The Best Strawberry Jello Shots
The Best Strawberry Jello Shots is a easy Mexican recipe that serves 12. 50 calories per serving. Recipe by Jenny Martinez on YouTube.
Prep: 12 min | Cook: 2 hrs | Total: 2 hrs 27 min
Cost: $13.98 total, $1.17 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 packet Pink Strawberry Gelatin Powder (All pink strawberry flavor, about 85 g)
- 1 cup Boiling Water (Freshly boiled)
- 1 cup Ice (Cubed)
- 1 cup Tamarind Paste (Smooth tamarind concentrate)
- 2 tbsp Chamoy (Spicy‑sweet Mexican sauce)
- 2 tbsp Tahini (Sesame paste, used as garnish)
- 12 pieces Plastic Shot Cups with Lids (2 oz party cups)
Instructions
Dissolve gelatin
Place the pink strawberry gelatin powder into a mixing bowl. Pour 1 cup of freshly boiled water over it and whisk until completely dissolved, about 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Cool the mixture
Add 1 cup of ice cubes to the bowl and stir until the mixture is chilled, about 1 minute.
Time: PT1M
Add tamarind and chamoy
Stir in 1 cup of tamarind paste and 2 tbsp of chamoy until evenly distributed.
Time: PT1M
Swirl in tahini
Sprinkle 2 tbsp of tahini over the mixture and give a quick stir to create a subtle swirl.
Time: PT30S
Portion into shot cups
Find a cup with a small spout (or use a measuring cup) and carefully pour the mixture into each of the 12 shot cups, filling them about three‑quarters full.
Time: PT2M
Chill until firm
Place the lids on the cups, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the jello is firm to the touch.
Time: PT2H
Temperature: 4°C
Rim and serve
Before serving, rim each cup with a little tamarind paste, drizzle a touch of tahini on top, and enjoy immediately.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 50
- Protein
- 0 g
- Carbohydrates
- 12 g
- Fat
- 1 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Non‑Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free
Allergens: Gelatin, Sesame
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Pink Strawberry Gelatin Powder: Strawberry flavored gelatin, Fruit‑flavored gelatin
- Instead of Boiling Water: Hot water
- Instead of Ice: Cold water
- Instead of Tamarind Paste: Tamarind concentrate, Lime juice mixed with brown sugar
- Instead of Chamoy: Hoisin sauce, Sriracha mixed with lime juice
- Instead of Tahini: Sesame butter, Peanut butter (different flavor)
- Instead of Plastic Shot Cups with Lids: Mini glasses, Silicone molds
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk or Spoon
- Measuring Cup
- Shot Cups with Lids
- Refrigerator
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Fully dissolve the gelatin powder in boiling water.
- Refrigerate the shots for at least 2 hours until firm.
- Pour the mixture into cups before it begins to set.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a squeeze bottle or a small pitcher for a mess‑free pour.
- A pinch of sea salt enhances the sweet‑tart balance of the tamarind and chamoy.
Troubleshooting
Jello did not set firmly.
Make sure the gelatin powder was measured correctly and fully dissolved. Chill for an additional 30 minutes or add 1‑2 extra teaspoons of gelatin powder.
The mixture is grainy or lumpy.
Stir the gelatin in the boiling water until completely smooth; use a whisk and avoid adding ice too quickly.
Flavor is too mild.
Adjust by adding extra tamarind paste or a splash more chamoy before pouring into cups.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store sealed cups in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; gelatin loses texture when frozen.
Room temperature: Keep chilled; do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the jello shots a day ahead; keep them sealed in the fridge.
- Rim the cups with tamarind paste before chilling for a cleaner presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of pink strawberry tamarind jello shots in Mexican party cuisine?
Jello shots are a modern party staple in Mexico, often flavored with tamarind, chamoy and lime to reflect the country's love for sweet‑sour‑spicy snacks. The pink strawberry version adds a festive color for celebrations like birthdays and Cinco de Mayo.
What are traditional regional variations of tamarind‑flavored gelatin drinks or desserts in Mexican cuisine?
In many Mexican regions, tamarind is used in aguas frescas, candies, and the popular "pulparindo" snack. Some street vendors serve tamarind‑infused gelatin desserts called "gelatinas" that are similar to these jello shots but without alcohol.
How is pink strawberry tamarind jello traditionally served in Mexican celebrations?
They are typically served in small plastic shot cups with a tamarind‑coated rim, topped with a drizzle of chamoy and a splash of tahini or lime. Guests sip the gelatin through a straw or bite the rim first for a burst of flavor.
What occasions or celebrations are pink strawberry tamarind jello shots commonly associated with in Mexican culture?
These colorful jello shots are popular at birthday parties, quinceañeras, Cinco de Mayo gatherings, and any festive event where a playful, sweet‑sour snack is welcome.
What other Mexican dishes pair well with pink strawberry tamarind jello shots?
They pair nicely with salty tacos, grilled carne asada, or spicy street‑style elote. The sweet‑tart profile balances the heat of chilies and the richness of meat dishes.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making pink strawberry tamarind jello shots?
Common errors include not fully dissolving the gelatin, adding ice before the gelatin is completely liquid, and refrigerating for too short a time. Each of these can result in a grainy texture or a soft, unset shot.
Why does this recipe use a splash of tahini instead of a traditional lime garnish?
Tahini adds a creamy, nutty contrast that balances the bright acidity of tamarind and the sweetness of strawberry gelatin, creating a more complex flavor profile than lime alone.
Can I make pink strawberry tamarind jello shots ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can prepare them up to 24 hours in advance. Keep the sealed cups in the refrigerator; they stay fresh for up to three days. Do not freeze, as gelatin loses its texture.
What does the YouTube channel Jenny Martinez specialize in?
Jenny Martinez’s YouTube channel focuses on vibrant, easy‑to‑make Latin‑American inspired party foods and cocktails, often featuring bold flavors like tamarind, chamoy, and tropical fruits.
How does the YouTube channel Jenny Martinez’s approach to Mexican‑style party snacks differ from other cooking channels?
Jenny Martinez emphasizes quick, visually striking recipes that combine traditional Mexican street‑food flavors with modern party presentation, using minimal equipment and offering step‑by‑step visual cues that are less common on generic cooking channels.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
