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Halloween Jello Shots are layered orange and green vodka JELL-O shots topped with whipped cream and sprinkles. Easy to make ahead for your Halloween party!
Jello shots used to have a reputation as a college-party thing, but these days they show up at just about every themed party I go to, and honestly, I’m here for it. They’re cheap, they’re colorful, and everyone grabs one. For Halloween, I layer orange and green JELL-O in little 2-ounce cups, let them set in the fridge, and finish them with a swirl of whipped cream and a shake of Halloween sprinkles right before the party starts.
The best part is how little work they take. You mix, pour, chill, and repeat once for the second layer. Once you know the method, you can swap in any colors you want, from purple and orange for something spookier to orange and yellow for a candy corn look. I make them for Cinco de Mayo too (Margarita Jello Shots) and the 4th of July (Red, White & Blue Jello Shots), so this is a method you’ll use all year.
Erin’s Notes
- Festive and easy: Two colors of JELL-O and a little patience is all it takes to get those bright Halloween layers.
- Make-ahead friendly: They keep in the fridge for up to a week, so you can knock them out early and not think about them on party day.
- Totally customizable: Change the colors, the toppers, or the liquor to match your party theme.
- Easy to make kid-friendly: Swap water for the vodka and the kids get their own batch.
- Budget-friendly: One batch makes 16 shots with just a few inexpensive ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- JELL-O: One 3-ounce box each of green and orange. Any brand of flavored gelatin works, just keep the box size the same.
- Water: Boiling water dissolves the gelatin, and cold water cools the mixture down and helps it set.
- Vodka: A plain, mid-range vodka is my go-to. It has a neutral flavor so the fruity JELL-O still shines through.
- Whipped cream: Canned whipped cream is the easiest way to top a whole tray quickly.
- Halloween sprinkles: Any orange, black, purple, or candy-eyeball mix works.
What Cups To Use
I find these 2-ounce disposable cups to be perfect because they also come with a lid, so you can store them in the fridge or make them ahead and not have them dry out.
Halloween Jello Shots
Ingredients
- 16 – 2 ounce plastic cups
- 3 oz orange flavored JELL-O
- 3 oz green JELL-O
- 2 cups boiling water, divided
- 1 cup cold water, divided
- 1 cup vodka, divided
- Whipped Cream
- Halloween Sprinkles
Instructions
- Start by mixing 1 cup of boiling water with the green JELL-O packet. Mix for about 2 minutes until it is completely dissolved. Pour in 1/2 cup of water and 1/2 cup of vodka and mix until well combined.3 oz green JELL-O, 2 cups boiling water, 1 cup cold water, 1 cup vodka
- Arrange your cups on a baking tray and then fill them up about 1/2 way. Place in the fridge to set for about 75 minutes.16 – 2 ounce plastic cups
- Once the green layer has set up, repeat the same process with the orange package of JELL-O. Let the orange mixture cool to room temperature before pouring over the green layer. Pour over the green layer and let it set completely. It should take about 75-90 minutes for them to be ready to serve.3 oz orange flavored JELL-O
- When they are ready to serve top with whipped cream and festive sprinkles.Whipped Cream, Halloween Sprinkles
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How To Make Halloween JELL-O Shots
- Make the green layer. Stir 1 cup of boiling water into the green JELL-O for about 2 minutes, until completely dissolved. Stir in 1/2 cup of cold water and 1/2 cup of vodka until well combined.
- Fill and chill. Arrange the cups on a baking tray and fill each one about halfway. Place the tray in the fridge for about 75 minutes, until the green layer is set.
- Make the orange layer. Repeat the same process with the orange JELL-O. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then pour it over the set green layer. Return the tray to the fridge for 75 to 90 minutes, until completely set.
- Top and serve. Right before serving, add a swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of Halloween sprinkles.
Recipe Tips
- Cool the second layer first: Pouring hot JELL-O over the first layer melts it and the colors bleed together. Room temperature gives you that clean line between layers.
- Use a baking tray: Setting the cups on a tray makes it so much easier to move them in and out of the fridge without spills.
- Pour from a measuring cup with a spout: It gives you more control and keeps your layers even from cup to cup.
- Make sure the first layer is set: It should be firm to a light touch before you add the orange, or the layers will mix.
- Wait on the whipped cream: Add it right before serving, since it melts and gets messy if it sits.
- Plan ahead: Give yourself about 3 hours start to finish, or make them the day before so they’re fully set.
Storage
Store Halloween Jello Shots covered in the fridge for up to a week. The lidded cups make this easy. Hold off on the whipped cream and sprinkles until you’re ready to serve, or the whipped cream will melt.
These are a great make-ahead party treat. I like to make them a day or two before the party so they’re fully set and one less thing to do. I don’t recommend freezing them, since the gelatin doesn’t hold its texture once thawed.
Jello Shot Variations
- Other color combos: Purple (grape) and orange is extra spooky, and orange and yellow (lemon) with whipped cream on top makes a candy corn look.
- Spooky toppers: Top each shot with a gummy eyeball or gummy worm, or add a few drops of black food coloring to grape or black cherry JELL-O for a dark layer.
- Other liquors: Rum, flavored vodka (whipped, vanilla, or citrus), or Fireball all work. Swap it in at the same 1/2 cup per layer.
- Non-alcoholic: Use water in place of the vodka and you have a fun treat for the kids or anyone not drinking.
Yes! They keep covered in the fridge for up to a week, so you can make them several days before your party. Just add the whipped cream right before serving
This recipe uses 1 cup of vodka across 16 shots, which works out to about 1/2 ounce of vodka per shot.
Usually the second layer was poured while still hot, or the first layer wasn’t fully set. Let the bottom layer firm up and cool the second mixture to room temperature before pouring.
These are so fun looking. I will definitely be making these this year!
These are so cute! Definitely making them for Halloween!
These are perfect for Halloween!! I am so excited to try it!
These jello shots are SO fun!! Perfect for my Halloween party!