These St. Patrick’s Day jello shots are an easy, festive way to start your celebration. Bright lime (or green apple) gelatin combines with sweetened condensed milk and plenty of chilled vanilla vodka to create layered, creamy shots. Make them a day or two ahead so they’re ready when guests arrive.
St. Patrick’s Day Jello Shots
These St. Patrick’s Day jello shots are simple to make and look great on a party tray. The recipe creates three distinct layers: a bright green gelatin base, a creamy white middle made with sweetened condensed milk, and a thin orange-tinted top for contrast. Vanilla vodka gives the shots a smooth, sweet boozy flavor that pairs well with the gelatin and condensed milk. You can use lime or green apple gelatin depending on the flavor you prefer.
Prepare the shots in small 2-ounce glasses or disposable 2-ounce cups—whichever you prefer for serving. The layered effect is straightforward if you pour and chill each layer long enough before adding the next. Plan for about 25 minutes total active prep, plus 2 to 4 hours chilling time so each layer sets properly.
How long does it take to make jello shots?
Active prep is short: about 20–30 minutes to dissolve gelatin, mix layers and pour. However, the jello needs time to chill and set. For these layered St. Patrick’s Day jello shots, allow about 2 to 4 hours for the layers to firm up in the refrigerator. If you’re short on time, make them the day before your event so they’ll be perfectly set when guests arrive.
How long do jello shots take to set?
Typical jello shots set within 2 to 4 hours in the refrigerator. In this recipe the first green layer is chilled until firm (about 1 hour), then the white layer is chilled for around 30 minutes, and the final thin orange layer will set in about 30 minutes. Total chill time will vary by refrigerator and serving vessel.
How long do jello shots last?
Stored covered in the refrigerator, jello shots will keep for up to 5–7 days. They are best within the first 2 days for texture and freshness. Keep them covered or in a sealed container to avoid absorbing refrigerator odors.
How to make jello shots with vodka
St. Patrick’s Day Jello Shots
Ingredients
- 3 packets unflavored gelatin, divided
- 2 cups water, divided
- 7 ounces sweetened condensed milk (about half of a 14-ounce can)
- 1 cup vanilla vodka, divided and chilled
- 1 (3-ounce) box lime or green apple gelatin
- 2–3 drops orange gel food coloring
- Whipped cream and sprinkles, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil, then remove from heat.
- Stir in 1 packet of unflavored gelatin until completely dissolved.
- Add the 3-ounce box of lime or green apple gelatin and whisk until dissolved.
- Stir in 1/3 cup chilled vanilla vodka. Pour the green mixture into the bottom third of each shot glass and chill for about 1 hour, or until set.
- Rinse the saucepan and bring the remaining 1 cup of water to a boil, then remove from heat.
- Stir in the 2 remaining packets of unflavored gelatin until dissolved.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk and 2/3 cup chilled vanilla vodka, mixing until smooth.
- Pour half of the white gelatin mixture into a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and chill for later use. Pour the remaining white mixture into the shot glasses, filling them about two-thirds full. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
- When the second layer is set, microwave the reserved white mixture in 20-second intervals, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
- Stir in 2–3 drops of orange gel food coloring until evenly tinted. Pour the orange layer over the second layer to fill the glasses and chill for another 30 minutes.
- Garnish each shot with a small dollop of whipped cream and sprinkles if desired. Serve chilled.
Notes
Storage: Cover and refrigerate for up to 5 days; best within the first 2 days. Keep shots sealed to prevent drying out and to avoid absorbing other refrigerator odors.
Tips: Use chilled vodka to help the layers set more quickly. When microwaving the reserved white layer, heat gently and stir often so it becomes smooth before adding the orange coloring. If you prefer less alcohol per shot, reduce the vodka slightly and replace with cold water.
Nutrition Info
Calories: 101 kcal | Carbohydrates: 12 g | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 1 g | Sugar: 12 g
(Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.)
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