I love making Jello shots for parties, and these lavender lemonade Jello shots are perfect for spring and summer! They offer a fun floral twist and a gorgeous looking color, that’s taken to the next level if you serve them in lemons. A little sweet, a little tart, and one of my favorites for sure!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright and refreshing. The lemon flavor keeps these light, citrusy, and perfect for warm weather!
- Soft floral flavor. Lavender adds an elegant twist without overpowering the shots
- Gin pairs beautifully. The botanical notes in gin complement both the lemon and lavender perfectly
- Adorable presentation. Serving them in hollowed-out lemons makes them extra fun and eye-catching (but regular Jello shot cups work too)!
- Perfect party treat. Easy to grab, serve, and enjoy at gatherings
- A little elevated. They feel more unique and sophisticated than standard Jello shots
- Great make-ahead option. Prep them ahead of time and keep chilled until serving
- Perfect for spring and summer. These delightful lavender lemonade Jell-o shots are bright, floral, and refreshing for brunches, showers, and outdoor parties!
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Ingredients List
- 2 Tbsp (2 packs) unflavored gelatin (like Knox)
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup lavender simple syrup
- ½ cup Empress gin (Indigo)
- 6 fresh lemons (or 2 for juice only)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- To get the lovely purple color, you need to use plain gelatin. I’ve tested this recipe with lemon-flavored gelatin and the result was a swamp green monstrosity due to the coloring. Unless you’re going for that color, use plain, unflavored, uncolored gelatin (I learned my lesson)!
- Instead of lemon juice, you can use prepared lemonade for a sweeter option (but I personally find that too sweet, so I stick with juice). Fresh juice is always best for flavor (but you can use bottled if absolutely necessary)
- I use Torani lavender simple syrup, but you can use your favorite brand, including homemade. Sugar free works fine here as well!
- The Empress gin really helps the color turn out nicely, but you can use plain gin if preferred (maybe consider a couple drops of purple food coloring instead). If you don’t like gin, vodka (plain, citron, or blueberry) is a good alternative
- Serving the shots in hollowed out lemons makes the presentation so much more fun and is sure to impress your guests! However, you can also just make these in standard Jello shot cups if preferred (you’ll need about 12 2-oz cups). I still recommend grabbing 2 lemons for the juice though!
Step By Step Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the gin, lavender syrup, and the gelatin packets. Stir or whisk gelatin in, then allow it to sit for at least 2 minutes, until the gelatin blooms (it will form a bit of a skin on the top). I just let it sit while I’m hollowing out my lemons
- Cut your lemons in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to remove the flesh from the rind of each half, then muddle and strain the pulp until you have ½ cup of juice. Place the hollowed out rinds into a muffin tin or baking dish for stability (so they sit level). You can skip this step if you plan to use Jello shot cups instead
- Add the water and lemon juice to a microwave-safe bowl (I use a measuring cup) and heat on high to a boil (takes me about 2 minutes in a 1000W microwave)
- Carefully pour the hot water mixture into the gelatin mixture, and stir until the gelatin completely dissolves (this can take 2-3 minutes, depending how long you let it bloom)
- Pour the gelatin into your lemon cups (or individual shot cups). Use a ladle or a container with a spout to make this easier
- Cover (use plastic wrap or similar), and refrigerate until set, usually about 3-4 hours, then place each half on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice lemons lengthwise into 4 slices. Enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
Appetizers
- Goat cheese crostini: Tangy and creamy with the floral citrus flavors
- Brie with honey: Soft and buttery with a touch of sweetness
- Prosciutto-wrapped melon: Sweet, salty, and refreshing
- Deviled eggs: Savory bites that balance the sweetness of the shots
Brunch Options
- Fruit platter: Berries, melon, and citrus fit perfectly with the bright flavors
- Strawberry spinach salad: Fresh and slightly sweet with a light vinaigrette
- Tea sandwiches: A fun pairing for showers or garden parties
- Chicken salad croissants: Light but satisfying for brunch spreads
Desserts
- Lemon bars: Bright citrus flavors complement the lemonade beautifully
- Shortbread cookies: Buttery and simple, letting the shots shine
- Berry cupcakes: Fruity desserts pair naturally with lavender and lemon
- Macarons: Elegant and colorful for special occasions
Drink Pairings
- Sparkling water: Crisp and refreshing between shots
- Iced tea: Light and easygoing for brunch or parties
- Lavender lemonade: Doubles down on the bright floral flavors. For a boozy option, try my Lavender Vodka Lemonade
- French 75: A bubbly gin cocktail that pairs perfectly with the citrus and botanical notes. Double down on floral flavor with my Lavender French 75!
Occasion Vibes
Perfect for bridal showers, brunches, garden parties, pool days, or any spring and summer celebration where you want something playful and elevated!
Recipe FAQs
What Alcohol Goes Well With Lavender?
Lavender pairs especially well with botanical and light spirits like gin and vodka, but it also works nicely with champagne, rum, and even bourbon for a richer flavor profile.
Which Liquor Is Best For Jell-O Shots?
Vodka is the most common choice because of its neutral flavor, but gin, rum, tequila, and flavored liqueurs can all work well depending on the recipe. Gin is especially good in floral or citrus-based Jello shots like these.
Can I Use Lemonade Instead Of Water For Jell-O Shots?
Yes! Using lemonade instead of water adds extra flavor and sweetness, and makes the Jello shots more refreshing and citrusy. Just keep the liquid ratios balanced so the shots set properly.
Tips For the Best Lavender Lemonade Jello Shots
- If you find your shots aren’t sweet enough, sprinkle a little granulated sugar (or a similar sweetener of choice) over the slices!
- When using Jello shot cups instead, make sure not to overfill them, or the lids will leave impressions in the Jello when they set. When covering the lemons, if possible avoid letting the plastic wrap touch the Jello itself, as it can leave wrinkles if it isn’t perfectly taut
- Try to get your lemon halves as level as possible, as you want to fill them up to the brim with the gelatin mixture as best you can. Any air space at the top will translate into a gap once you cut them!
Storage and Serving
Storage Tips
- Keep refrigerated. Jello shots should stay chilled until ready to serve
- Cover tightly. Use plastic wrap or lids to prevent them from absorbing fridge odors
- Store for up to 3-4 days. They’re best enjoyed within a few days for the freshest flavor and texture!
- Wait to garnish. Add lavender sprigs, lemon zest, or any decorative toppings just before serving for the best appearance (especially with sugar-based toppings, as they will melt)
Serving Tips
- Serve cold. These taste best straight from the fridge! For parties, place the tray over ice if serving outside on warm days
- Use a platter or tray. Arrange the lemon wedges on a serving tray for an eye-catching presentation. Add a sprig of fresh mint or lavender for a nice garnish
- Make ahead friendly. Prep them the night before for easy entertaining!
Final Thoughts
These lavender lemonade Jello shots are a fun, floral twist on a classic adult treat that’s perfect for spring and summer. The light purple color makes them especially nice for garden parties, Mother’s Day, Easter, and showers.
I love to serve mine in hollowed out lemons for an extra fancy-looking upgrade over your standard boring Jell-o shot recipe (but they taste equally good in the normal cups if you prefer it).
They’re easy to make ahead, too, which makes them perfect for entertaining! Slice lemon shots, arrange on a platter, and serve; it’s that simple.
Katie’s tip
Looking for more great floral twists on your drinks for the season? Check out all of my Lavender Cocktails for inspiration!
Lavender Lemonade Jello Shots (With Empress Gin)
Servings: 12
These lavender lemonade Jello shots are the perfect mix of floral, herbal, and tangy citrus flavors. Serve them in hollowed out lemons for an impressive presentation!
Equipment
- Spatula (or spoon/whisk)
- Muffin tin (or baking pan; only for holding lemons)
- Plastic wrap (or a pan lid)
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp (2 packets) unflavored plain gelatin (such as Knox)
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup lavender simple syrup (such as Torani)
- ½ cup Empress Indigo gin
- 6 fresh lemons (or 2 for juice only)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the gin, lavender syrup, and the gelatin packets. Stir, then allow it to sit for at least 2 minutes, until the gelatin blooms (it will thicken quite a bit). I just let it sit while I’m hollowing out my lemons½ cup lavender simple syrup, ½ cup Empress Indigo gin, 2 Tbsp (2 packets) unflavored plain gelatin
- Cut your lemons in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to remove the flesh from the rind of each half, then muddle and strain the pulp until you have ½ cup of juice. Place the hollowed out rinds into a muffin tin or baking dish for stability (so they sit level). You can skip this step if you plan to use Jello shot cups instead, just juice them6 fresh lemons
- Add the water and lemon juice to a microwave-safe bowl (I use a measuring cup) and heat on high until boiling (takes me about 2 minutes in a 1000W microwave)½ cup fresh lemon juice, ½ cup water
- Carefully pour the hot liquid into the gelatin mixture, and stir until the gelatin completely dissolves (this can take up to 2-3 minutes, depending how long you let it bloom)
- Pour the gelatin into your hollowed out lemons (or individual shot cups). Use a ladle or a container with a spout to make this easier
- Cover (use plastic wrap or similar), and refrigerate until set, usually about 4 hours, then use a sharp knife to slice each lemon half lengthwise into 4 slices (cut in half, then cut each piece in half again), or as desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- To get the right color, you need to use plain gelatin. I tested this recipe with lemon-flavored gelatin and the result was a swamp green (so avoid that, unless that’s your intention)!
- Instead of lemon juice, you can use prepared lemonade for a sweeter option (but I personally find that too sweet, so I stick with juice). Fresh juice is best for flavor (but you can use bottled if absolutely necessary)
- I use pre-made lavender simple syrup, but you can use homemade, and sugar free works fine here as well if preferred!
- The Empress gin really helps the color turn out nicely, but you can use plain gin if preferred (you can use a couple drops of purple food coloring instead). If you don’t like gin, vodka (plain, citron, or blueberry) is a good alternative
- Serving the shots in hollowed out lemons makes the presentation so fun (and you need juice anyways)! However, you can also make these in standard Jello shot cups if preferred (you’ll need about 12 2-ounce cups)
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand, size, and flavor of ingredients, any toppings or garnishes added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
Serving: 30g | Calories: 47kcal | Carbohydrates: 5.7g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: 4.1mg | Potassium: 11mg | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin C: 3.9mg | Calcium: 1.3mg
