We get it. Whenever you think of jello shots, your mind reels back to your college days of yore, when you made (or consumed) jiggly shooters that were anything but good and led to nothing but trouble. But don’t let a few bad experiences turn you off jello shots forever. There are recipes out there that will cure your jiggly, shootable phobia. Here are seven gelatinized cocktails that are just as delicious as their cocktail counterparts but twice as fun thanks to their wiggly glee.
It’s not surprising that this jello shot supersedes the original cocktail in its deliciousness. Originally a super sweet beach drink, this gelatinized cocktail cuts back the sugar by using orange-flavored Jell-O and tart cranberry juice. If it didn’t pack a boozy punch, these Sex on the Beach Jello Shots would be good enough to serve on their own as dessert after a dinner party.
The Essentials
cranberry juice cocktail
orange Jell-O
vodka
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This jello shot is as bright, tangy and laden with tequila as any good Margarita. Made with fresh lime, tequila, and a touch of sugar, this jiggly-tequila recipe is sure to quell any doubts about whether jello shots can taste as vivacious as the cocktails they mimic. For optimal enjoyment, serve with a plate of nachos, salsa and guacamole.
The Essentials
unflavored gelatin
lime juice
blanco tequila
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If you didn’t think a jello shot could be a classy affair, a round of these bitter jiggly shooters will surely change your mind. Based on the king of classic cocktails, the Negroni, this jello shot is a decadently boozy, bittersweet wiggly-tipple. Not only does it manage to replicate everything delightful about the gin cocktail, with the addition of orange juice, this jello shot softens the bitterness and mimics the twist of orange zest used as the garnish.
The Essentials
gin
Campari
unflavored gelatin
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Inspired by the tiki classic, the Jungle Bird, this jiggly-shooter is made with funky blackstrap rum, bittersweet Campari, and pineapple juice. A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a juicy, citric kick, elevating this jello shot from basic to overwhelmingly delightful. Big, bold and fruity, these Jungle Bird jello shots are the tropical variations for grown-up palates.
The Essentials
Blackstrap Rum
Pineapple Juice
Campari
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If you’re a fan of the classic beach cocktail, you’ll go hog wild for this gelatin-inspired variation. Made with Coco Lopez coconut crème, pineapple juice and lots of rum, this jello shot is just as fun as the original. Sweet, tropical flavored and creamy as a Piña Colada should be, this beach-ready shooter is so good that it will make you forget everything you despised about jello shots.
The Essentials
Rum
Coco Lopez
Pineapple Juice
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Everyone loves Fireball, whether you want to admit it or not. Saying you hate the cinnamon-heavy whisky is like saying you hate demolition derbies and racecars. And if you’re one who thinks loving whiskey means you have to hate jello shots, this jiggly concoction will change your mind. With a packet of orange Jell-O as the base, this shot has the depth and jiggly fun a shot of Fireball lacks.
The Essentials
Jell-O
Boiling Water
Fireball
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If you have an aversion to shooting jello, no matter the quality of ingredients, this jello shot is the spritzy solution you need in your life. This recipe can be made into a ring, slices of boozy gelatin, or served in Champagne glasses for a decadent, wiggly treat. Made with Champagne, fresh strawberry and St-Germain elderflower liqueur, this recipe is the antithesis to the jello shots of your college days, aka perfection.
The Essentials
Champagne
St-Germain
gelatin
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