If you want to add some fun and festive cheer to your holiday party, Christmas jello shots are a perfect choice. These colorful treats mix holiday flavors with a little kick, making them a lively addition to any gathering.
This post may contain affiliate links.
Christmas jello shots combine bright red and green colors with flavors like cranberry, peppermint, and lime to bring a fun twist to your drinks.
Making jello shots is simple, and you can customize them with different liquors like vodka, rum, or peppermint schnapps. Whether you prefer classic flavors or creative ideas like Santa hat designs or layered minty shots, there’s a recipe that will fit your style and party vibe.
These jello shots don’t just taste good—they also look great on your holiday table. They are a playful way to get everyone in the Christmas spirit, and they’re easy to share with friends and family. You’ll find that adding jello shots to your celebration is an easy way to boost the fun without much effort.
Related Recipe: White Christmas Mojito: The Perfect Christmas Cocktail

How to Make Christmas Jello Shots
You need just a few simple ingredients and clear steps to make festive jello shots. Playing with flavors, colors, and toppings will help you create a drink that stands out at any holiday party.
Ingredients:
- 1 package (3 oz) red flavored gelatin (like cherry or strawberry)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1/2 cup vodka (or your preferred clear spirit)
- Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
- Red and green sprinkles or crushed candy canes (optional, for garnish)
To prepare, dissolve the gelatin in boiling water, then stir in the cold water and vodka. Pour the mixture into small shot cups or molds and refrigerate until set, about 2-4 hours. Add whipped cream and garnish before serving if desired. Enjoy your holiday cheer!
Related Recipe: Festive Christmas Cranberry Sangria Recipe

How to Make Layered Jello Shots
Certainly! Here’s a festive Christmas layered jello shot recipe with instructions:
Ingredients:
- 1 package (3 oz) red flavored gelatin (cherry or strawberry)
- 1 package (3 oz) green flavored gelatin (lime)
- 2 cups boiling water (1 cup per gelatin package)
- 1 cup cold water (1/2 cup per gelatin package)
- 1 cup vodka (1/2 cup per gelatin package)
- Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
- Red and green sprinkles or crushed candy canes (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Dissolve the red gelatin in 1 cup boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved. Stir in 1/2 cup cold water and 1/2 cup vodka. Pour the red mixture into shot cups or molds, filling them halfway. Refrigerate until the red layer is firm, about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Related Recipe: Easy Christmas Poinsettia Cocktail with Champagne
Next, dissolve the green gelatin in 1 cup boiling water, stirring until dissolved. Stir in 1/2 cup cold water and 1/2 cup vodka. Carefully pour the green mixture over the set red layer. Refrigerate again until the green layer is firm, about 2 to 3 hours.
If desired, place a layer of whipped cream between layers or top with whipped cream and garnish with red and green sprinkles or crushed candy canes before serving.
Flavor and Layer Variations
You can mix flavors to create red and green layers, like cherry for red and lime or green apple for green. For a white layer, mix unflavored gelatin with a little sweetened condensed milk or pudding to create a creamy effect.
Related Recipe: The Best Christmas Candy Cane Martini Cocktail
Try adding peppermint schnapps to the white layer for a minty twist. Another option is to swap soda for cold water to add a bit of fizz.
You can also experiment with textures by making pudding shots instead of regular jello shots to add richness.
Presentation and Garnishing Tips
Presentation makes your jello shots stand out. Use clear cups so the colors show through clearly. Adding star-shaped sprinkles or edible glitter on top adds festive sparkle.
For a classic look, top your shots with a dollop of whipped cream and a small candy, like a red or green M&M. You can arrange shots in the shape of a Christmas tree or line them up with alternating colors for a festive effect.
Chill your jello shots well before serving to keep them firm and refreshing. You want them to look neat and inviting when guests pick them up.
Creative Serving Ideas for Christmas Jello Shots
You can make your Christmas jello shots more fun with smart serving choices. Using festive glasses, adding themed decorations, and pairing your shots with holiday snacks can lift your party mood. These ideas help your drinks stand out and create a merry vibe for your guests.
Festive Glassware and Trays
Choosing the right glassware or tray makes your jello shots look special. Mini mason jars and clear plastic shot glasses work well because they show off the bright red and green colors. You could also use small holiday-themed cups with snowflakes or reindeer prints.
For serving, trays with Christmas designs or lights add a cheerful touch. Use tiered trays or wooden platters with pine branches or holly leaves to enhance the festive feel. You can even arrange the shots to form shapes like Christmas trees or candy canes on the tray.
Clear containers are best to highlight the layers and colors in your jello shots. Make it easy for guests to grab and enjoy without fuss.
Themed Decorations and Toppings
Decorations make your jello shots festive and tasty. Sparkly sugar crystals, red and green sprinkles, or crushed candy canes add color and texture on top. You can also add a small dollop of whipped cream for a creamy contrast.
Another idea is to use fruit to decorate. A slice of strawberry or a few pomegranate seeds give a fresh look and add flavor. Tiny edible glitter or a mint leaf can make each shot feel like a holiday treat.
You can even stick small holiday-themed toothpicks in the jello shots. Things like mini candy canes or star shapes make your drinks fun to hold and easy to serve.
Pairing with Holiday Treats
Pair your jello shots with snacks that match holiday flavors. Salty treats like pretzels or cheese crackers balance the sweetness of the shots. Cookies such as gingerbread or sugar cookies go well, making your party table full of holiday flavors.
For something lighter, offer fresh fruit like orange slices or cranberries. These match well with the fruity jello and add a fresh touch.
You can also create a small dessert station. Put your jello shots next to cupcakes or brownies that have holiday-themed frosting or decorations. This way, guests have a festive snack and drink in one place.
Follow my Christmas Recipes board on Pinterest.



