Easy Holiday Jello Shots

A simple 3-ingredient holiday jello shot recipe that can be made quickly just in time for a last-minute Christmas party!

holding a red Christmas jello shot, with whipped cream and sprinkles

Christmas Jello Shots

A couple years ago I shared a recipe for Grinch Jello Shots and they have been one of my most popular Christmas recipes ever since. They’re a bright green color and topped with whipped cream and a red heart sprinkle, so they are instantly recognizable as being inspired by the classic holiday story.

This year I’m sharing a new Christmas jello shot recipe that’s even easier to make and that is RED in color. That way you can make both red and green jello shots if you like for a wow-worthy presentation! Or, if you’re short on time, you can use this recipe to make a festive treat that won’t have you in the kitchen all day.

These cute little Christmas party treats are both boozy and tasty! We used flavored vodka so it blends perfectly with the gelatin mix…but be careful! Even though they taste sweet, they do pack a punch!

We decorated them simply with whipped cream and holiday sprinkles, keeping it easy. But they are very easy to jazz up and customize with your own favorite toppings. So let’s get started!

Related: Try our Christmas Hot Chocolate Pudding Shots too!

wooden tray with Christmas Jello Shots and decorations

For your convenience in recreating this recipe, Iโ€™ve included shop-able ad links to some of the tools we used. Read our disclosure policyย here.ย 

Ingredients

  • 1 Cup Cherry Lime Vodka (chilled)
  • 1 Cup Water
  • 3oz Box of Cherry Jello

Optional Toppings and Garnish Ideas

ingredients to make holiday jello shots, with text labels

Kitchen Tools Used

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

holding up a red Christmas jello shot

Instructions

  1. Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
  2. Whisk in the cherry gelatin powder into the boiling water until completely dissolved.
  3. Stir in 1 cup vodka (which takes the place of cold water), then pour the liquid jello mixture into the plastic cups.
  4. Chill in the fridge until the jello is completely set, then decorate with whipped cream and Christmas sprinkles.

red jello in plastic shot cups

Prep Tips

  • I recommend waiting to add the toppings, such as whipped cream, until you’re ready to serve. If making in advance, keep covered and refrigerated and decorate later, so the whipped cream won’t melt.
  • We used cherry jello for this recipe, but you can really use any flavor of red jello that you enjoy or already have on hand. Other flavors to try: raspberry, strawberry, fruit punch. You could also switch things up and make a batch of green jello shots with lime jello.
  • Likewise, you can also use another flavor of vodka. We used cherry limeade vodka, but you could use plain vodka, vanilla vodka, cherry vodka…so many options!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do Jello Shots Take to Set?

Generally, jello shots generally take about from 2-4 hours to set. This is a simple jello shot recipe that’s done in one step (no layering!) soย Iโ€™d recommend allotting 30 minutes of prep time and 2-3 hours of chilling time to make this recipe.

How Long Can You Keep Jello Shots in the Fridge?

Jello shots are one of my favorite party recipes for grown-ups because you can make them days in advance, if needed. They last up to a week in the refrigerator!

As noted above, if preparing your jello shots in advance, I would wait to add whipped cream or any other toppings until right before you serve. Keep them covered with plastic wrap or lids (if the cups came with them) while in the refrigerator.

Can You Use Another Type of Alcohol?

Sure! We used vodka because it blends well, but you could also make this recipe with rum or a flavored schnapps, such as peppermint schnapps.

platter of red holiday jello shots with Christmas decorations

More Holiday Cocktails To Try

Easy Christmas Jello Shot Recipe (Printable Recipe Card)

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holding a red Christmas jello shot, with whipped cream and sprinkles
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Easy Christmas Jello Shots

A simple 3-ingredient holiday jello shot recipe that can be made quickly just in time for a last-minute Christmas party!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Chill Time3 hours
Total Time3 hours 25 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Christmas, cocktail, holiday, Jello Shots
Servings: 20
Calories: 44kcal
Author: Stacey aka the Soccer Mom
Cost: $20

Equipment

  • 2oz plastic condiment cups
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet or Muffin Tin
  • Small or Medium Saucepan
  • Wire whisk

Ingredients

  • 1 Cup Cherry Lime Vodka
  • 1 Cup Water
  • 1 Box Cherry Jello 3oz box

Optional Toppings

Instructions

  • Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
  • Whisk in the cherry gelatin mix until completely dissolved.
  • Stir in the chilled vodka, then pour mixture into plastic cups.
    red jello in plastic shot cups
  • Chill in the fridge until the jello is completely set, then decorate with whipped cream and Christmas sprinkles.

Notes

Nutrition information is provided as an estimate only and will vary based on exact ingredients used and serving size.
Recipe intended for readers 21+

Nutrition

Calories: 44kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 0.3g | Sodium: 21mg | Potassium: 0.4mg | Sugar: 4g | Calcium: 0.5mg | Iron: 0.01mg

Pin our Holiday Jello Shots on Pinterest

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Stacey aka the Soccer Mom
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