Looking for a fun treat for the adults at your next summer party? Then you’ll love these pool party Jello shots! Blue raspberry Jello is mixed with vodka (or your liquor of choice) and then topped with gummy bears for a pool-themed cocktail option your guests will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Jello shots are popular because they’re fun, nostalgic, and easy to serve—making them a party staple. Plus, everyone knows Jello – it’s got 99 percent brand recognition in the US!
The bright colors and fruity flavors appeal to a wide range of tastes, and they’re simple to customize for any theme or holiday, like this pool party themed version!
They also allow for creative presentation, can be made in large batches ahead of time and portioned into single-serve cups, and offer a playful, low-pressure way to enjoy alcohol in social settings.
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Ingredients Needed
- 3 oz box blue raspberry Jello
- ½ cup vodka (berry flavored)
- 1 ½ cups water, divided
- 12 peach ring gummy candies
- 12 gummy bears
- 12 Jello shot cups
*Double all ingredients if using a 6-ounce box of Jello
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- You can also swap in another blue colored Jello if preferred, like berry blue Jello or Sonic ocean water (you can also make a copycat Sonic Ocean Water drink to coordinate)!
- Instead of berry vodka, you can use plain or another flavor of choice (like strawberry, cherry, pineapple, or a tropical flavor). Coconut rum (like Malibu) or tequila is another good option, or you can omit the alcohol (use water instead) for a kid-friendly version!
- The peach rings can be swapped for any other ring-shaped gummy candy you like – there are lots of variations and flavors out there! Gummy sharks or Swedish fish are another great pool themed option instead!
Step By Step Instructions
- Boil 1 cup of water in a microwave safe large mixing bowl or measuring cup. You can use an electric or stovetop kettle, or just your microwave (it takes 2 minutes in my 1000W microwave to do this). Add the blue gelatin mix to the boiling water and stir or whisk until fully dissolved
- Stir in the ½ cup of vodka and the remaining ½ cup cold water, then mix until well combined
- Pour the blue Jello mixture into your shot cups. I like to place the cups on a rimmed baking sheet to catch drips, and then it makes transferring to the fridge easier
- Transfer the filled cups to your refrigerator and chill until set, at least 4 hours (overnight is great too)
- Add a peach gummi ring to the top of the Jello in each cup, and place a gummy bear inside of it (so it looks like a pool tube). Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Savory Bites
- Mini Sliders – Juicy, bite-sized burgers pair well with the sweet-tart flavor of blue raspberry
- Buffalo Wings – The spicy-sweet contrast adds excitement. Try some Air Fryer Hooters Wings!
- Cheese Skewers or Charcuterie Bites – A salty balance to the fruity shots. Air Fryer Salami Cups are a great customizable choice!
Snacks
- Popcorn – Especially kettle corn or white cheddar for salty-sweet contrast
- Pretzels or Snack Mix – Crunchy, salty, and easy to grab between shots!
- Chips and Dip – Try guacamole or queso for richness that contrasts the cool, fruity flavor. My Air Fryer Queso is always a crowd pleaser!
Sweet Treats
- Cotton Candy – Pairs thematically and adds visual flair
- Cupcakes or Mini Donuts – Especially those with blue or raspberry flavors or decorations!
- Sour Candy – Complements the tartness of the blue raspberry
Drinks
- Sparkling Water – Helps reset the palate
- Lemonade or Fruit Punch – Keeps the fruity vibe going for those not enjoying shots
Recipe FAQs
How Many Jello Shots Should I Make For A Party?
A good rule of thumb is 2 to 4 Jello shots per guest, depending on the size of your party and whether other drinks are being served. You can adjust up or down based on your guest list and how long the event lasts.
What Is The Best Alcohol To Put In Jello Shots?
Vodka is the most popular choice because it blends well with fruity flavors and sets properly in gelatin. You can also use flavored vodkas, rum, or tequila, depending on the flavor profile you’re going for.
Do I Need To Let The Jello Cool Before Adding Alcohol To Jello Shots?
It is not strictly necessary, but letting the hot gelatin mixture cool slightly (about 15–20 minutes) before adding alcohol can help preserve the alcohol content and ensure your shots set properly.
Tips For the Best Pool Party Jello Shots
- Cover the Jello shots before refrigerating to prevent them from absorbing odors and to keep the tops from drying out (plus you can stack them and save on fridge space too)! Use a lid if your containers have one, or cover them loosely with plastic wrap
- Serve your Jello shots in mini plastic beach buckets, or tiny themed disposable cups for a playful, summery vibe (the number this recipe makes may vary based on cup size)
- Keep your shots chilled in a small inflatable pool (or tray) filled with ice—functional and totally on-theme! You could also use a surfboard or pool floatie to send them out on the water!
Storage and Make Ahead
- Make Jello shots at least 4 hours in advance so they have time to set completely. For best results, prepare them the night before and store them in the fridge until serving
- Jello shots will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days when stored properly. For best texture and taste, enjoy them within the first 3 days
- While you can technically freeze them, I do not recommend it. Freezing can change the texture of the gelatin, making it icy or rubbery, and the alcohol may not freeze solid. For best results, stick to refrigeration!
- Pink Whitney Jello Shots
- Watermelon Jello Shots
Final Thoughts
These fun pool party Jello shots are perfect for summer! I like to serve them for backyard barbecues, summer pool parties, beach days, and even the Fourth of July (you can add some more patriotic themed toppers if you want too, but the base is already a perfect color).
It’s such a fun way to add a little fun to your summer celebration for the adults (or you can omit the alcohol and then they’re super cute and kid friendly too)! You only need a few simple ingredients, and I love that you can easily make them in advance for low stress entertaining.
They’re the perfect blend of sweetness, fruity flavor, and a kick of vodka to make your summer party a hit!
Pool Party Jello Shots (With Vodka)
Equipment
- Microwave (or kettle)
- Microwave safe bowl (or large measuring cup)
- Spatula (or whisk/spoon)
Ingredients
- 3 ounce box blue raspberry Jello
- ½ cup berry flavored vodka
- 1 ½ cups water (divided)
- 12 peach gummy rings
- 12 gummy bears
Instructions
- Boil 1 cup of water in a microwave safe large mixing bowl or measuring cup. You can use an electric or stovetop kettle, or just your microwave (it takes 2 minutes in my 1000W microwave to do this). Add the blue gelatin mix to the boiling water and stir or whisk until fully dissolved3 ounce box blue raspberry Jello, 1 ½ cups water
- Stir in the ½ cup of vodka and the remaining ½ cup cold water, then mix until well combined½ cup berry flavored vodka, 1 ½ cups water
- Pour the blue Jello mixture into your shot cups. I like to place the cups on a rimmed baking sheet to catch drips, which also makes transferring to the fridge easier
- Transfer the filled cups to your refrigerator and chill until set, at least 4 hours (overnight is great too)
- Add a peach gummy ring to the top of the Jello in each cup, and place a gummy bear inside of it (so it looks like a pool float). Enjoy!12 peach gummy rings, 12 gummy bears
Notes
- You can use another blue colored Jello if preferred, like berry blue Jello or Sonic ocean water. Double all other ingredients (and double cooking time to boil) for a 6-ounce box of gelatin
- Instead of berry vodka, you can use plain or another flavor of choice (like strawberry, cherry, pineapple, or a tropical flavor). Coconut rum (like Malibu) or tequila is another good option, or you can omit the alcohol (use water instead) for a kid-friendly version!
- The peach rings can be swapped for any other ring-shaped gummy candy you like – there are lots of variations and flavors out there! Gummy sharks or Swedish fish are another great pool themed option instead!
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any toppings added, size of cups and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
