Easy Holiday Jello Shots

Christmas Jello Shots

A couple years ago I shared a recipe for Grinch Jello Shots and they have been one of my most popular Christmas recipes ever since. They’re a bright green color and topped with whipped cream and a red heart sprinkle, so they are instantly recognizable as being inspired by the classic holiday story.

This year I'm sharing a new Christmas jello shot recipe that's even easier to make and that is RED in color. That way you can make both red and green jello shots if you like for a wow-worthy presentation! Or, if you’re short on time, you can use this recipe to make a festive treat that won’t have you in the kitchen all day.

These cute little Christmas party treats are both boozy and tasty! We used flavored vodka so it blends perfectly with the gelatin mix…but be careful! Even though they taste sweet, they pack a punch!

We decorate them simply with whipped cream and holiday sprinkles, keeping it easy. But they are very easy to jazz up and customize with your own favorite toppings. So let’s get started!

Related: Try our Christmas Hot Chocolate Pudding Shots too!

For your convenience in recreating this recipe, I've included shop-able ad links to some of the tools we used. Read our disclosure policy here.

Ingredients

1. 1 cup cherry lime vodka (chilled)
2. 1 cup water
3. 3oz Box of Cherry Jello

Optional toppings and garnish ideas

1. Whipped cream
2. Holiday sprinkles
3. Red Sanding Sugar
4. Maraschino Cherry

Kitchen Tools Used

1. 2 oz plastic condiment cups or plastic shot glasses
2. Large Mixing Bowl
3. Baking sheet or muffin tin
4. Small or Medium Saucepan
5. Wire whisk

Note: This recipe is intended for readers 21+; please enjoy responsibly!

Instructions

1. Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
2. Whisk in the cherry gelatin powder into the boiling water until completely dissolved.
3. Stir in 1 cup of vodka (which takes the place of cold water), then pour the liquid jello mixture into the plastic cups.
4. Chill in the fridge until the jello is completely set, then decorate with whipped cream and Christmas sprinkles.

Prep Tips

1. I recommend waiting to add the toppings, such as whipped cream, until you’re ready to serve. If making in advance, keep covered and refrigerated and decorate later, so the whipped cream won’t melt.
2. We used cherry jello for this recipe, but you can really use any flavor of red jello that you enjoy or already have on hand. Other flavors to try: raspberry, strawberry, fruit punch. You could also switch things up and make a batch of green jello shots with lime jello.
3. Likewise, you can also use another flavor of vodka. We used cherry limeade vodka, but you could use plain vodka, vanilla vodka, cherry vodka…so many options!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do Jello Shots Take to Set?

Generally, jello shots generally take about from 2-4 hours to set. This is a simple jello shot recipe that’s done in one step (no layering!) so I’d recommend allotting 30 minutes of prep time and 2-3 hours of chilling time to make this recipe.

How Long Can You Keep Jello Shots in the Fridge?

Jello shots are one of my favorite party recipes for grown-ups because you can make them days in advance, if needed. They last up to a week in the refrigerator!

As noted above, if preparing your jello shots in advance, I would wait to add whipped cream or any other toppings until right before you serve. Keep them covered with plastic wrap or lids (if the cups came with them) while in the refrigerator.

Can You Use Another Type of Alcohol?

Sure! We used vodka because it blends well, but you could also make this recipe with rum or a flavored schnapps, such as peppermint schnapps.

More Holiday Cocktails To Try

1. Mistletoe margaritas
2. Tipsy Peppermint Mocha
3. Holiday Pomegranate Margaritas
4. Jack Frost cocktail
5. Tipsy Santa Shooters
6. Christmas Cranberry Vodka Spritzers
7. White Christmas Mimosa Recipe
8. Holiday Palomas