How to Make Jolly Rancher Jello Shots Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup Water (hot, freshly boiled)
• 1 packet Jolly Rancher Watermelon Gelatin (store‑bought flavored gelatin mix)
• 1 cup Vodka (plain or flavored, 80 proof)
• 12 pieces Mini Party Cups (plastic, with lids; disposable)
• 1 spray Cooking Spray (optional, to prevent sticking)
• 0.5 packet Jolly Rancher Blue Raspberry Gelatin (half the amount of a full packet)
• 0.5 cup Vodka (for blue raspberry) (same vodka as above)
• 0.5 cup Cherry Jolly Rancher Candies (approximately 10‑12 pieces, chopped)
• 1 packet Unflavored Gelatin (about 2 tsp powdered gelatin)
• 0.5 cup Whiskey (any good‑quality whiskey)

Instructions

1. Boil Water

   Bring 1 cup of water to a rolling boil using a tea kettle or saucepan.

   Time: PT5M

2. Dissolve Watermelon Gelatin

   Place the Jolly Rancher Watermelon gelatin packet into the hot water and stir until fully dissolved.

   Time: PT2M

3. Add Vodka

   Pour 1 cup of vodka into the gelatin mixture and stir for 30 seconds to combine.

   Time: PT1M

4. Prepare Mini Cups

   Lightly spray the inside of each mini party cup with cooking spray (optional) to aid release later.

   Time: PT2M

5. Fill Cups – Watermelon

   Carefully pour the watermelon gelatin‑alcohol mixture into the mini cups, filling each about ¾ full.

   Time: PT3M

6. Repeat for Blue Raspberry (Half Batch)

   Boil another ½ cup of water, dissolve ½ packet of blue‑raspberry gelatin, add ½ cup vodka, stir, and fill the remaining cups.

   Time: PT5M

7. Alternative: Melt Candy

   If you can’t find flavored gelatin, place ½ cup of chopped cherry Jolly Rancher candies in a bowl, pour ½ cup hot water over them, and let sit 5‑10 minutes until melted.

   Time: PT7M

8. Add Unflavored Gelatin

   Sprinkle 1 packet of unflavored gelatin into the melted‑candy mixture and stir until fully dissolved.

   Time: PT2M

9. Add Whiskey

   Stir in ½ cup whiskey, mixing thoroughly.

   Time: PT1M

10. Fill Cups – Candy Version

    Pour the candy‑gelatin‑whiskey mixture into the mini cups and cap with lids.

    Time: PT3M

11. Chill Until Set

    Place the filled cups in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or until the jello shots are firm.

    Time: PT3H

    Temperature: 4°C

12. Serve

    Remove lids, gently push a finger around the edge of each cup to release the shot, and enjoy responsibly.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

17

Protein

0 g

Carbohydrates

0 g

Fat

0 g

Fiber

0 g

Ingredient Substitutions

• Instead of Jolly Rancher Watermelon Gelatin: Other Jolly Rancher flavored gelatin packs
• Instead of Vodka: Rum, Tequila, Gin
• Instead of Mini Party Cups: Silicone molds, Shot glasses
• Instead of Cooking Spray: Light oil brush, Non‑stick spray
• Instead of Jolly Rancher Blue Raspberry Gelatin: Other blue raspberry flavored gelatin
• Instead of Vodka (for blue raspberry): Rum, Tequila
• Instead of Cherry Jolly Rancher Candies: Other fruit‑flavored Jolly Ranchers
• Instead of Unflavored Gelatin: Agar‑agar (use less, follow package directions)
• Instead of Whiskey: Bourbon, Rum

Equipment Needed

• Tea Kettle or Saucepan
• Measuring Cup
• Stirring Spoon
• Cooking Spray Bottle (optional)
• Mini Party Cups with Lids
• Refrigerator

Critical Steps — Do Not Skip

• Dissolve gelatin completely in hot water.
• Maintain the 1:1 water to alcohol ratio.
• Pour mixture into cups before it begins to set.
• Refrigerate for at least 3 hours for proper setting.

Chef Tips from the Video

• For a smoother texture, strain the gelatin mixture through a fine‑mesh sieve before pouring.
• Layer different flavors in the same cup for a rainbow effect—let each layer set partially before adding the next.
• Silicone molds create fun shapes and eliminate the need for cooking spray.

Troubleshooting

Storage

Refrigerator: Keep sealed cups in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezer: Not recommended; gelatin texture degrades when frozen.

Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; shots will melt.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Prepare the shots a day in advance; they keep well sealed in the fridge.
• Use flavored vodka (e.g., watermelon or raspberry) to boost flavor without extra gelatin.
• If you need to transport, keep the cups in a cooler with ice packs.

Frequently Asked Questions