Christmas Jello Shots – tasty, fun boozy treat loaded with festive holiday cheer – perfect for all your holiday parties. Easy recipe – simple ingredients!
Jello Shots aren’t just for tailgating and college parties — they add fun holiday spirit to any holiday party.
Single serve Cranberry jello (or sub any red jello) garnished with sugared cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for the ultimate festive adult treat.
Why I love this recipe:
- Simple ingredients and a tasty treat at any adult holiday party.
- The alcohol flavor isn’t overpowering – they’re just delicious!
- Jello shots are the perfect addition at Christmas time and all holiday season.
- Guaranteed huge hit at your next next Christmas party!
Ingredients needed for Christmas Jello Shots:
- jello shot cups, small plastic cups or other plastic shot glasses HOW MANY
- cranberry jello
- boiling water
- vodka
- cranberry juice
- orange zest
- fresh rosemary sprigs (garnish)
- NOTE: You’ll also need a large measuring cup to measure the boiling water.
Tips for the best Jello Shots:
- Size – use small plastic cups 1.5 to 2 ounces work best.
- Squeezable – if your cups are flexible they can be squeezed into guests’ mouths. Harder plastic need mini spoons.
- Lids – for easier storage and transportation for an airtight container.
- Liquor – don’t buy bottom shelf/cheapest liquor available. Choose what you’d buy for a ‘regular’ cocktail.
- Boiling water – not just hot water.
How to make Christmas Jello Shots:
To a mixing bowl combine the package of jello with one cup of boiling water. Stir until the powder is completely dissolved.
Add vodka, cranberry juice and orange zest.
Place cups on a cookie sheet then divide the jello mixture between the cups. Transfer to the refrigerate for 3-4 hours or until set.
Transfer jello shots to a large tray or serving platter. Add a couple of cranberries and a sprig of rosemary to the top of each shot then serve.
How to make sugared cranberries:
- water
- granulated sugar divided
- fresh cranberries
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper then set aside (if you have a wire baking rack, add it to the top of the parchment paper.
Combine 1/4 cup of water and 1/4 cup of sugar in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil. Simmer 3 minutes. Add cranberries, stirring to coat. Remove from heat and continue stirring 1-2 minutes.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the cranberries. Let them dry for 45 minutes then roll in the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar.
Subs and variations to this recipe:
Candy canes garnish (for candy cane jello shots), holiday sprinkles or a maraschino cherry instead of cranberries.
Use any red jell-o flavor for Christmas Jello Shots – such as strawberry or cherry jello.
Different liquors such as peppermint schnapps, vanilla vodka or even tequila!
Adjust strength – I used 1/2 cup vodka – make them stronger if you like (less cranberry juice).
More tasty holiday recipes:
Cold Veggie Christmas Tree Pizza
Enjoy!
You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest for more easy, tasty recipes!
Christmas Cranberry Jello Shots
Equipment
- 12 flexible plastic jello shot cups (with lids if transporting them) 2 ounce size
- large glass measuring cup to boil water for jello
Ingredients
Jello Shots:
- 3 ounce package of red jello cranberry, cherry OR strawberry
- 1 cup BOILING water
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1/2 cup cranberry juice pure unsweetened used
- 1 orange zest ONLY
- fresh rosemary sprigs garnish
Sugared Cranberries:
- 1/4 cup water
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar DIVIDED
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
Instructions
Jello:
- Blend package of jello with one cup of boiling (not just hot) water. Stir until completely dissolved,
- Add vodka, cranberry juice and orange zest.
- Place jello shot cups on a baking sheet. Divide jello mixture between the cups. Place tray in the refrigerate for 3-4 hours or until set.
- Transfer jello shots to a large tray or serving platter. Add a couple of sugared cranberries and a sprig of rosemary to the top of each shot then serve.
Sugared Cranberries:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper then set aside (if you have a wire baking rack, add it to the top of the parchment paper.
- Add 1/4 cup of water and 1/4 cup of sugar to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer 3 minutes.
- Add cranberries, stirring to coat. Remove from heat and continue stirring one to two minutes.Use a slotted spoon to remove the cranberries. Let them dry for 45 minutes then roll in the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar.
Such a fun, festive party appetizer!