How to Make Jelly Shots

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of jelly? For many, it’s probably a classic trifle or childhood memories of eating jelly and ice cream for dessert. Of course, there’s nothing to stop you from enjoying such delights as an adult. But for a more mature twist on jelly, consider giving jelly shots a try!

What are jelly shots?

Jelly shots – or jello shots as they’re known in the US – are, quite simply, mini alcoholic jellies. At their most basic, they only need three ingredients: the alcohol of your choice, water, and jelly – which can come as powdered jelly sachets, jelly blocks or gelatine.

The way you serve jelly shots is up to you. They can be set and served individually in shot glasses, or poured into ice cube moulds to create a variety of shapes. You could even set and serve your jellies inside lemon, lime or other citrus peels. First things first, though – here’s how to make jelly shots.

How to make jelly shots

Making jelly shots is simple, but it’s important to allow sufficient time for them to set, depending on the chosen ratios. The more alcohol used, the longer the jelly will take to set. The ratios below should give you great results every time.

Vodka jelly shots

If you’re interested in making vodka jelly shots for a party, follow this simple method for the best results:

1. Pour 150ml of boiling water into a jug.
2. Cut up a 135g block of the fruit jelly of your choice and add to the boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved.
3. Add 200ml of cold water and 250ml vodka.
4. Once well combined, pour into ice cube moulds or shot glasses, and place in the fridge to set overnight.

Gin jelly shots

Or if you prefer a gin jelly shot, here’s a recipe to wow your guests:

1. Simmer 300ml of tonic water or lemonade over low heat for five minutes, then remove from the heat.
2. Soak five gelatine sheets in cold water for five minutes, then squeeze out the excess water.
3. Add the gelatine to the warm tonic water or lemonade. Stir well until fully dissolved.
4. Add 200ml of gin, stir well to combine and leave to cool completely.
5. Once cool, pour into shot glasses or ice cube moulds and set in the fridge overnight before serving.

Prosecco jelly shots

For some dazzling prosecco jelly shots, follow this recipe:

1. Soak two gelatine sheets in cold water for five minutes, then squeeze out the excess water.
2. Measure out 500ml of prosecco. Take 2 tablespoons of the prosecco and simmer in a pan with 1 tablespoon of caster sugar, then stir in the gelatine and mix until it has dissolved.
3. Add the rest of the prosecco and stir well. Pour into shot glasses or moulds and set in the fridge overnight.

How to make vegan jelly shots

Regular jelly typically contains gelatine, which means that these jelly shot recipes sadly aren’t suitable for vegans. If you’re vegan – or catering for vegan guests – you can use agar agar powder instead.

1. Bring 240ml of fruit juice to boil in a saucepan. Once boiling, add 2 teaspoons of agar agar powder, mix to dissolve fully, remove from the heat and leave to cool.
2. Once cooled, add 180ml of vodka or gin and stir well.
3. Pour into ice cube trays or shot glasses and put them in the refrigerator to set. Unlike gelatine-based jellies, this should only take a few hours maximum.

How long do jelly shots take to set?

Whether you’ve used prosecco, gin or vodka, your jelly shots should be set in the fridge for between two and three hours – but the longer they are left to chill, the better. Leaving jelly shots in their moulds in the fridge overnight will produce optimum results.

What to serve with jelly shots

An accompaniment for jelly shots may vary based on the occasion, the chosen recipe, and the other items being served alongside them. You can serve more sophisticated jelly shots as a palate cleanser between courses at a dinner party, or perhaps instead of cocktails or dessert.

For a fun twist, why not set your jelly shots in slices of lemon or lime? Cut your citrus in half, scoop out as much of the flesh and pith as possible, fill with the jelly before setting and then slice in half to resemble quartered fruit.

Jelly shot recipes

For more jelly shot ideas, take a look at these recipes:

• Rosé Jello Shots
• 4th of July Jello Shots