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Festive Rainbow Layered Jello Shots for Parties

Festive Rainbow Layered Jello Shots: The Ultimate Party Centerpiece


  • Author: David Andersson
  • Total Time: ~4 hours (includes chilling/setting time)
  • Yield: ~24 jello shots
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A Jello shot is a small serving of flavored gelatin dessert mixed with alcohol, typically vodka, rum, or tequila. A layered Jello shot, however, takes this simple concept and elevates it to a visual art form. It consists of multiple, distinctly colored gelatin mixtures poured sequentially into a small plastic cup or serving vessel, with each new color added only after the previous one has just set. The end result is a spectrum of contrasting colors stacked vertically, creating a stunning, stripe-like “rainbow” effect.


Ingredients

Scale

For each color layer (you’ll need 4–6 colors):

  • 1 (3 oz) box flavored gelatin (cherry, orange, lemon, lime, blue raspberry, grape, etc.)

  • ½ cup boiling water

  • ¼ cup cold water

  • ¼ cup vodka (plain or citrus)

Optional

  • Cooking spray (for easy removal)

  • Whipped cream or rainbow sprinkles for topping


Supplies

  • 2 oz plastic shot cups

  • Measuring cups

  • Spoon or squeeze bottle


Instructions

  1. Prepare first layer

    • Dissolve one gelatin flavor in ½ cup boiling water.

    • Stir in ¼ cup cold water + ¼ cup vodka.

    • Pour about 1–1½ tablespoons into each cup.

    • Refrigerate 20–30 minutes, until just set (firm but slightly tacky).

  2. Repeat layers

    • Prepare the next color the same way.

    • Gently pour over the back of a spoon onto the set layer.

    • Chill between each layer before adding the next.

  3. Finish & chill

    • After the final layer, refrigerate at least 2 hours until fully set.

  4. Serve

    • Top with whipped cream or sprinkles just before serving, if desired.

Notes

These rainbow jello shots aren’t just delicious—they’re a showstopper! Serve them in clear cups or shot glasses to highlight the colorful layers. For a festive twist, match the colors to holidays or events—red, white, and blue for Independence Day, green and gold for St. Patrick’s, or pastel shades for spring celebrations. Keep them chilled until serving for the best texture and wow factor.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes (layering + chilling between steps)
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes (no cooking, just heating water)
  • Category: Party / Dessert / Drinks
  • Method: Assembly + Refrigeration
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 shot (~60 ml)
  • Calories: ~90 kcal

Keywords: impressive layered Jello shots, colorful Jello shots, rainbow party shots, easy layered gelatin shots, vodka Jello shot recipe