Watermelon Jello Shots
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Watermelon jello shots are super cute and easy to make with vodka, layers of pink and green jello, and a sour watermelon candy on top. Serve them up at your summer cookout, pool party, or any other celebration for a tasty party treat packed with watermelon flavor.
Aren’t jello shots a fun way to take a shot? Sure you could have a regular watermelon vodka shot, but a watermelon jello shot is much more fun.
This twist on classic vodka jello shots combines green and pink layers of watermelon jello for a boozy treat with a fun watermelon look.
Give his watermelon jello shot recipe a try and I am sure you will agree that they are the perfect adults-only party treats for summer parties.
Looking for more summer jello shot recipes? Check out these blue Hawaiian jello shots, pineapple upside down cake jello shots, and shark jello shots.
Ingredients
This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Green Jello— We used Starburst watermelon gelatin mix. But if you have trouble finding it or would like to layer flavors you can use lime jello instead.
- Pink Jello— We used watermelon Jolly Rancher Gelatin for the pink layer but regular watermelon jello mix works as well.
- Water— You will need both boiling water and cold water to prepare the jello.
- Vodka— Whatever brand of vodka you have on hand will work. Or you could switch it up with a flavored vodka or even experiment with other liquors. White rum, Malibu watermelon rum, watermelon schnapps, and watermelon pucker all sound like good options.
- Watermelon Candy— Sour Patch watermelon gummies look like a little watermelon slice and are perfect for dressing up these shots. They can be found at most grocery stores or on Amazon. Another fun (and not sour) option are these watermelon gummy jolly rancher candies. Although they come with different flavors in the bag and you would have to pick out the watermelon ones.
Supplies
- 1-ounce disposable cups with lids
- Whisk
- Mixing bowl with a spout – for easy pouring
- Baking pan (optional) – for easy transport to and from the fridge
How to make watermelon jello shots
This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.
- In a large mixing bowl or large measuring cup, combine the green gelatin powder with 1 cup of boiling water. Whisk until the Jello is fully dissolved, about 2 minutes. Add ½ cup of cold water and ½ cup of vodka; whisk to combine.
- Carefully pour the green jello mixture into shot cups, filling them about ⅓ of the way. Chill in the refrigerator until the layer has set, about 45 minutes
- In a second bowl, combine the pink jello mix with 1 cup of boiling water and whisk until dissolved. Add ½ cup of cold water and ½ cup of vodka; whisk to combine. Set aside to cool for 15 minutes at room temperature.
- Once the green layer has set, carefully pour the pink gelatin mixture on top. Leave some room at the top for the gummy.
- Chill for 2 hours, or until fully set (overnight works too).
- Top with a watermelon gummy before serving and enjoy!
Storage
Cover cups with lids and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, I recommend waiting until just before serving to place the sour candy on top.
Jello Shot Tips
- Make it a double. Some people prefer 2-ounce cups for jello shots and those work well too, you just will get fewer shots out of each batch.
- Make ahead. I always try to make jello shots the night before the party so that they will have plenty of time to set up.
- Big party? The recipe can be easily doubled or tripled!
- Kid-friendly. Make a non-alcoholic batch that the whole family can enjoy by replacing the vodka with cold water.
- Use glass. Not a fan of plastic cups? Serve your watermelon shots in glass shot glasses but keep in mind that you will need a spoon to scoop them out.
Watermelon Vodka Jello Shots: FAQ
No. You can make your watermelon vodka jello shots a solid color by using 2 boxes of jello- either color. No need to refrigerate between layers this way so it is also a time-saver!
Plain vodka that isn’t flavored is the go-to for making jello shots. But you can experiment with flavored vodkas if you would like.
In general jello shots will take about 2 hours to set. However, the exact amount of time it will take your jello shots to set will depend on several things including the size of your containers, whether the liquor was chilled, and the temperature of your refrigerator.
Sprinkle a couple of mini chocolate chips on top of the set shots instead to mimic watermelon seeds.
More easy watermelon recipes for summer
Watermelon Vodka Jello Shots
Ingredients
- 1 3.94 ounce box Starburst watermelon gelatin mix (green)
- 1 3 ounce box Watermelon Jello Mix (pink)
- 2 cups boiling water divided
- 1 cup cold water divided
- 1 cup vodka divided
- 30 sour watermelon gummies
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the green jello mix and 1 cup of boiling water. Whisk until the Jello is fully dissolved, about 2 minutes.
- Add ½ cup of cold water and ½ cup of vodka; whisk to combine.
- Carefully pour into shot cups, filling them about ⅓ of the way. Chill in the refrigerator until the layer has set, about 45 minutes
- In a second bowl, combine the pink jello mix with 1 cup of boiling water and whisk until dissolved. Add ½ cup of cold water and ½ cup of vodka; whisk to combine. Set aside to cool for 15 minutes at room temperature.
- Once the green layer has set carefully pour the pink jello mixture on top. Leave some room at the top for the gummy.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours, or until fully set (overnight works too).
- Before serving, top with a watermelon gummy.
Notes
Make them kid-friendly by replacing the vodka with cold water.
Nutrition
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