These Christmas Jello shots are festive layers of red and green gelatin combined with vodka, finished with whipped cream and holiday sprinkles. They’re a playful and easy addition to any Christmas gathering.
Holiday parties call for seasonal drinks. These layered Jello shots join favorites like a Grinch cocktail or cranberry mimosa to make festive drink offerings that look impressive but are simple to prepare.
Christmas Jello Shots Ingredients
For this recipe you’ll need:
- 3 ounce box lime Jello (green layer)
- 3 ounce box cherry or strawberry Jello (red layer)
- 1 1/2 cups water for each color (divide as noted below)
- 1/2 cup vodka for each color
- Whipped cream or whipped topping
- Red and green sprinkles
How Do You Make Christmas Jello Shots?
Make the green layer first. Dissolve the lime gelatin in 1 cup boiling water, whisk until smooth, add 1/2 cup cold water, then stir in 1/2 cup vodka. Pour the mixture into 2-ounce shot cups, filling halfway, and chill until mostly set (about 1 hour).
Prepare the red layer the same way: dissolve the red gelatin in 1 cup boiling water, whisk, add 1/2 cup cold water, then 1/2 cup vodka. Carefully pour the red mixture on top of the green layer in each cup. Chill until firm, at least 1 1/2 hours.
Just before serving, top each shot with whipped cream and sprinkle with red and green sprinkles.
Tips For The Perfect Shots
- Use 2 ounce shot glasses for ideal portioning; 1 ounce cups work for minis.
- Place cups on a baking sheet for easy transfer to and from the fridge.
- Top with thawed whipped topping, freshly whipped cream, or aerosol whipped cream. Pipe the cream with a star tip for a polished look.
- Add whipped cream and sprinkles right before serving to keep them fresh.
- Choose your favorite red flavor—cherry or strawberry both work well.
Quick Tip
Use a small spoon or turkey baster to transfer the liquid Jello into the shot cups for even pouring.
Recipe FAQs
Stored in the refrigerator, Jello shots stay fresh for up to one week. Cover them with lids or plastic wrap if keeping longer than 24 hours.
Vodka is the most common choice, but white rum, tequila or flavored vodka also work well.
Two-ounce cups are perfect for a single serving. Use 1-ounce cups if you prefer mini shots.
Flavor Variations
You can easily customize these shots to suit your taste:
- Rim: Wet the cup rims slightly and dip in red or green sugar for a festive edge; do this just before serving.
- Layers: Create multiple alternating thin layers of red and green gelatin for a striped effect—allow each thin layer to set before adding the next.
- Toppings: Instead of whipped cream, press a maraschino cherry into the center before the red layer sets, or add edible glitter or crushed candy canes.
- Alcohol: Swap in flavored vodka (vanilla or peppermint), rum, or peppermint schnapps for a different profile.
These Christmas Jello shots are simple to make, look delightful on a party table and taste great. They’re a reliable crowd-pleaser for holiday gatherings.
More Holiday Drinks
Poinsettia Cocktail
5 mins
Cranberry Margarita
10 mins
Cranberry Moscow Mule
10 mins
Christmas Margarita
10 mins
Grinch Punch
10 mins
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Christmas Jello Shots
Ingredients
For the green layer
- 3 ounce box lime Jello
- 1 1/2 cups water (divided use)
- 1/2 cup vodka
For the red layer
- 3 ounce box strawberry or cherry Jello
- 1 1/2 cups water (divided use)
- 1/2 cup vodka
- Whipped cream or whipped topping
- 1 tablespoon red and green sprinkles
Instructions
For the green layer
- Place the green Jello powder in a medium bowl. Boil 1 cup of water and pour it over the Jello. Whisk until dissolved.
- Add 1/2 cup cold water and whisk again.
- Stir in 1/2 cup vodka until blended.
- Fill twenty-four 2-ounce shot cups halfway with the green mixture (just under 2 tablespoons per cup). Chill for about 1 hour until mostly set.
For the red layer
- Place the red Jello powder in a medium bowl. Boil 1 cup of water and pour it over the gelatin. Whisk until dissolved.
- Add 1/2 cup cold water and whisk again.
- Stir in 1/2 cup vodka.
- Pour the red mixture on top of the green layer, about just under 2 tablespoons per cup.
- Chill at least 1 1/2 hours, or until firm.
- When ready to serve, top with whipped cream and sprinkles and serve immediately.
Notes
- Arrange the shot cups on a sheet pan before filling to make transporting them to the fridge easier.
- A turkey baster or small spoon helps pour the gelatin evenly into cups.
- Top with thawed whipped topping, fresh whipped cream, or aerosol whipped cream.
Nutrition
Calories: 72 kcal | Carbohydrates: 8 g | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 2 g | Sodium: 37 mg | Sugar: 8 g