Why You’ll Love Grinch Jello Shots Recipe

These jello shots are eye-catching, easy to make, and customizable. The red heart center adds whimsy and festive charm, while the green layer around it creates a fun holiday theme. You can prepare them in advance so you’re free to enjoy your party without stress.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Red Hearts
3 ounces cherry jello (1 box)
1 cup boiling water
¼ cup cold water
¼ cup chilled vodka

Green Jello
3.94 ounces green jello (1 box)
1 ½ cups boiling water
¾ cup cold water
¾ cup chilled vodka

Directions

Prepare a small baking dish (about 5×5 to 6×6 inches) and spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
Whisk the red jello with 1 cup of boiling water until dissolved. Add ¼ cup cold water and ¼ cup chilled vodka.
Pour into the dish and refrigerate until set (about 2–3 hours).
Once firm, remove the red jello slab, loosen the edges with a knife, and turn it out onto a cutting board.
Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out as many hearts as possible. Return hearts to the fridge while you make the green layer.
Whisk the green jello with 1½ cups boiling water until dissolved. Add ¾ cup cold water and ¾ cup chilled vodka. Let the mixture cool to room temperature but not set.
Place the red jello hearts in the bottom of shot glasses. Carefully pour the green jello around each heart, avoiding pouring directly on top of the heart.
Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until firm. Serve chilled.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20 shots.
Prep Time: ~15 minutes
Chill Time: ~4 hours
Total Time: ~4 hours 15 minutes

Variations

Non-Alcoholic: Replace the vodka with additional cold water or a lemon-lime soda to make kid-friendly versions.
Flavor Swaps: Use different flavored red or green gelatin (strawberry, raspberry, lime, etc.) to experiment with tastes and colors.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftover jello shots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Make Ahead: These shots can be made a day or two in advance—just keep them chilled until serving. There’s no reheating needed for gelatin shots.

FAQs

What is a jello shot?

A jello shot is a gelatin-based treat that combines flavored gelatin with alcohol, typically vodka, and is served cold in small cups or glasses.

Can I make these shots non-alcoholic?

Yes, replace the vodka with cold water or a soda to make kid-friendly gelatin shots without alcohol.

How long do the shots need to set?

They should chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or until very firm.

Can I use a different alcohol?

Yes, you can substitute vodka with rum, tequila, or flavored liqueurs, though it may change the flavor profile.

What gelatin flavors work best?

Cherry is commonly used for red hearts and green apple or lime for the green layer, but feel free to choose other flavors.

How many shots does this recipe make?

This recipe yields about 20 jello shots, depending on the size of your cutter and glasses.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes, they can be made a day or two before your event and kept chilled until serving.

Do I need special molds?

No special molds are required, but a small heart-shaped cookie cutter helps make the red centers.

How should leftover shots be stored?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Can I use powdered gelatin instead of flavored jello?

You could, but you’ll need to add your own flavors and colors to achieve the same festive look.

Conclusion

Grinch Jello Shots are a festive and fun holiday party treat that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress guests. With a playful design inspired by the Grinch and the option to customize flavors or make them alcohol-free, they’re perfect for Christmas gatherings or any themed celebration.