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!
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 ๐
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!
Peppermint Jello Shots Ingredients
Iโve 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
- (2) 1/4 ounce packets of Knox gelatin โ or similar unflavored gelatin
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup peppermint schnapps โ chilled
Note: This recipe is intended for readers 21+; please enjoy responsibly.
Toppings:
- Whipped Cream
- Crushed Candy Canes (Or Peppermints)
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
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.
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.
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!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed peppermints.
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
- Mistletoe Margaritas
- Tipsy Peppermint Mocha
- Jack Frost Cocktail
- Tipsy Santa Shooters
- Christmas Cranberry Vodka Spritzers
- White Christmas Mimosa Recipe
- Gingerbread Jello Shots
Candy Cane Jello Shot Recipe (Printable Copy)
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Candy Cane Jello Shots
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
- 2 packets Unflavored gelatin
- 1 cup Water
- 1/2 cup Sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup Peppermint schnapps Chilled
Toppings:
- Whipped Cream
- Crushed Peppermints
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
Nutrition
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Did you use the 3 oz or 6 oz jello box?
The 3.4 ounce box is what we used. Will make sure to clarify in the recipe! Thanks!
How many servings does the recipe make?
Can u use something in place of the vodka? I donโt like vodka
Sure! I think rum would work well too.
How long does it take a single layer to settle?
I’d give myself 30 minutes to an hour per layer for chilling
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.
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.