A soda shop classic, with a kick! These root beer float jello shots are creamy and delicious and perfect for parties!
Root Beer Float Jell-O Shots
Growing up, we had an old fashioned soda shop in our small town. They served lots of delicious soda floats and ice cream desserts and it was one of my favorite places to go and hang out with friends!
Root beer floats are one of the most classic old-fashioned soda shop treats. There is just something about the combo of sweet, earthy root beer and creamy vanilla ice cream — it’s hard to resist!
These root beer float jello shots are inspired by the soda shop favorite. They taste just like the real thing!
To make them, we used real root beer and whipped cream flavored vodka. This gives them that sweet and creamy flavor just like the real ice cream float! And of course, we topped our root beer jello shots with whipped cream and a cherry. Because what is a root beer float without whipped cream and a cherry on top?!
Finally, we added a little straw so our jello shot cups really look like a soda shop drink. Aren’t they just the cutest??
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup root beer soda
- 1/2 cup chilled whipped vodka
- 1 envelope unflavored gelatin (a typical 0.25 ounce packet)
Toppings
- Whipped Cream
- Maraschino Cherries
Kitchen Tools Used
For your convenience in re-creating this recipe, I’ve provided shop-able ad links to some of the products used; disclosure policy available here.
Instructions
- Combine root beer and gelatin powder in a small saucepan on the stove top. Stir until the gelatin dissolves and allow to sit for 5 minutes for the gelatin to “bloom.”
- Place the saucepan over medium heat to medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer for 3 minutes.
- Remove pan from heat entirely and cool for 10 minutes.
- Pour chilled whipped cream vodka into the pot with root beer gelatin mixture. Stir to combine, then pour into 10 plastic shot glasses.
- Chill in the refrigerator until set, or about 2-3 hours.
When the shots are completely set and you’re ready to serve, garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and a maraschino cherry.
Prep Tips
- Place the plastic cups in a muffin tin before filling them with the jello shot mixture. This makes it easy to move them in and out of the fridge to chill.
- Cut Red Paper Straws into 1 1/2 inch pieces and place them so they are sticking out of the whipped cream, to get the full soda shop drink effect!
- This recipe makes about 10 jello shots and is intended for readers ages 21+; please enjoy responsibly!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Use a Different Type of Vodka?
Sure! Whipped vodka makes a creamy flavor just like a root beer float, which is why it is what we recommend. However, you can also use plain vodka if that’s what you have on hand. Vanilla flavored vodka would also work well.
How Long Can You Keep Jello Shots in the Fridge?
Jello shots are an awesome make-ahead recipe for party planning — they can be prepared up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator until it’s party time.
If storing for more than a few hours, I recommend placing lids on the plastic cups or covering with plastic wrap to protect them. I also recommend waiting until you’re ready to serve before adding any garnishes such as whipped cream.
Can You Make Them Non-Alcoholic?
Absolutely! You can still enjoy all your favorite flavors, without any alcohol. Instead of the 1/2 cup of chilled vodka, you can use 1/2 cup of chilled root beer.
If making as a dessert instead of a shot, you could also use bigger cups and make fewer servings.
More of Our Favorite Jello Shot Recipes:
- Mardi Gras Jello Shots
- Pool Party Jello Shots
- Creamsicle Jello Shots
- Banana Pudding Jello Shots
- Crown Peach Jello Shots
- Starburst Jello Shots
- Candy Cane Jello Shots
- Grinch Christmas Jello Shots
- Watermelon Margarita Jello Shots
- Sour Cherry Jello Shots
- Scooby Snack Jello Shots
- Candy Corn Jello Shots
Grab a Free Printable Copy of Our Root Beer Float Jello Shot Recipe:
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Root Beer Float Jello Shots
Equipment
- 10 2oz plastic condiment cups
- 1 Wire whisk
- 1 Muffin tin
- 1 Saucepan
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups Root Beer
- 1/2 cup Whipped Vodka chilled
- 1 packet Unflavored gelatin 0.25 ounce packet
Toppings
- Whipped Cream
- Maraschino Cherries
Instructions
- Combine root beer and gelatin powder in a medium saucepan. Stir to mix and allow to sit for 5 minutes for the gelatin to "bloom."
- Place the saucepan over medium heat to medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer for 3 minutes.
- Remove pan from heat entirely and cool for 10 minutes.
- Pour chilled vodka into the pot with root beer gelatin mixture. Stir to combine, then pour into 10 plastic shot glasses.
- Chill in the refrigerator until set, or about 2-3 hours.
- When the shots are completely set and you're ready to serve, garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and a maraschino cherry.
Notes
Nutrition
Pin our Root Beer Jello Shots recipe on Pinterest:
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