There’s no treat that gets the party started quite like a jello shot! These bite-sized shots are packed with sweet jello mix and alcohol for a boozy bite that packs a punch. However, it’s 2023, which means it’s time to take our jello shots up a notch. Introducing my Quick & Easy Healthy-ish Jello Shots: the perfect alternative to your traditional jello shots. They’re perfectly sweet, gluten-free, loaded with fresh fruit, and can easily be made alcohol-free as well!
Friends, if there’s one food that can instantly transport me back to my college days, it’s jello shots. These tiny little pockets of jello pack quite the punch, and are the perfect way to get the party started… if you know what I mean. But, because we are adults now, it was time for our traditional jello shots to get a healthier, more refined upgrade. That’s where this quick and easy recipe comes in!
These shots are made with a healthier alternative to traditional jello that has minimal ingredients to it. In addition, we are also loading these shots up with fresh berries to add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants into each shot. Which, when you’re drinking alcohol, is something your body will thank you for later.
I’ve been making these shots for all of my backyard bbq’s and get-togethers this summer, and they have been a HIT! Plus, they are perfect for the Fourth of July. The red of the strawberries paired with the blueberries makes them perfectly patriotic. And what says America more than patriotic jello shots?!
And if you have littles around who want to enjoy these, then don’t worry: they can easily be made alcohol-free by omitting the vodka. I always prep a non-alcoholic batch of these whenever I make them, for my boys and for anyone who prefers to stay away from alcohol, and they’re still just as fun!
6 Easy Ingredients to Make The Ultimate Party Treat
- Strawberry Gelatin Mix / Jello: You can use any strawberry flavored gelatin mix / jello mix for this recipe. They all work! However, since this is a better-for-you jello shot recipe, I opted to use a better-for-you jello mix. This is the exact mix that I use, and I highly recommend it!
- Water: Warm water will be used to help turn the jello mixture into jello!
- Strawberries: Chopped strawberries pair perfectly with the strawberry jello!
- Blueberries: Blueberries are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, adding a juicy and healthy twist to these jello shots.
- Raspberries: And, of course, since we’re using both strawberries and blueberries in these jello shots, we also need to use raspberries!
- Vodka: This is optional, and can definitely be omitted in order to make these shots alcohol-free (which is perfect for kids!) However, in true jello shot fashion, I recommend adding in the vodka for a boozy kick.
My Tip for Properly Cleaning Your Berries
Since this recipe is using fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, it’s important that your berries are properly cleaned. And no, just soap and water isn’t enough to get your berries perfectly clean. 😉 This simple “hack” will not only ensure that your berries turn out perfectly clean, but it will also keep any leftover berries fresh for up to two weeks!
Here is my simple berry cleaning “hack” – I promise, it’s life changing!
How to Make These Jello Shots (With Alcohol & Alcohol-Free!)
Making these jello shots truly could not be any easier! They come together in a matter of minutes (minus the chill time), and can easily be made with or without the alcohol.
To make a tray of 12 shots, start by heating three cups of water in a small saucepan, on the stove, over medium heat. Then, add in your gelatin mix and stir until it’s dissolved into the water. Then, remove the pan from the heat and allow to cool. Once the jello has cooled, add in the vodka and stir until combined.
Next, take a muffin tray and line each cavity with muffin liners. Add your fruit to each cavity, then pour the cooled jello mixture on top.
Finally, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until the gelatin is firm. Once they’re done, take a shot and enjoy! Store any leftovers, back in the fridge, for up to three days.
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! To see more recipes and behind the scenes, follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube! I’m also now on Pinterest, so stop by and take a look at what’s new.
** Photography by Tanya Pilgrim
Ingredients
- 2 Packages Strawberry Flavored Gelatin Mix / Jello, this is the one I used!
- 3 Cups Water
- 1 Cup Strawberries, chopped
- 1 Cup Blueberries
- 1 Cup Raspberries
- ¾ Cup Vodka of choice, or omit to keep this recipe alcohol-free
Instructions
- Start by heating three cups of water in a small saucepan, on the stove, over medium heat.
- Then, add in your gelatin mix and stir until it's dissolved into the water. Then, remove the pan from the heat and allow to cool.
- Once the jello has cooled, add in the vodka and stir until combined.
- Next, take a muffin tray and line each cavity with muffin liners.
- Add your fruit to each cavity, then pour the cooled jello mixture on top.
- Finally, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until the gelatin is firm.
- Once they're done, take a shot and enjoy! Store any leftovers, back in the fridge, for up to three days.
Rate & review
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What others are saying
absolutely love that we’ve found a better alternative for such a classic & fun shot!!!
This worked exactly as written, thanks!
I am so happy to hear that, Mike! Thank you so much for making it and for leaving a review!
Question (perhaps stupid): can you use paper / parchment muffin liners for this with the liquid? Or do you need to use silicone/reusable liners?
Not stupid at all, Karen! Since this is a more liquid-based recipe, I don’t recommend using parchment muffin liners, as they may not hold the jello shots.