Jello Shots Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the ratio of alcohol to water in jello shots? ›

A standard recipe made with 3 ounces of Jell-O powder calls for 5 ounces of 80-proof vodka and 11 ounces of water, but this results in a shot that tastes watered-down. To make a stronger shot, use just 4 ounces of water and between 8 and 14 ounces of vodka (to taste)

Jello shots won't set properly if you add too much alcohol. Generally, a basic batch of jello shots is made with one cup of juice or water, one packet of gelatin, 1/2 cup of cold water and 1/2 cup of alcohol. However, jello shots can be made with as much as 2/3 cup alcohol without changing their texture.

Colorful and delicious, boozy Jell-O shots are always a sure hit at any party. Sometimes called "jelly" shots, these popular shooters can be made in any gelatin flavor and spiked with your favorite liquor. Vodka and rum are the most popular options, but you can use just about anything.

Jello Shots, like life, are all about balance. That said, if you want a strong one, it is possible if you leave it in the fridge long enough. In a Supercall experiment, we found that the strongest Jello Shot that will set is three-to-one ratio of 80-proof alcohol to water, and it took a full day to become mostly solid.

Note: The colder your alcohol is, the better the result. I think this has to do with the activation of the gelatin. Personally, when possible, I keep the bottle of alcohol in the freezer for several days before making my shots.

You do not want to freeze jello shots. You can speed up the set time by placing it in the freezer, but you'll have to keep checking them to make sure they don't freeze. Jello shots can last in the fridge for up to three to five days, so you can still make them in advance of the party without having to freeze them!

The Right Amount of Gelatin to Use

Soft Set: Use 1 teaspoon of unflavored powdered gelatin for 1 cup of liquid. Medium Set: Use 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin for 1 cup of liquid. Firm Set: Use 1 tablespoon of unflavored powdered gelatin for 1 cup of liquid.

Then add the package of gelatin. Stir, or shake, if your container has a tight fitting lid, to dissolve. Add cold water or equivalent amount of ice, fruit juice, and then liquor. Definitely use ice instead of the cold water if you are having the party in less than 4 hours because it will solidify faster.

DON'T Expect Jello Shots to Get You Drunk

“Jello Shots should be less boozy than a standard co*cktail as far as the amount of booze,” Williams says. While people can go heavier on the booze, the standard Jello Shot holds significantly less alcohol than a regular shot.

Make sure your liquid is completely cool before adding lids so you don't get condensation forming on the inside of the lid. Set your jello shots: Put your jello shots in the fridge for 2-4 hours until set. Once ready to eat, set them out for your guests and enjoy!

How many jello shots does a 6 oz box make? ›

1 small box of jello yields about 15 jello shots (2 cups of liquid). 2 boxes (or 1 large 6 oz. box) yield 30 shots, which will fit nicely on a baking sheet to transport them easily to the refrigerator.

Typically 3 to 4 hours in the fridge is enough time. If you want to make a layered jello shots, you'll need to plan ahead so that each layer has time to set before adding the next one. Set time can vary depending on the container. Jello shots in small plastic cups will set faster than jiggler-style jello shots.

*Reviewers suggest coating the shot cups lightly with cooking spray so the shots slide right out. Give each mini cup a quick wipe with a paper towel to remove excess and spread oil evenly.

If you add the alcohol to the boiling hot Jello and water mixture, all the alcohol will just evaporate because alcohol has a lower boiling point than water. Be sure to allow the Jello/Knox/water mixture to cool to about room temperature before adding the alcohol.

To avoid this, try spraying your plastic cups with non-stick cooking spray. Or you can forego the cups by using food-grade syringes designed for Jell-O shots, or making the shots as one big sheetpan of Jell-O and then cutting them into squares to avoid the plastic waste altogether.

Skip The Jello Molds -- Though Jello molds can be fun I've found they're just not the best choice. Usually, you need to spray the molds with cooking spray to be able to remove the Jello Shots. Giving them a weird texture and taste.

To help jello shots to set more quickly, make sure you mix VERY COLD ingredients into your mixture. That means put your alcohol in the freezer and have some ice cubes ready to go.