Add a dash of Christmas magic to your holiday spread with these Holly Jolly Jello Shots. Bright red raspberry, creamy white, and zesty lime layers are infused with vodka for a festive grown-up treat that’s as pretty as it is delicious.
Holly Jolly Jello Shots Ingredients
These layered jello shots balance creamy sweetness with bright fruit flavors and a touch of vodka. They’re finished with whipped topping and festive garnishes for a cheerful presentation.
You’ll need:
- 6 cups boiling water (divided: 2 cups, then 1 cup x4)
- 6 (0.25-ounce) packets unflavored gelatin (divided)
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1½ cups vodka (divided into four ¼-cup portions plus ½ cup)
- 2 (3-ounce) boxes raspberry-flavored jello gelatin (total 6 ounces)
- 2 (3-ounce) boxes lime-flavored jello gelatin (total 6 ounces)
- Garnishes: whipped topping, red/green/white holiday sprinkles, or red and green candy
PRO TIP:
These shots take time to assemble. Make them the day before serving so each layer has ample time to chill. Rushing layers will cause them to blend instead of forming clean stripes.
Substitutions And Additions
JELLO: Raspberry and lime create a festive contrast. If you prefer, substitute raspberry with cherry or strawberry for the red layers. Lime pairs well with these red flavors and has the best green color option.
VODKA: Use a vodka you enjoy; top-shelf is unnecessary. Vanilla or whipped cream-flavored vodka work well for a slightly different profile.
How To Make This Holly Jolly Jello Shots Recipe
Layering requires patience, since each section must set before adding the next. The result is worth the wait—vivid, clean layers that make a stunning holiday centerpiece.
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
Label these for adults only. To make a kid-friendly version, omit the vodka and replace it with cold water in the same amounts.
STEP ONE: In an 8-cup microwave-safe spouted measuring cup, heat 2 cups of water in the microwave on high for 4 minutes until boiling. Stir in 2 packets (0.5 oz total) unflavored gelatin until dissolved. Whisk in the sweetened condensed milk and ½ cup vodka until smooth. Divide this sweetened condensed milk mixture into three equal portions (about 1¼–1½ cups each) and let cool.
PRO TIP:
When mixing smaller batches, a fork works well for whisking. If a flavored gelatin begins to thicken while cooling, whisk quickly to remove lumps before pouring.
STEP TWO: In a 2-cup microwave-safe spouted measuring cup, heat 1 cup water on high for 3 minutes. Sprinkle in 1 packet (0.25 oz) unflavored gelatin and whisk until dissolved. Add one 3-ounce box raspberry jello and whisk until combined. Stir in ¼ cup vodka.
STEP THREE: Pour the raspberry mixture into a thin layer on the bottom of a 9×13-inch glass baking dish. Refrigerate on a flat surface for 45 minutes, or until the layer is firm to the touch.
PRO TIP:
Ensure each layer is fairly firm before adding the next. Pour slowly to avoid disturbing the set layer beneath.
STEP FOUR: After the first red layer sets, wash your measuring cup and prepare the lime (green) layer the same way as the raspberry, substituting lime jello for raspberry. Let it cool on the counter before pouring. Never pour hot jello onto a set layer, or it will melt and ruin the stripes.
STEP FIVE: Once the raspberry layer is firm, carefully pour one portion (about 1¼ cups) of the sweetened condensed milk mixture over it. Return to the refrigerator and chill 45 minutes.
STEP SIX: Add the cooled lime layer on top of the white layer. Chill 45 minutes.
STEP SEVEN: Prepare the second raspberry box and set aside to cool. Then add the second portion of sweetened condensed milk (stir briefly if it has begun to firm), chill 45 minutes, and carefully pour the cooled raspberry layer on top. Chill another 45 minutes.
STEP EIGHT: Make the final lime mixture and let it cool. Add the last portion of sweetened condensed milk to the dish and chill 45 minutes. Finally, pour the cooled lime mixture as the top layer.
For best results, refrigerate overnight. If short on time, allow at least six hours so every layer fully firms.
PRO TIP:
Once firm, slice the layered jello into squares while still in the dish. Transfer squares to a serving platter, top each with a small dollop of whipped topping and finish with holiday sprinkles or a small red or green candy.
How To Serve
These layered jello shots are a festive showstopper that guests will admire. Serve them chilled on a platter as an adult-only holiday treat, or omit the vodka to create a kid-friendly dessert parfait in glasses or mason jars.
They also pair nicely with savory holiday appetizers and other jello shot variations if you’re offering a spread of party bites.
MORE JELLO SHOT IDEAS
Storage
MAKE AHEAD: Prepare the shots ahead and cover the tray tightly with plastic wrap or foil. They can be made 2–3 days before serving for convenience.
IN THE FRIDGE: Keep covered in the refrigerator until ready to garnish and serve. Properly stored, these will keep up to five days refrigerated.
IN THE FREEZER: Freezing is not recommended; gelatin plus alcohol doesn’t freeze well and can alter texture.
Why We Love This Recipe
Festive Flavors: Raspberry and lime layered with sweetened condensed milk and a splash of vodka create a bright, holiday-forward taste.
Visually Stunning: Clean red, white, and green layers with whipped topping and sprinkles make a memorable presentation for any gathering.
Adult-Friendly: These jello shots are nostalgic but intended for adults. The vodka adds a subtle kick that elevates this classic treat.
They take time to assemble but deliver a fun, festive centerpiece for holiday parties.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes — make them up to five days ahead and keep refrigerated, covered.
Store covered in the fridge for up to five days. Don’t garnish until serving.
Freezing is not recommended due to gelatin and alcohol affecting texture.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Reindeer Food
- Cherry Wink Cookies
- Cinnamon Ornaments
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch Shot
- Cranberry Christmas Cocktail
Get Recipes on Pinterest
Holly Jolly Jello Shots
Ingredients
- 6 cups boiling water, divided
- 1.5 ounces unflavored gelatin (about 6 packets)
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 1½ cups vodka, divided
- 6 ounces raspberry jello (two 3-oz boxes)
- 6 ounces lime jello (two 3-oz boxes)
- Whipped topping and holiday sprinkles or small candies for garnish
Instructions
- Heat 2 cups water until boiling, dissolve 2 packets unflavored gelatin. Whisk in sweetened condensed milk and ½ cup vodka until smooth. Divide into three portions and cool.
- Heat 1 cup water, dissolve 1 packet unflavored gelatin. Add one box (3 oz) raspberry jello and ¼ cup vodka. Whisk to combine.
- Pour a thin raspberry layer into a 9×13 glass dish. Refrigerate 45 minutes.
- Wash your cup. Prepare a lime layer the same way you made the raspberry layer, then cool before pouring.
- When the first raspberry layer is firm, pour one portion of the condensed milk mixture over it. Chill 45 minutes, then add the cooled lime layer. Chill 45 minutes.
- Prepare the second raspberry layer and the second condensed milk portion; repeat layering and chilling.
- Finish with the final condensed milk portion and the top lime layer. Refrigerate for at least six hours, preferably overnight, before cutting into squares and garnishing.
Notes
- Make ahead: these can be made 2–3 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Label for adults if made with vodka; omit alcohol for a kid-friendly version.
- Let each layer set firmly before adding the next to keep clean lines.
- Slice into squares in the dish, then top each square with whipped topping and sprinkles or candy before serving.
Nutrition
Get Recipes on Facebook
