 7-layer dip.
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These easy vodka jello shots need to sit in the fridge until they're firm. Make them ahead of time, so you can get other party stuff done while they chill and set.
You can pick different flavored vodkas (I like vanilla) to mix with the jello for fun tastes. Try making a few kinds with various flavors to give everyone options.
You can also add cool toppings like fruit or candy to make them extra special.
🥘 Ingredients
This super simple recipe needs a packet of jello gelatin mix and your favorite vodka. Of course, you can always choose a different liquor if you want.
- Jello – 3 ounces of jello gelatin (a 3-ounce standard-sized package).
- Water – 1 cup of boiling water.
- Water – ¼ cup of ice-cold water.
- Vodka – ¾ cup of vodka (or other liquor).
Be sure to see the free printable recipe card below for ingredients, exact amounts & instructions with tips!
🔪 How To Make Jello Shots
Jello does take some time to set in the fridge, but you can speed up the process with some ice (*see note). All you need to get started is a saucepan, a mixing bowl, and your favorite shot glasses.
This recipe will make you 15-16 shots, so double the recipe for a larger crowd.
Boil Water & Dissolve Gelatin
Boil. In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil.
Add jello powder. In a large mixing bowl, add the jello powder packet and then carefully pour it into the boiling water.
Dissolve powder. Stir continuously until the powder is completely dissolved.
Add Vodka, Portion & Set
Add remaining ingredients. Next, add ¼ cup of cold water (*see note) and ¾ cup of vodka. Stir until combined.
Pour. Pour the mixture into 2-ounce shot glasses or portion cups until they are ¾ of the way full (about 3-4 tablespoons each).
Set. Place the finished jello shots into the fridge to finish setting up for 4 hours.
Choose colors or flavors that fit your theme if you are having a themed celebration. Red, white, and blue layers for the Fourth of July, red & green for Christmas, etc. Enjoy!
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💭 Angela's Pro Tips & Recipe Notes
- Water can be heated to boiling using your microwave. Make sure your liquid measuring cup is microwave-safe, and heat it on high power for approximately 2 minutes.
- Add ice cubes and cold water to set your jello shots faster. Stir for 3-4 minutes and then remove any remaining ice cubes before pouring them into glasses and placing them in the fridge.
- To make miniature duo jello shots (using Starburst duos flavor 4-pack), change the ingredients to the following amounts:
- ½ cup of boiling water
- ½ cup of cold water or ice
- ½ cup of chilled vodka
- Jello can be set within 2 hours with these small cups, but I prefer to allow 4 to 6 hours of refrigerated chilling time before serving.
❓ Recipe FAQs
Vodka is the alcohol that is most commonly used for jello shots. It is relatively neutral, which allows the flavor of the jello to stand out. You can use whatever alcohol you prefer, but it will alter the flavor.
The ratios vary, as different recipes call for different amounts of alcohol. Typically, a jello shot contains around 10% ABV (Alcohol By Volume). If you add too much alcohol to your shots, the gelatin won’t be able to set properly.
A jello shot is not the same thing as taking a shot of straight liquor. While alcohol content varies, typically, 4 jello shots are equal to 1 shot of vodka (or whatever alcohol you’re using).
🍹🍸 More Vodka Cocktail Recipes
- Blue Lagoon Cocktail
- Pineapple Martini
- Moscow Mule
- Cape Codder
- Sea Breeze Cocktail
- Pink Vodka Margarita
Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
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📖 Recipe Card
Vodka Jello Shots
Ingredients
- 3 oz jello gelatin (1 3-ounce package)
- 1 cup water (boiling)
- ¼ cup water (cold)
- ¾ cup vodka (or other liquor)
(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup water to a boil.
- Empty the 3 oz jello gelatin packet into a large mixing bowl and carefully pour in the boiling water.
- Stir continuously for 2 minutes, or until the powder is completely dissolved.
- Add in the cold ¼ cup water and ¾ cup vodka.
- Stir until mixed and then pour into 2-ounce cups until they are filled ½ to ¾ of the way, about 3-4 tablespoons.
- Place the shots into the fridge to finish setting, up to 4 hours.
Notes
- Water can be heated to boiling using your microwave. Make sure your liquid measuring cup is microwave-safe and heat on high power for approximately 2 minutes.
- To set your jello shots faster, add ice cubes along with the cold water. Stir for 3-4 minutes and then remove any remaining ice cubes before pouring them into glasses and placing them in the fridge.
- To make miniature duo jello shots (using Starburst duos flavor 4-pack) change the ingredients to the following amounts:
- ½ cup of boiling water
- ½ cup of cold ice water
- ½ cup of chilled vodka
- Jello can be set within 2 hours with these small cups, but I prefer to allow 4-6 hours of refrigerated chilling time before serving.
Anonymous says
I made these with different flavored vodkas, so yummy!!!
Diane-marie says
Vraient hot , et ingénieux.
"Really hot, and ingenious."
Kiara says
Så fina! Vart köpte du kopparna?
"So nice! Where did you buy the cups?"
Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com says
Tack! Jag brukar beställa dessa på Amazon, men jag gick faktiskt till min lokala närbutik eller bensinstation och bad om dessa. De var snälla nog att bidra med kopparna till mina Jell-o-shots.
"Thank you! I usually order these on Amazon, but I actually went to my local convenience store or gas station and asked for these. They were kind enough to contribute the cups for my Jell-o shots."
Kimmy says
These vodka jello shots were perfect, I am going to make these again for the next house party we have!
Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com says
Awesome Kimmy! So glad you enjoyed the jell-o shooters!!