You’re a mean one, Mr Grinch! No one will think you’re the mean one, though, when you show up to the next holiday party with these Grinch Jello shots! These green Jello Christmas shots can be made with or without vodka, so anyone can enjoy this festive treat.
What Are Grinch Inspired Jello Shots?
Grinch Jello shots are festive, Christmas-themed gelatin shots inspired by the main character from How the Grinch Stole Christmas (which, fun fact, has an impressive 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes so it’s truly an iconic holiday movie)!
These Christmas shots feature a bright green color to represent the Grinch and include garnish of whipped cream with a red heart-shaped candy (or red sprinkles) as a garnish to symbolize the Grinch’s heart growing larger!
I add vodka to mine, but you can use other alcohols like rum, or even peppermint schnapps for a holiday twist! Serving kids or non-drinkers? Then omit it – these shots are still delicious!
The great part is that you can prepare this Grinch Jello shot recipe in advance, and store them in the fridge for easy party prep. Then, just garnish and serve when your guests arrive for some low stress entertaining.
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Ingredients Needed For Grinch Jello Shots
- 6-oz box lime Jello (or green apple)
- 2 ½ cups water (divided)
- 1 cup whipped (or vanilla) vodka
- Whipped cream (for topping; I like the can for this)
- Heart shaped candies (or sprinkles)
- 24 2-ounce jello shot cups
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- You can also use a smaller (3-oz) box of Jello and halve the recipe if preferred. Feel free to substitute unflavored gelatin powder and ¼ tsp green gel food coloring for every ounce of gelatin used (flavor can be added via flavored liquors or extract)
- Instead of vodka, you can swap in spiced rum, tequila, or peppermint schnapps!
- Feel free to use other flavored vodka here as well – vanilla, lime, and apple are all great choices (plain vodka is fine too but will be a little less sweet overall)
- If you don’t have heart shaped candies, use maraschino cherries as a garnish instead
Non-Alcoholic Alternative
For a non-alcoholic alternative, omit the vodka and use 3 ½ cups of water instead (2 cups boiled and 1 ½ cups cold following the instructions below).
If you want to add extra flavoring, use 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (or another flavor of your choice) to add a holiday twist!
How to Make Grinch Jello Shots: Step By Step Instructions
- Boil two cups of water. I do this in my 1000W microwave by cooking on high in a large measuring cup for about 4 minutes. You can also use a medium saucepan on the stovetop if preferred
- Combine the lime Jello mix with the boiling water (you can do it right in the same container or pan as long as there’s room) and whisk until fully dissolved
- Add the remaining ½ cup (cold) water and 1 cup whipped vodka to the Jello mixture and stir
- Pour or ladle the Jello mixture into your plastic shot glasses (if you have a pitcher, or something else with a spout, you can transfer to that to make it a little easier to pour). I usually set the small plastic cups on a baking sheet to catch drips, plus it also makes it easier to transfer them in and out of the fridge
- Allow the Jello shots to set in the refrigerator, usually around 4 hours
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream and red heart sprinkles before serving!
More Holiday Jello Shots
- Candy Cane Jello Shots
- Lemon Drop Jello Shots
- Santa Hat Shots
Recipe FAQs
How Long Does it Take For Jello Shots to Set?
Jello shots need to set for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator. However, depending on the specific type, it can take up to 4 hours.
I usually make them and let them sit overnight, since that way I’m not in a rush, and it helps with making preparations for your Christmas parties easier!
What is the Best Alcohol to Use For Grinch Jello Shots?
Vodka is the most common alcohol to use in Grinch Jello shots. Flavored vodka is a common choice as well, including vanilla, whipped, apple, or lime flavors.
You can also use another liquor of choice, such as spiced rum, tequila, or a flavored liqueur like peppermint schnapps for a seasonal flavored option.
How Many Jello Shots Does a 6 oz Box Make?
A 6 oz box of Jello makes 24 Jello shots, and so a 3-ounce box makes 12.
Feel free to make one box of green and another of red Jello for a fun Christmas-themed offering.
How Far in Advance Can You Make Jello Shots?
You can make Jello shots up to 3 days in advance. They should be consumed within 5 days of preparing them for best flavor and texture.
When kept in the refrigerator, they’re usually good for 7-10 days in total, but will start to lose moisture over time past the 5 day mark.
How Do I Make Jello Shots Come Out Easier?
To make Jello shots come out easier, you can lightly spray the cups with nonstick spray, dabbing out excess, before filling. Alternatively, dip the cups into warm water briefly to loosen the edges before serving.
You could also use paper shot cups or syringes, which are generally a little easier than the plastic shot glasses.
Recipe Pro Tips For Making The Best Jello Shots
- Generally, a ½ cup vodka per 3 ounces of gelatin is the right ratio to use. You can do as high as ⅔ cup of alcohol if you want, but more than that and you risk your Jello not setting
- I use a large Pyrex measuring cup to heat my water and mix my gelatin, because it has a built-in pour spout and makes it very convenient. However, you can also use a bowl or similar and just use a spoon or ladle to transfer to the cups
Decoration and Presentation Tips
- You can prepare the Jello cups 2-3 days in advance and store them in the fridge. Add the whipped cream and sprinkles just before serving for best results!
- For the red element, use red heart-shaped candies or sprinkles, red sanding sugar, a maraschino cherry, or a fresh strawberry (cut the stem, place it big side down, and add a dollop of whipped cream at the tip to make a Santa hat)
Final Thoughts
These fun Grinch Jello shots are the perfect party cocktail option to whip up this holiday season! They’re simple to make, can be prepared ahead, and look perfectly Grinchy in green. You’ll be the talk of Whoville this year!
Christmas Jello shots are such a crowd pleaser, and help to cut down on that entertaining stress too. Plus, since you can make them with or without alcohol, whether you’re making these treats for kids or the adults, they’ll be perfect either way!
So, grab some green Jello and whip up a batch for your next Christmas party. They’ll make even the most stubborn heart grow three sizes in delight!
Easy Grinch Jello Shots
Equipment
- Microwave safe bowl (or large measuring cup)
- Spatula (or whisk/spoon)
Ingredients
- 6 ounce box lime Jello (or green apple)
- 2 ½ cups water (divided)
- 1 cup whipped vodka
- Whipped cream for topping (I prefer the can for this)
- 24 red heart shaped candies or sprinkles
Instructions
- Boil two cups of water. I do this in my 1000W microwave by cooking on high in a large measuring cup for about 4 minutes. You can also use a kettle, or heat in a medium saucepan on the stovetop if preferred2 ½ cups water
- Combine the lime Jello mix with the boiling water (you can do it right in the same container or pan as long as there’s room) and whisk until fully dissolved6 ounce box lime Jello
- Add the remaining ½ cup (cold) water and 1 cup whipped vodka to the Jello mixture and stir1 cup whipped vodka
- Pour or ladle the Jello mixture into your plastic shot glasses (if you have a pitcher, or something else with a spout, you can transfer to that to make it a little easier to pour). I usually set the small plastic cups on a baking sheet to catch drips, plus it also makes it easier to transfer them in and out of the fridge
- Allow the Jello shots to set in the refrigerator, usually around 4 hours
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream and red heart sprinkles before serving!Whipped cream for topping, 24 red heart shaped candies or sprinkles
Notes
- You can also use a smaller (3-oz) box of Jello and halve the recipe if preferred. Feel free to substitute unflavored gelatin powder and ¼ tsp green gel food coloring for every ounce of gelatin used (flavor can be added via flavored liquors or extract)
- Instead of vodka, you can swap in spiced rum, tequila, or peppermint schnapps!
- Feel free to use other flavored vodka here as well – vanilla, lime, and apple are all great choices (plain vodka is fine too but will be a little less sweet overall)
- If you don’t have heart shaped candies, use maraschino cherries as a garnish instead
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any other toppings or additions, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
