Tequila Jello Shots Recipe

Prepare to shake up your next party with the ultimate crowd-pleaser: Tequila Jello Shots. These vibrant, zesty, and fun-filled goodies offer a unique twist to the traditional shot, combining the sweetness of jello with the bold kick of tequila. They’re not just a treat for the taste buds, but also a visual delight, adding a splash of color to your party spread.

Easy to make, these Tequila Jello Shots can be prepared in advance, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy your event. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, a Cinco de Mayo celebration, or just a fun gathering with friends, Tequila Jello Shots are sure to be a memorable addition.

So, get ready to impress your guests with a shot that’s both playful and potent. Here’s to a party that’s as unforgettable as these Tequila Jello Shots!

How to Make Tequila Jello Shots

Making jello shots is super easy to do. It just takes a few minutes of active time, a few common, easy to find ingredients, and some small, disposable plastic cups. Regardless of what kind of liquor you use to make your jello shots, the method for making them is the same.

What you’re doing is blooming and melting gelatin powder, then mixing it with booze and other ingredients, and pouring it all into cups to cool so that the liquor will gelatinize, or become semi-solid. The result is the fun, jiggly treat we all know and love. Luckily, making amazing jello shots takes just a few short and easy steps. 

1. Pour gelatin powder into cold water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the gelatin to bloom.

2. Heat the water up to boiling to melt the gelatin. Be sure to whisk it so that all the gelatin dissolves.

3. Add the booze along with any sugars, juices, mixers, or other ingredients. Stir to combine

4. Pour the liquid into small disposable cups and put them into the fridge to cool.

5. After a couple of hours, the liquid will set and you’ll have delicious jello shots.

6. Pack them up and take them to the party!   

Tips and Tricks

• For jello shots, you want to use the same kind of tequila you would use to make a margarita. They’re a little watered down, but they’re still shots so you don’t want to use anything too cheap that might make people sick. At the same time, you don’t want to use an expensive tequila like Don Julio in a Jello shot. Patron, Jose Cuervo, Ciera, or 1800 all great tequilas to use for jello shots.
• Jello shots with gelatin are technically not vegan or vegetarian friendly as gelatin is an animal product. However, you can substitute agar-agar powder, which is made from seaweed, in place of the gelatin for a vegan jello shot. Keep in mind that agar-agar has much stronger binding properties than gelatin, for 1 tablespoon of gelatin you only need about 1/2 teaspoon of agar-agar powder.
• This recipe is just for a plain tequila jello shot; it is very much like a classic margarita. But you can still make any flavored tequila jello shot you would like. Strawberry puree, watermelon juice, cucumber water, peach puree, and blackberry puree are just a few of the great fruit flavors you can add to jello shots. Keep in mind that If you add any extra fruit juice, you may have to add more gelatin to keep the ratio and make sure the shots still set. For every 1/2 cup of liquid, you need 1 teaspoon of gelatin. So, to make this recipe into a strawberry margarita jello shot, you would add 1/2 cup of strawberry puree and an extra teaspoon of gelatin powder.
• Besides just adding fruit juice or puree, you can also add fun physical garnishes into the shots. For example, if you love jalapeno margaritas, you can drop a thin slice of jalapeno into the shot glasses after you pour the liquid into them. That way, when the shots set, you’ll have a little slice of jalapeno molded into the jello shot. Additionally, you could also add slices of strawberry, cucumber rings, or chunks of watermelon into the shot glasses.

Conclusion

Now that you know how easy tequila jello shots are to make, you can take them to your next party. There are so many fun and exciting things you can do with tequila jello shots. Keep in mind you can also make these with gummy bears. Whether you’re a fan of a more classic margarita shot or like to experiment with different flavors, the shots will be fun and delicious either way! So, what are you waiting for?

FAQs

What is the basic recipe for Tequila Jello Shots?

The basic tequila jello shot recipe involves mixing a package of jello (usually lime for the best flavor pairing), boiling water, cold water, and tequila. The mixture is then poured into shot glasses or cups and refrigerated until it solidifies.

Can I use any type of tequila?

Yes, you can use any type of tequila. However, the flavor of the tequila can greatly affect the taste of the jello shots. Choose a tequila that you enjoy drinking.

How long do Tequila Jello Shots last?

Tequila Jello Shots can last for up to 7-10 days in the refrigerator. Always remember to cover them to prevent them from drying out.

Can I make them non-alcoholic?

Yes, to make non-alcoholic jello shots, simply replace the amount of tequila with cold water or juice.

How long do they take to set?

Tequila Jello Shots typically take about 2-4 hours to set in the refrigerator. However, it’s generally a good idea to make them a day in advance to ensure they’re fully set.

Can I use other spirits instead of tequila?

Yes, you can use other spirits like vodka, rum, or gin. However, the flavor pairing may not work as well with the lime jello.

Can I make them in advance for a party?

Yes, Tequila Jello Shots are perfect for making in advance. You can make them up to 3 days before your party and keep them in the refrigerator.

Can I add fruits or other ingredients to the shots?

Yes, you can add fruits like cherries or pineapple chunks to the shots. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick. Just be sure to add these ingredients after the jello has cooled a bit to avoid cooking the fruit.

How can I serve Tequila Jello Shots?

Tequila Jello Shots are typically served in small plastic cups or shot glasses. You can also cut them into squares and serve them on a platter with toothpicks.

Can I freeze Tequila Jello Shots?

No, freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture and taste. It’s best to serve them chilled from the refrigerator.