Easy Strawberry Jello Shots

Here’s my go-to recipe for strawberry jello shots, made with real strawberry puree, your favorite vodka, and a simple jello mixture that sets up perfectly every time.

These jello shots are always a hit at summer parties and backyard barbecues. I usually make a double batch because they disappear so quickly! Plus, they’re way better than those basic shots from college days – and who doesn’t love a grown-up version of a childhood favorite?

What Kind of Jell-O Should I Use?

For jello shots, you’ll want to stick with regular strawberry Jell-O rather than the sugar-free version, as the regular variety sets more reliably and gives you a better texture. The 3-ounce box is the standard size and works perfectly for this recipe. While you could technically use other red flavors like cherry or raspberry, strawberry Jell-O pairs especially well with strawberry vodka to create a consistent, authentic fruit flavor. Just make sure you’re using the powdered gelatin mix and not pre-made cups or other Jell-O products – the powder allows you to control the liquid ratios needed for proper setting with alcohol.

Options for Substitutions

Want to switch things up with your jello shots? Here are some easy swaps you can try:

• Strawberry Jell-O: You can use any Jell-O flavor you like – raspberry, cherry, or lime all work great. Just make sure you’re using regular Jell-O, not sugar-free, as it sets better for shots.
• Strawberry vodka: Regular vodka works perfectly fine here. You could also try white rum, coconut rum, or even tequila. Just keep the alcohol-to-water ratio the same to ensure proper setting.
• Water: For extra flavor, try replacing half the water with fruit juice that matches your Jell-O flavor. You can also use champagne or prosecco for a fancy twist – just remember that carbonated liquids will need to be stirred until flat.
• Additional options: For a non-alcoholic version, simply replace the vodka with cold water or fruit juice. The shots will still be fun and tasty!

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest mistake when making jello shots is using the wrong water temperature – your boiling water needs to be truly boiling (not just hot) to properly dissolve the gelatin, while your cold water should be ice-cold to help the shots set faster.

Another common error is adding too much alcohol, which can prevent your shots from setting properly – stick to the 1:2 ratio of alcohol to liquid, and resist the temptation to make them stronger.

The timing of when you pour your shots is crucial – if the mixture is too hot, it can warp plastic containers, but if it’s too cool, you’ll end up with lumpy shots, so wait until the mixture is warm but not hot (about the temperature of bath water) before pouring.

To make removing the shots easier, try giving your containers a quick spritz with cooking spray before filling them, and always let them set for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) in the refrigerator.

What to Serve With Jello Shots?

Since jello shots are party favorites, they’re best served alongside other fun finger foods and appetizers that keep the good times rolling! A platter of fresh fruit like strawberries, pineapple chunks, and watermelon makes a great pairing and helps balance out the sweetness of the shots. I usually set up a snack station with salty munchies like pretzels, chips, and mixed nuts – these help offset the alcohol and keep guests happy. For an extra festive touch, serve these alongside other party beverages like punch or a signature cocktail that matches your theme.

Storage Instructions

Chill: Once your jello shots are set, keep them covered in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for up to 3-4 days, making them perfect for prepping before a party. Just remember that the texture is best within the first 2 days.

Make Ahead: These party favorites are great for making in advance! You can prepare them up to 3 days before your event. Just keep them covered with plastic wrap or in containers with lids to prevent them from absorbing any fridge odors or developing a film on top.

Serve: When it’s party time, take out only the amount you plan to serve. The rest can stay chilled in the fridge. If you notice any liquid forming on top, just dab it gently with a paper towel before serving.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	0-5 minutes
Total Time	4-5 hours
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 300-350
• Protein: 0-1 g
• Fat: 0-1 g
• Carbohydrates: 75-85 g

Ingredients

• 1 package strawberry gelatin dessert mix
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1/2 cup strawberry vodka

Step 1: Prepare the Gelatin Mixture

• 1 package strawberry gelatin dessert mix

Empty the package of strawberry gelatin dessert mix into a large heatproof bowl to start creating the base for your strawberry gelatin shots.

Step 2: Dissolve the Gelatin

• 1 cup boiling water
• strawberry gelatin dessert mix from Step 1

Bring 1 cup of water to a boil.

Pour the boiling water over the strawberry gelatin in the bowl.

Whisk thoroughly until all the gelatin crystals have dissolved, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes.

I always make sure to whisk well, as any undissolved bits can affect texture later.

Step 3: Incorporate Vodka and Cold Water

• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1/2 cup strawberry vodka
• dissolved gelatin mixture from Step 2

Add 1/2 cup strawberry vodka and 1/2 cup cold water to the dissolved gelatin mixture.

Stir for another minute to ensure all the liquid is well combined.

This step is key for evenly dispersing the vodka throughout the mix.

Step 4: Portion and Chill the Gelatin Shots

• gelatin mixture from Step 3

Dispense the gelatin mixture into small disposable containers or shot cups.

Refrigerate the filled cups for at least 4 hours, or until the gelatin is completely set.

I like to let them chill overnight for the firmest texture and deepest flavor infusion.