Apple Jello Shots with Vodka

These apple jello shots with vodka are an incredible treat for your next summertime party. They’re fun to serve, easy to make, and a colorful eye-catching addition to your party table.

Serve these for dessert at your next gathering after a few appetizers like this white bean dip, this cream cheese and pepper jelly appetizer, and my favorite, Maryland Crab dip.

These jello shots can be made in advance so you don’t have to worry about one more thing on your party day. You can even do different variations to mix things up a bit.

Scroll down to see our ideas! Here’s everything you need to know about this favorite party treat!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is such a favorite because it’s easy to make and uses very few ingredients. With so many different varieties of vodka and jello out there, there’s a flavor combination for everyone!

Not a fan of vodka? Mix it up with things like white rum, Crown Royal apple whiskey, cinnamon whiskey, or sour apple schnapps.

The easiest way to serve these is in small plastic cups. You can even get these with lids for easy transport.

Got kids coming to the party? Make non-alcoholic versions with apple juice, apple cider, cranberry juice, or just different flavors of jello.

Of course, make sure to keep the boozy ones away from the kids! This delicious jello parfait is great for a non boozy treat!

What Goes Into This Recipe

You won’t need a lot of hard-to-get ingredients for this jello-shot recipe. Here are the key things you’ll need.

Key Ingredients

Green Apple Gelatin: This is what provides the pucker for this treat. Any jello with a green apple flavor will work, but you can find specialty varieties like Jolly Rancher gelatin mix or Sonic Green Apple that really crank up the tart taste and give that electric green color!

Vodka: Yes, you can use any type of plain vodka, but flavored vodka can take it up a level. Add in some caramel vodka for a fun twist. Cinnamon vodka creates the best apple pie shots. Vanilla vodka makes delicious shots that taste like apple pie a la mode.

Whipped Cream: Looking for a simple way to dress up your jello shots? Just put a dollop of whipped cream on before serving. Not only does it look good, the flavor goes great with the apple jello shots. A slice of fresh apple on top finishes the look.

Plastic shot cups: While you can use regular shot glasses if you have a lot around, for convenience, go with the plastic 2-ounce jello shot cups. You can buy a huge number – often with lids – for a low price. This makes this easy treat even easier and means next to no clean-up.

See the recipe card for quantities and full directions. 

How to Make this Recipe

Making green apple jello shots is as easy as making jello! 

Prep a small baking sheet with the plastic shot cups. This will make it easy to move them to the refrigerator later. 

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the green apple gelatin powder and boiling water. Stir to dissolve jello completely.

Add 1 cup of cold water and ½ cup of vodka. Stir with a whisk to blend. 

Carefully pour the jello mixture into the shot cups. Move them to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours. 

When the mixture has turned to firm jell-o, top each one with whipped cream and slices of fresh apple for a garnish. 

Variations

If you’re not feeling the sour apple vibe, or just want to have different options for your event, there’s a variety of different recipes you can make. Here are some ideas.

Appletini Jello Shots: Ramp up the apple flavor. Replace ½ cup of the cold water with either apple juice or apple cider. Add a splash of lemon juice for a bright finish.

Caramel Apple Jello Shots: Looking for a jello shot that’s tangy and sweet? Use caramel vodka and replace ¼ cup of the cold water with sour apple mixer or apple pucker. 

Crown Apple Jello Shots: Swap out the vodka for Crown Royal Apple for a jello shot that will go down smooth with subtle notes of caramel and spices.

Fireball Apple Jello Shots: Cinnamon and apple go great together. For this recipe, substitute ¼ cup of vodka with ¼ cup of Fireball Cinnamon Whisky. Make sure to have some cinnamon to sprinkle on top of the whipped cream before you’re ready to serve this treat! 

Sparkling Apple Cider Jello Shots: Use sparkling apple cider to give a bit of effervescence to your jello shots. Replace the cold water with sparkling cider, but be careful not to over-mix when pouring it in so you don’t have it go flat before it sets.

Non-Alcoholic Apple Jello Shots: Instead of vodka or other spirits, use apple juice or apple cider for a non-alcoholic version that everyone can enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Tips

Put a small layer of caramel sauce on top of the jello shot once it has set. This adds an extra bit of sweetness and looks as tempting as it takes. 

Use a melon baller to make a small garnish of watermelon, cantaloupe, or honeydew melon for a sweet and decorative topper. Place the ball of melon on top of the jello shot once it is set.

Although these jello shots work great for summer, similar recipes work for all occasions. The apple flavors go great for a Halloween Party. Different colored versions are perfect for game day. The sky’s the limit!

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