Christmas Jello Shots Recipe for Holiday Parties

Table of Contents

1. Holly Jolly Jello Shots Ingredients
2. Substitutions and Additions
3. How to Make Holly Jolly Jello Shots
4. How to Serve Holly Jolly Jello Shots
5. Storage
6. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
7. MORE RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE
8. JUMP TO RECIPE

Holly Jolly jello shots are a festive, playful addition to holiday parties. With bright red, creamy white, and green layers, these vodka-infused squares are as eye-catching as they are delicious. They take a bit of time to assemble, but the result is a stunning, adult-only treat that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.

If you enjoy adult holiday desserts, try Chocolate cheesecake trifle, Christmas lasagna, or Baileys fudge for more ideas.

Holly Jolly Jello Shots Ingredients

You will need:

• 1.5 ounces unflavored gelatin, divided
• 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
• 6 cups boiling water, divided
• 1½ cups vodka, divided
• 6 ounces raspberry-flavored gelatin
• 6 ounces lime-flavored gelatin
• Garnish: whipped topping, red/white/green holiday sprinkles, or red and green candies

Pro tip: These layered jello shots take time. Make them the day before serving if possible so each layer has plenty of chill time. Rushing the process can cause the layers to blend and lose the clean, striped appearance.

Substitutions and Additions

Jello flavors: Raspberry and lime pair nicely here, but you can swap raspberry for another red-flavored gelatin such as cherry or strawberry. Lime is the preferred green for contrast and flavor, and it complements most red fruit flavors.

Vodka: No need for top-shelf vodka—use one you like to drink. Vanilla or whipped cream flavored vodkas can be used for a different, dessert-like twist.

How to Make Holly Jolly Jello Shots

Important: Label these for adults only. To make a kid-friendly version, omit the vodka and replace it with cold water.

Step 1: In an 8-cup microwave-safe measuring cup, bring 2 cups of water to a boil (about 4 minutes on high in most microwaves). Stir in two 0.25-ounce packets of unflavored gelatin until dissolved. Add the sweetened condensed milk and 1/2 cup vodka, whisking until smooth and slightly thinned. Divide this mixture into three equal portions (about 1½ cups each) and set aside to cool.

Tip: Use a fork or small whisk for mixing in smaller cups. If the mixture begins to thicken while cooling, give it a quick whisk to remove any lumps.

Step 2: For the red layer, in a 2-cup microwave-safe measuring cup heat 1 cup of water to boiling (about 3 minutes). Sprinkle in one 0.25-ounce packet of unflavored gelatin and whisk until dissolved. Add one 3-ounce box of raspberry gelatin and 1/4 cup vodka, stirring until combined.

Step 3: Pour a thin layer of the raspberry mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 glass baking dish. Refrigerate on a level surface and chill until set, about 45 minutes.

Step 4: Wash your measuring cup thoroughly and prepare the green (lime) layer the same way as the red, replacing raspberry with lime. Allow it to cool on the counter before using. Never pour hot or warm gelatin onto an already set layer—this will melt the layer and ruin the clean lines.

Step 5: Once the first red layer is firm, pour one portion (about 1¼ cups) of the sweetened condensed milk mixture over it and refrigerate for another 45 minutes.

Step 6: Add the cooled lime layer, and chill for 45 minutes.

Step 7: Prepare a second raspberry layer, let it cool, then pour it over the set lime layer and chill for 45 minutes.

Step 8: Stir and pour the second portion of sweetened condensed milk mixture, then chill for 45 minutes.

Step 9: Prepare the final lime layer, let it cool, add the last portion of the sweetened condensed milk mixture, chill 45 minutes, and then pour the top green layer. For best results, refrigerate overnight; allow at least 6 hours total chill time so each layer becomes firm and slices cleanly.

Finishing: Once fully set, slice the jello in the dish into squares. Transfer the squares to a serving platter, add a small dollop of whipped topping to each, and decorate with sprinkles or a red/green candy for a festive bite.

How to Serve Holly Jolly Jello Shots

These layered jello shots make a festive center on any holiday dessert table. Serve them as individual squares alongside coffee with a splash of Baileys or with spiked hot chocolate. They’re a great visual and flavorful complement to holiday drinks and desserts.

Storage

In the refrigerator: Keep the jello shots covered in the fridge and wait to garnish until serving. Properly stored, they keep well for up to 5 days—making them an excellent make-ahead party item.

In the freezer: Freezing is not recommended. Gelatin combined with alcohol does not freeze well and will alter the texture.

Holly Jolly jello shots are a holiday-ready adult treat. The combination of raspberry, lime, and creamy sweetened condensed milk layers, all infused with vodka, creates a colorful, festive dessert that’s worth the time it takes to prepare.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. These jello shots can be made up to five days before serving if refrigerated and covered.

How do I store vodka jello shots?

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to five days. Keep them covered and only add garnishes when ready to serve.

Can you freeze jello shots?

No. Gelatin plus alcohol generally does not freeze well and will negatively affect texture and appearance.

MORE RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE

• Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
• Mint Chocolate Fudge
• Strawberry Christmas Trees
• Christmas Cookie Bars