Jello shots are a fun and refreshing party drink made by mixing flavored gelatin with alcohol. The gelatin gives the shots a jiggly, bouncy texture while the alcohol provides a buzz. While you can make jello shots with almost any type of liquor, some alcohols work better than others to produce a tasty treat that holds its shape.
What is the best alcohol for jello shots?
The best alcohols for jello shots are clear spirits that don’t have a strong flavor profile. Vodka, rum, tequila, and gin all make excellent jello shots. These liquors mix easily with the gelatin and allow the flavored jello to shine through. They also have a neutral taste that won’t overpower the sweet fruity flavors. The high alcohol content in spirits enables the jello to set up properly and achieve that signature jiggly texture.
Vodka
Vodka is arguably the most popular alcohol to use in jello shots. It has a clean taste and typically no sugar, allowing the fruit flavors to pop. Vodka’s neutral profile won’t interfere with any gelatin flavors like citrus, berry, or tropical fruit. The high alcohol content, usually around 40% ABV, provides enough ethanol for the gelatin to set up. Go with a mid-range vodka, as very cheap vodka can sometimes have off tastes and high-end vodka would be wasted in jello. Smirnoff, Absolut, and Svedka are good options.
Rum
White and spiced rums make fantastic partners for jello shots, while dark rums are too strongly flavored. The tropical taste of rum complements fruity flavors like mango, pineapple, or coconut. Light rum has subtle hints of vanilla and caramel that enhance but don’t overtake gelatin flavors. For best results, use a white rum like Bacardi Silver or a spiced rum like Captain Morgan. Be aware that spiced rum will impart more flavor, so you may need to reduce the amount used.
Tequila
Tequila’s sharp, herbaceous kick livens up jello shots beautifully. Its dry peppery taste balances out the sweetness of the jello. Blanco tequila works best as its clean flavor won’t compete with the gelatin. Reposado or añejo tequilas would overwhelm more delicate fruit flavors. Make sure to use 100% agave tequila like Espolón Blanco or El Jimador Silver for the tastiest shots. The higher alcohol content of tequila makes it perfect for getting the gelatin to set up properly.
Gin
The botanical essence of gin makes it an interesting choice for jello shots. While boldly flavored gins like Tanqueray can be too assertive, a light citrusy gin like Bombay Sapphire complements fruity flavors perfectly. The aromatics of juniper and citrus are a nice background to flavors like lemon, lime, and orange. An herbal gin like Hendrick’s has lovely floral notes that work well with berry flavors too. The high proof of gin ensures firm, bouncy jello.
What about other types of alcohol?
While clear liquors make the best jello shots, you can experiment with other types of alcohol too. Here’s how some other boozy options fare:
Brandy
Brandy’s rich flavor and sweetness generally overpower gelatin. However, a fruit-forward brandy may complement berry or citrus jello. Use a younger, lighter style instead of an aged, oak-heavy brandy.
Whiskey
Whiskey’s strong aroma and taste makes it a poor choice for jello shots. The exception would be clear, unaged whiskeys like moonshine, which has a neutral flavor profile closer to vodka. Avoid darker aged whiskeys, which will impart too much wood and caramel.
RumChata
This creamy rum-based liqueur tastes delicious in jello shots, adding vanilla and cinnamon spice to the flavor. Use in place of part of the rum or vodka in recipes. Avoid using solely RumChata, as the dairy curdles the gelatin.
Irish Cream
The thick creamy texture of Irish cream does not blend well into firm jello. It can make your shots too soft and mushy. Small amounts may be okay for flavor in some recipes but avoid using solely Irish cream.
Wine
Wine is too acidic to allow gelatin to set up properly in jello shots. The tannins can also cause an unappetizing curdled texture. Skip the wine and go for distilled liquors only.
Beer
While you can make jello shots with beer, especially light lagers, the carbonation results in a foamy texture. Let the beer go flat first to avoid this issue. However, the lower alcohol content means you need a lot more beer for the gelatin to set up compared to hard liquor.
Liqueurs
Creamy or syrupy liqueurs like Baileys, amaretto, or chocolate liqueur do not dissolve well into firm jello. Small amounts for flavor may work but avoid using them as the sole spirit. Clear liqueurs like triple sec or citrus liqueurs can be used more successfully as part of the liquid for your shots.
What is the ideal alcohol to gelatin ratio?
To achieve the perfect jiggly-but-firm texture in jello shots, use:
- 1 packet of gelatin (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1/2 cup cold liquid (alcohol + water/juice)
- 1/2 cup boiling liquid (water, juice, coffee, tea)
This basic 3:1 ratio of liquid to gelatin allows the shots to set up firm enough to retain their shape when picked up but still be bouncy and jiggly. The cold liquid portion should be at least 2/3 alcohol to 1/3 water or juice. Any less alcohol may prevent the gelatin from setting properly. For the boiling liquid, you can use water, juice, coffee, or tea to impart more flavor.
Tips for making perfect jello shots
Follow these tips to get picture-perfect jello shots every time:
Bloom the gelatin first
Before mixing the gelatin into the liquids, “bloom” it by sprinkling over 1/4 cup of the cold liquid and letting sit for 5 minutes. This softens and activates the gelatin so it dissolves more easily.
Don’t skimp on booze
Use at least 2/3 liquor to ensure the shots set up. Insufficient alcohol leaves you with a mushy mess.
Use ice-cold liquids
Chill your liquids and tools beforehand. Adding cold ingredients allows the gelatin to set much faster.
Give it time
Let the mixtures fully gel in the fridge for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Rushing leads to unset gelatin.
Use small containers
Pour into mini cups or silicone molds for single-serve shots that can be popped out easily.
Store right
Keep unused shots in the fridge for up to 4 days. The alcohol preserves them from spoiling.
Jello Shot Recipes
Now that you know what liquors make tasty, firm jello shots, here are some delicious flavor combinations to try:
Vodka Cranberry
- 1 packet cranberry gelatin
- 1/3 cup vodka
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/3 cup cranberry juice
Piña Colada
- 1 packet pineapple gelatin
- 1/3 cup coconut rum
- 1/3 cup pineapple juice
- 1/3 cup coconut water
Margarita
- 1 packet lime gelatin
- 1/3 cup silver tequila
- 1/3 cup orange liqueur
- 1/3 cup lime juice
Lemon Drop
- 1 packet lemon gelatin
- 1/3 cup vodka
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/3 cup lemon juice
Tequila Sunrise
- 1 packet orange gelatin
- 1/3 cup tequila
- 1/3 cup orange juice
- 1/3 cup grenadine
Conclusion
When it comes to jello shots, vodka, white rum, silver tequila, and gin make the best options for their neutral flavors and high alcohol content. While you can experiment with other liquors, those clear spirits are guaranteed to produce firm, bouncy jello shots that impress any crowd. Just stick to a standard gelatin-to-liquor ratio and give the shots enough time to properly set up in the fridge. With delicious fruity flavors and that signature jiggly texture, jello shots made with the right alcohol are sure to be a hit at your next party!