Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Appearance – The tri-colored layers create a visually appealing treat that embodies the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day.
- Customizable – Easily adjust the flavors and ingredients to suit your preference.
- Make-Ahead Convenience – Prepare these shots in advance, allowing you to enjoy the festivities without last-minute preparation.
- Versatile Serving Options – Serve them in individual shot glasses for easy handling at parties and gatherings.
- Fun and Delicious – Combines the playful nature of jello with delightful flavors, making them a hit at any celebration.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 (3-ounce) box lime gelatin
- 1 (3-ounce) box orange gelatin
- 2 packets unflavored gelatin
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups boiling water, divided
- 1 cup cold water, divided
- 1 cup apple juice or white grape juice, divided
- Whipped cream or Cool Whip (optional, for topping)
- Green and orange sprinkles (optional, for garnish)
Directions
-
Prepare the Green Layer:
- In a bowl, dissolve the lime gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved.
- Add ½ cup cold water and ½ cup apple juice or white grape juice. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture into 2-ounce plastic shot glasses, filling each about one-third full.
- Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes, or until set.
-
Prepare the White Layer:
- Sprinkle 2 packets of unflavored gelatin over 1 cup of cold water in a saucepan. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes to bloom.
- Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring until the gelatin dissolves completely.
- Remove from heat and stir in the sweetened condensed milk. Let it cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, pour the white gelatin mixture over the set green layer, filling each shot glass another third.
- Refrigerate for another 20-30 minutes, or until set.
-
Prepare the Orange Layer:
- In a bowl, dissolve the orange gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved.
- Add ½ cup cold water and ½ cup apple juice or white grape juice. Mix well.
- Ensure the mixture is cooled to room temperature before pouring over the white layer to prevent melting.
- Fill each shot glass to the top with the orange gelatin mixture.
- Refrigerate for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until fully set.
-
Serve:
- Before serving, top each jello shot with whipped cream or Cool Whip and add sprinkles if desired.
- Serve chilled.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 32-36 shots (2-ounce size)
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 1.5 to 2 hours (including setting time for each layer)
- Total Time: Approximately 2.5 hours
Variations
- Flavor Choices – Use different fruit juices such as pomegranate, pineapple, or orange for a unique twist.
- Different Gelatin Flavors – Experiment with various gelatin colors and flavors to match different themes or occasions.
- Extra Sweetness – Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup for an extra touch of natural sweetness.
- Fun Shapes – Pour gelatin into silicone molds instead of shot glasses for creative presentations.
Storage
- Storage – Keep jello shots refrigerated until ready to serve. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing – Not recommended, as freezing can alter the texture of the gelatin.
FAQs
How long do jello shots take to set?
Each layer typically takes 20-30 minutes to set in the refrigerator.
Can I use different flavors of gelatin?
Absolutely! You can experiment with various flavors and colors to suit your preferences or event theme.
How far in advance can I make these jello shots?
You can prepare them up to 3 days in advance. Keep them refrigerated until ready to serve.
What type of juice works best?
Apple juice or white grape juice works well because of their neutral flavor, but you can also try other fruit juices like pineapple or mango.
Can I make these in a large dish instead of individual servings?
Yes, pour the layers into a large baking dish, then cut them into squares once set.
How do I make sure the layers don’t mix?
Let each layer cool slightly before pouring it over the previous one. Pour gently to prevent breaking the layers.
Can I add fruit to the layers?
Yes! Adding small fruit pieces like chopped strawberries or oranges can enhance the texture and flavor.
Can I serve these in fancy glasses?
Yes! You can use mini dessert cups or even hollowed-out orange peels for a unique presentation.
Can I make a sugar-free version?
Yes, use sugar-free gelatin and replace sweetened condensed milk with a sugar-free alternative.
What toppings work best?
Whipped cream, sprinkles, fruit slices, or even chocolate shavings add extra flair to the shots.
Conclusion
Irish Jello Shots are a fun and festive treat, perfect for parties, celebrations, and St. Patrick’s Day gatherings. Their vibrant layers, fruity flavors, and make-ahead convenience make them a must-have for any event. Whether you’re making them for kids or adults, these jello shots are sure to bring color and joy to your festivities!
Print
Irish Jello Shots
- Total Time: 2.5 hours
- Yield: 32-36 shots (2 oz each)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Irish Jello Shots are a fun and festive treat, perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations! Featuring green, white, and orange layers inspired by the Irish flag, these make-ahead gelatin shots are delicious, easy to prepare, and sure to be a hit at any party.
Ingredients
For the Green Layer:
- 1 (3 oz) box lime gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup cold water
- ½ cup apple juice or white grape juice
For the White Layer:
- 2 packets unflavored gelatin
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
For the Orange Layer:
- 1 (3 oz) box orange gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup cold water
- ½ cup apple juice or white grape juice
For Garnish (Optional):
- Whipped cream or Cool Whip
- Green and orange sprinkles
Instructions
Prepare the Green Layer:
- Dissolve the lime gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved.
- Add ½ cup cold water and ½ cup apple juice or white grape juice. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture into 2-ounce shot glasses, filling each about ⅓ full.
- Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes, or until set.
Prepare the White Layer:
- In a small saucepan, sprinkle 2 packets of unflavored gelatin over 1 cup of cold water and let sit for 1-2 minutes.
- Heat over low heat, stirring until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
- Remove from heat and stir in the sweetened condensed milk. Let cool to room temperature.
- Once the green layer is set, pour the white mixture over it, filling each glass another ⅓ full.
- Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes, or until set.
Prepare the Orange Layer:
- Dissolve the orange gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved.
- Add ½ cup cold water and ½ cup apple juice or white grape juice. Mix well.
- Ensure the mixture is cooled to room temperature before pouring over the white layer.
- Fill each shot glass to the top with the orange gelatin mixture.
- Refrigerate for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until fully set.
Serve:
- Before serving, top with whipped cream or Cool Whip and sprinkles, if desired.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- Kid-Friendly Option – Stick to fruit juice-based gelatin for a non-alcoholic treat.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare up to 3 days in advance and store in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Party Food
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Irish-American
