I may be getting older, but I still like to have a little fun during the holidays! These Grinch Jello shots make me feel like I’m in college again. They’re fun and tasty with vanilla vodka and peppermint schnapps. Plus, it’s easy to make a non-alcoholic version for the kiddos, too. I like to serve the adult ones plain or with just sprinkles and the kid ones with whipped cream so it’s easy to tell the difference. Everyone can enjoy!
Grinch Jello Shots Recipe
These Grinch Jello shots are so fun and festive. They have just the right amount of sweetness and peppermint flavor. It’s like drinking a candy cane! I like to make mine with vanilla vodka, but you can also try them with white rum or tequila!
The most important thing is to use powdered unflavored gelatin in this recipe. It won’t work properly with Jell-O brand or gelatin sheets. I recommend Knox brand gelatine, but of course, any brand will work.
Non-Alcoholic Jello Shots
Planning a party and in need of a family-friendly fun treat? Look no further! I make these non-alcoholic for my kids all the time!
- Make the gelatin according to the instructions on the package (using all water and no alcohol).
- Stir in ¼ cup of granulated sugar before heating the mixture.
- Add a couple of drops of peppermint extract with the food coloring.
- Pour into small plastic cups and allow to set.
- Top with whipped cream and heart sprinkles.
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How to Store
Store leftover Grinch jello shots covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. I do not recommend freezing jello shots, as freezing can ruin the texture. However, jello shots are technically safe to freeze for up to 4 months. I recommend leaving the whipped cream garnish off until you’re ready to serve.
Tips for Success
- Don’t boil the gelatin mixture or else the alcohol could burn off.
- Vanilla vodka is key to adding sweetness to these jello shots– if you use plain vodka, you’ll need to add ¼ cup of granulated sugar to the gelatin and water in step 2.
- Let the liquid for the jello shots cool to room temperature before pouring into shot glasses. If it’s too hot, it could melt plastic shot glasses or crack glass ones.
- If the ratio of alcohol to water is off, the Jello might not set properly, leading to runny shots. Be sure to follow the recipe exactly and do not increase the amount of alcohol. I promise these shots are plenty strong!
- Wait to add the whipped cream until just before serving. If left out for too long, it will melt off.
Grinch Jello Shots Recipe
Ingredients
- 1¼ cups water
- 0.5 ounces unflavored powdered gelatin (2 (0.25-ounce) envelopes); Knox brand recommended
- ⅛ teaspoon green gel food coloring
- ⅓ cup peppermint schnapps
- ⅓ cup vanilla vodka
- Whipped cream and sprinkle hearts optional, for garnish
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
Instructions
- Place your shot glasses or plastic cups on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Add the water to a medium saucepan and sprinkle over the gelatin. Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes.1¼ cups water, 0.5 ounces unflavored powdered gelatin
- Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and gently cook it until the gelatin has dissolved. Make sure not to boil the gelatin!
- Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the green food coloring. Add the peppermint schnapps and vanilla vodka and mix to combine.⅛ teaspoon green gel food coloring, ⅓ cup vanilla vodka, ⅓ cup peppermint schnapps
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl or pitcher with a pour spout and fill your cups almost all the way to the top.
- Cover the cups with their lids or plastic wrap and chill them in the fridge for 4 hours, or until set.
- To serve, enjoy as is or top with whipped cream and a sprinkle heart.Whipped cream and sprinkle hearts
Notes
- There’s the equivalent to one shot of alcohol in 4 (1-ounce) jello shots, so it’ll take a bit longer to feel the effects than it would with a straight shot.
- Nutritional information does not include optional ingredients.
How to Make Grinch Jello Shots Step-by-Step
Bloom the Gelatin: Place your shot glasses or plastic cups on a rimmed baking sheet. Add 1¼ cups of water to a medium saucepan and sprinkle over 0.5 ounces (2 envelopes) of unflavored gelatin. Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes.
Dissolve the Gelatin: Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and gently cook it until the gelatin has dissolved. Make sure not to boil the gelatin!
Add the Alcohol: Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in ⅛ teaspoon of green food coloring. Add ⅓ cup of peppermint schnapps and ⅓ cup of vanilla vodka and mix to combine.
Chill the Shots: Transfer the mixture to a bowl or pitcher with a pour spout and fill your cups almost all the way to the top. Cover the cups with their lids or plastic wrap and chill them in the fridge for 4 hours, or until set.
Top and Serve: To serve, enjoy as is or top with whipped cream and a sprinkle heart.
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