Celebrate Shark Week with these cute Shark Jello Shots — they look like an ocean with a candy shark swimming in it!
Swimming Shark Jello Shots
Summer is here and we’re stuck inside a lot because of the heat wave in Texas. The thermometer hit 106 degrees this week! So I’ll admit we’re watching a little more TV than normal!
Shark Week is coming up this month and it’s always been a favorite of mine! One year we made shark puppets to get in the spirit of the occasion. This year’s treat is for grown-ups only though! (But I do have a kid-friendly version of the recipe in the FAQ section of the post!)
What is Shark Week?
Shark Week was originally created by Discovery Channel as a week-long set of programming featuring shark-related content. The purpose was not just to entertain, but also to debunk common myths about sharks and encourage conservation efforts.
The first Shark Week premiered on July 17, 1988 — it’s become a cultural phenomenon in the decades since! Shark Week 2022 starts on July 24th.
Just a note that we’re not sponsored by the Discovery Channel for this one, we are just big fans!
Ingredients
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.
(Blue) Bottom Layer:
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 box of Blue jello (3oz box)
- 2/3 cup Coconut Rum (such as Malibu)
- 1/3 cup cold water
(Red) Second Layer:
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 box Cherry jello (3oz box)
- 2/3 cup Cinnamon whiskey (such as Fireball)
- 1/3 cup cold water
Toppings
- Whipped Topping (such as Cool Whip)
- Blue food coloring
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Shark gummy candy
Kitchen Tools Used
Instructions
This is a 3-step process, which makes it sound like a complicated recipe, but it’s really pretty simple! You’ll be making blue jello, red jello, and then topping it all off. You’ll just want to be sure to allow for 2-3 hours for the jello shots to set.
To Make the Blue Layer
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the blue jello powder with 1 cup of boiling water.
- Stir in the chilled rum and 1/3 cup cold water.
- Pour into jello shot cups, filling them halfway.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours, or until set.
To Make the Red Layer
When you notice that your blue jello is almost set, you can start making the red jello.
- In a clean mixing bowl, whisk together red jello and 1 cup boiling water.
- Stir in the chilled Fireball Whiskey and 1/3 cup cold water.
- Allow the liquid to cool to room temperature (about 20-30 minutes) then pour on top of the blue jello in the cups, so they are almost full.
- Chill in fridge for 1-2 hours, or until fully set.
To Decorate
- Cover the top of the jello shots with whipped topping.
- Sprinkle crumbled graham crackers on top of the whipped topping, covering half of the surface and leaving the other half white.
- Squirt a couple drops of blue food coloring into a small dish or ramekin. Fill a separate small dish with water.
- Dip a small paint brush dip or a toothpick into the water, then touch the food coloring. Use this watered down blue coloring to make swirls in the whipped topping.
- Place a candy shark on top.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Jello Shots Does This Recipe Make?
This recipe makes about 20 jello shots. You may get slightly more or less depending on the size of your cups (we used 2oz condiment cups) and how full you fill them.
This recipe is intended for readers ages 21+
Can This Be Made into a Kid-Friendly Recipe?
Of course, shark week is a hit with the kiddos, so if you’re looking to make this a family-friendly treat, here’s how to do it!
Instead of the 1/2 cup of chilled liquor in each layer, use an equal amount of cold water. So you’ll simply be following the box instructions to prepare each flavor of jello, then layering and chilling into the cups as described in the recipe above.
If making as a dessert instead of a shot, you could also use bigger cups and make fewer servings.
Can These Jello Shots Be Made Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! That’s one of the reasons I think jello shots are so great for parties — they can be made days in advance! However, if making ahead of time, I recommend waiting to add the decorative layer until the day you plan to serve them. Otherwise, the gummies and graham cracker crumbs can get mushy if they’re sitting on top of the jello for too long.
More of Our Favorite Jello Shot Recipes:
- 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
- Root Beer Jello Shots
Shark Jello Shots Recipe (Printable Copy)
If you tried this recipe and loved it, please rate it!
Swimming Shark Jello Shots
Equipment
- 20 2oz plastic condiment cups
- 1 Wire whisk
- 1 Muffin tin
- 1 Saucepan
Ingredients
(Blue) Bottom Layer:
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 box Blue jello 3oz box
- 2/3 cup Coconut Rum such as Malibu
- 1/3 cup cold water
(Red) Second Layer:
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 box Cherry jello 3oz box
- 2/3 cup Cinnamon whiskey such as Fireball
- 1/3 cup cold water
Toppings
- Whipped Topping such as Cool Whip
- Blue food coloring
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Shark gummy candy
Instructions
To Make the Blue Layer
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the blue jello powder with 1 cup of boiling water.
- Stir in the chilled rum and 1/3 cup cold water.
- Pour into jello shot cups, filling them halfway.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours, or until set.
To Make the Red Layer
- When you notice that your blue jello is almost set, you can start making the red jello.
- In a clean mixing bowl, whisk together red jello and 1 cup boiling water.
- Stir in the chilled Fireball Whiskey and 1/3 cup cold water.
- Allow the liquid to cool to room temperature (about 20-30 minutes) then pour on top of the blue jello in the cups, so they are almost full.
- Chill in fridge for 1-2 hours, or until fully set.
To Decorate
- Cover the top of the jello shots with whipped topping.
- Sprinkle crumbled graham crackers on top of the whipped topping, covering half of the surface and leaving the other half white.
- Squirt a couple drops of blue food coloring into a small dish or ramekin. Fill a separate small dish with water.
- Dip a small paint brush dip or a toothpick into the water, then touch the food coloring. Use this watered down blue coloring to make swirls in the whipped topping.
- Place a candy shark on top.
Nutrition
Pin our Shark Week Jello Shots on Pinterest
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