Candy Cane Jello Shots

Make something special for the grown-ups at this year’s Christmas party! These festive layered Candy Cane Jello Shots are as delicious as they are beautiful! Tastes just like a cherry candy cane!

red and white layered "candy cane" jello shots

Layered Candy Cane Jello Shots

Who says jello shots are just for college??

These candy cane jello shots make a fun and festive addition to your holiday party menu! They’re almost too pretty too eat/drink! Almost ๐Ÿ˜‰

With colorful red and white layers, just like a candy cane, these cute little shooters just scream Christmas spirit! And they taste amazing too, with a creamy combination of sweet cherry and smooth mint…like a cherry candy cane! (Which was always my favorite!)

Believe it or not, it’s not tricky at all to achieve this pretty layered look! If you really want to make something special this year, you’re going to love these! And so will your guests!

Related: In a hurry? Try our Easy Christmas Jello Shots Recipe instead!

red and white striped peppermint jello shots

Peppermint Jello Shots Ingredients

Iโ€™ve included affiliate links for your convenience in re-creating this recipe; disclosure policy availableย here.

For the Red Layer

  • 1 box cherry Jello
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup chilled vodka โ€” We used plain vodka, but this would also taste delicious with vanilla vodka!

For the White Layer

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

ingredients needed to make candy cane jello shots, in bowls on counter

Toppings:

Kitchen Supplies

  • 2 Saucepans
  • Wire whisk
  • Plastic shot glasses โ€” We used the tall 2oz size to make room for 4 layers
  • Baking sheet or muffin pan

top down view of peppermint jello shots topped with whipped cream

Instructions

In a small saucepan on the stove over medium to high heat, whisk together cherry jello mix and water until powder is completely dissolved. If the liquid starts to boil, reduce heat. Once all of the red mix has dissolved, remove pan from heat and whisk in cold vodka. Set aside.

mixing red jello in a saucepan

In a separate pan, whisk together unflavored gelatin and 1 cup water on stovetop until dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in the cold peppermint schnapps and condensed milk.

mixing white gelatin in glass bowl

How To Layer the Candy Cane Shots

TIP: Place your shot classes on a baking sheet to allow for easier transferring to and from the fridge during the layering process. A muffin tin also works great for this!

step by step photo collage showing how to layer candy cane jello shots

  1. In the bottom of each shot glass, pour in a layer of the red jello mixture, about a half inch thick. Place in fridge to set.
  2. Once the first red layer has set, pour a layer of white gelatin mixture on top of the red jello. Return to the fridge to set.
  3. Repeat layering red jello and white jello until shot glasses are filled. Make layers about 1/4โ€ to 1/2″ inch thick so there will be at least four stripes.
  4. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed peppermints.

red and white layered candy cane jello shots with whipped cream

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do Jello Shots Take to Set?

Overall, jello shots generally take anywhere from 2-4 hours to set. This recipe is done in layers, and since the layers are fairly thin, each layer should only take about 30 minutes of fridge time.

Altogether, I’d recommend allotting 30 minutes of prep time and 2-3 hours of chilling time to make this recipe.

Can You Freeze the Jello to Make it Set Faster?

It may be tempting to pop your tray of jello shots in the freezer to make them set faster, but don’t! Freezing alters the structure of the gelatin โ€” it can cause it to crystalize and negatively affect the texture.

What youย can do is make sure that your fridge is on its lowest setting. Also, resist the urge to check the shots every five minutes, as opening the refrigerator door releases cold air and lets warm air inside. Give them at least 30 minutes for each layer to chill.

Can You Make These Without Alcohol?

When my kids saw this recipe, they asked if I could make something similar for them. Here is a non-alcoholic version of this recipe:

  • Make the cherry gelatin according to package directions (only with water, no alcohol)
  • Mix 1 cup sweetened condensed milk and 1/2 tsp peppermint extract with the unflavored gelatin
  • Layer as pictured above

How Long Do Jello Shots Last in the Fridge?

If you happen to have any leftover jello shots, simply pop them in the refrigerator for later. You may want to remove any whipped cream that is on top, as that will start to liquify after a few hours.

However, the jello shots themselves will stay good for up to a week in the fridge, so they can be enjoyed anytime.

More of our Favorite Holiday Cocktail Recipes

Candy Cane Jello Shot Recipe (Printable Copy)

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red and white layered "candy cane" jello shots
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5 from 4 votes

Candy Cane Jello Shots

Make something special for the grown-ups at this year's Christmas party! These festive layeredย Candy Cane Jello Shotsare as delicious as they are beautiful! Taste just like a cherry candy cane!
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Christmas, cocktail, holiday, jello, Jello Shots
Servings: 10
Calories: 181kcal
Author: Stacey aka the Soccer Mom
Cost: $20

Equipment

  • Tall 2 oz shot glasses

Ingredients

For the Red Layer

  • 1 box Cherry Jello 3.4 oz box
  • 1 cup Water
  • 1 cup Vodka Chilled

For the White Layer

Toppings:

Instructions

  • Whisk cherry gelatin mix and water in a saucepan on the stovetop until powder is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and whisk in cold vodka. Set aside.
  • In a separate pan, whisk together unflavored gelatin and 1 cup water on stovetop until dissolved. Remove from heat and mix in cold peppermint schnapps and condensed milk.
  • In shot glasses, add a layer of red jello. Place in fridge to set.
  • Once that layer is set, pour on top a layer of white jello. Place in fridge to set.
  • Repeat layering until shot glasses are filled. Make layers about 1/4โ€ - 1/2" inch thick so there will be a few stripes.
  • Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed peppermints.

Video

Notes

21+

Nutrition

Calories: 181kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 62mg | Potassium: 58mg | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 41IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 1mg

Pin this Peppermint Jello Shots recipe on Pinterest:

photos showing candy cane jello shots

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Stacey aka the Soccer Mom
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9 Comments

  1. The recipe didn’t work at all. I did just 2 layers. 1st red (chilled overnight) and top.layer white for a Polish flag look. Well after setting the top white layer in, and refridgerated….they all turned pink and ruined 200+ shots for a big party the next day. To say the least I was pi**ed. Zero time to re-do them.

    1. Ws the red layer completely hard to the touch when you poured in the white layer? Was the white liquid still hot when you poured it into the cups? Those are things that could affect the outcome. I’ve made many different layered jello recipes, so they do work.

5 from 4 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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