If you’re looking for a fun boozy treat that always lights up holiday parties, these candy cane jello shots are the perfect mix of festive flair and flavor. They feature a bright red layer, a creamy white layer, and a final red mix that creates a beautiful swirl. Each shot glass gets topped with whipped cream and crushed candy cane for the full Christmas sparkle.
Store the candy cane jello shots in the refrigerator. Cover the shot glasses with lids or plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing any odors from the fridge. They can be stored this way for up to 5 days. Wait to add the whipped cream and crushed candy canes or sprinkles until just before serving to keep them fresh.
Vodka: Use flavored vodka, like vanilla, whipped cream, or peppermint, to match the holiday theme. Replace with white rum or tequila for a different alcohol base. For a non-alcoholic option, replace the vodka with additional cold water.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Replace with coconut condensed milk for a dairy-free version.
Whipped Cream: Use dairy-free whipped cream for a lactose-free option. Substitute with Cool Whip or another whipped topping.
Toppings: Instead of crushed candy canes or sprinkles, use colored sanding sugar or top with a whole Starlight peppermint candy.
Yes, you can replace the vodka with an equal amount of cold water or flavored seltzer to make a non-alcoholic version.
Make sure each layer is fully set before adding the next layer. Also, let the white mixture cool to room temperature before pouring it over the previous layer to prevent mixing. I usually make my white layer while the first red layer sets so it has time to cool.
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Measure Each Layer: Add 15-17ml of jello mixture per layer. This ensures consistency and allows room for the lid if using cups with lids.
Use a Syringe or Turkey Baster: A syringe or turkey baster provides better control when adding the jello mixture to the shot glasses, helping to create even layers.
Level Surface: Place the shot glasses on a flat, level surface in the refrigerator. This helps prevent uneven layers.
Patience: Allow each layer to fully set before adding the next. Rushing can cause the layers to mix and become uneven.
The best glasses to use for this recipe are 2-ounce glasses. I recommend using plastic 2-ounce condiment cups with lids, as the lids make for easier storage and transportation.
Ingredient Notes
- Red Jello (I used cherry jello) – Creates a vibrant red layer with a classic fruity base.
- Boiling water – Helps dissolve both flavored and unflavored gelatin completely for smooth layers.
- Vodka (or cup vodka / vanilla vodka) – Adds the “holiday cheer,” and chilled vodka helps each layer set properly.
- Cold water – Balances the alcohol while keeping the mixtures at the right setting temperature.
- Unflavored gelatin – Builds the creamy white mixture so the middle layer holds its shape.
- Sweetened condensed milk – Gives the white layer a silky, candy-cane-latte vibe that tastes incredible.
- Whipped cream – Adds a fluffy top layer that makes these feel like dessert shots.
- Crushed candy canes or sprinkles – Finishes each shot with a crunchy peppermint topping.
How to Make Candy Cane Jello Shots
- In a mixing bowl, dissolve the red jello packet in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved. Add 1 cup of cold water and 1 cup of chilled vodka to the mixture. Stir well.
- Arrange 30 (2-ounce) shot glasses on a large, rimmed tray. Pour half of the red jello mixture into shot glasses, filling them about a third of the way. Place the shot glasses in the refrigerator and let them set for at least 1 hour.
- Add the unflavored gelatin and 1 cup of boiling water to another mixing bowl. Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
- Add the can of sweetened condensed milk, ½ cup of cold water, and ½ cup of chilled vodka to the gelatin mixture. Stir until well combined. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
- Once the red layer is set, pour the white gelatin mixture over the set red layer in the shot glasses, filling them another third of the way. Refrigerate the shot glasses for another 1 hour or until the white layer is set.
- If the remaining red jello mixture has started to set, heat it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to melt it again. Pour the remaining red jello mixture over the set white layer in the shot glasses, filling them to the top. Place the shot glasses back in the refrigerator and let them set for another 2 hours or until fully set.
- Before serving, pipe a swirl of whipped cream on top of each jello shot. Sprinkle crushed candy canes or sprinkles on top, and enjoy.
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Candy Cane Jello Shots
If you’re looking for a fun boozy treat that always lights up holiday parties, these candy cane jello shots are the perfect mix of festive flair and nostalgic flavor
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In a mixing bowl, dissolve the red jello packet in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved. Add 1 cup of cold water and 1 cup of chilled vodka to the mixture. Stir well.
Arrange 30 (2-ounce) shot glasses on a large, rimmed tray. Pour half of the red jello mixture into shot glasses, filling them about a third of the way. Place the shot glasses in the refrigerator and let them set for at least 1 hour.
Add the unflavored gelatin and 1 cup of boiling water to another mixing bowl. Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
Add the can of sweetened condensed milk, ½ cup of cold water, and ½ cup of chilled vodka to the gelatin mixture. Stir until well combined. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
Once the red layer is set, pour the white gelatin mixture over the set red layer in the shot glasses, filling them another third of the way. Refrigerate the shot glasses for another 1 hour or until the white layer is set.
If the remaining red jello mixture has started to set, heat it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to melt it again. Pour the remaining red jello mixture over the set white layer in the shot glasses, filling them to the top. Place the shot glasses back in the refrigerator and let them set for another 2 hours or until fully set.
Before serving, pipe a swirl of whipped cream on top of each jello shot. Sprinkle crushed candy canes or sprinkles on top, and enjoy.
Calories: 118kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 44mg | Potassium: 1mg | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 149IU | Vitamin C: 0.05mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 0.01mg
Nutritional Disclaimer: Family Fresh Meals is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
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