33 Holiday Jell-O Shots That'll Rally The Whole Party

apple pie bourbon shots with apple slices and cinnamon sticks in little mason jars
33 Holiday Jell-O ShotsPHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

As we head into the holiday season, we like to get to eating, drinking, and being as merry as much as we can. Here at Delish, that absolutely includes making a round of these festive holiday Jell-O shots to keep our Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa parties going. Before you turn up your nose, take a look at these 33 truly spirited shots recipes that are a far cry from any college-era shots you might have mixed. Dare we say it, shots can be kinda fancy? All we're saying is, don't be surprised if you have to make a double batch of mistletoe shots, peppermint bark shots, and negroni Jell-O shots at your next Christmas party!

If you're new to mixing shots, here's our handy guide on how to make Jell-O shots that will have you feeling like a pro in no time. In their most simple form, these shots only require three ingredients: Jell-O powder, hot water, and your alcohol of choice. With those ingredients on hand, you can get to making all kinds of different flavors. Want something tart or refreshing? Our cranberry Jell-O shots and Champagne Jell-O shots are just the thing. How about something decadent? Our recipes for eggnog Jell-O shots and s'mores pudding shots are the easiest way to get on the naughty list.

What we love the most about shots is how efficient they are. You can make a big batch ahead of time, which will take you off of bartending duty all night. What that means is now you'll have all the more time to spend with your family (and likely a plate of appetizers).

Looking for more ways to indulge this holiday season? Check out all of our favorite big-batch Christmas punch recipes and holiday cocktails.

Peppermint Bark Shots

We look forward to peppermint bark season all year long. These shots taste a lot like the real thing, only way more boozy. Sweet, minty, and creamy, be warned: These go down easy, but they’re just as strong as your average shot.

Get the Peppermint Bark Shots recipe.

peppermint bark shots
Erik bernstein

Tiramisu Shots

If tiramisu is your favorite dessert (ours too!), then you will go crazy for these shots. It takes a delicate pour to layer them perfectly, but it makes for the cutest presentation and resembles the layers tiramisu has.

Get the Tiramisu Shots recipe.

tiramisu shots
Emily Hlavac Green

Milk & Cookies Shots

Let's just say, if you leave these for Santa on Christmas Eve, you'll definitely be on the nice list. We love the ease of using store-bought cookie dough, but if you've got the time, making chocolate chip cookies from scratch is even better!

Get the Milk & Cookies Shots recipe.

milk cookies shots delishcom
Parker Feierbach

Eggnog Jell-O Shots

It's not the holidays until the eggnog has been poured, and this year, we're spicing things up a bit. RumChata and brandy ensure these Jell-O shots will make the holidays so much fun.

Get the Eggnog Jell-O Shots recipe.

eggnog jello shots
Parker Feierbach

Mistletoe Shots

These shots are bound to make some holiday magic happen! Share one of these with someone you want to kiss.

Get the Mistletoe Shots recipe.

mistletoe jello shots delishcom
Hearst Owned

Apple Pie Bourbon Shots

If you're truly looking to get your party started this holiday (or if you're a bourbon fan), then these apple pie bourbon shots should be a must-have at your next gathering. All you need are a few ingredients—apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg—to infuse your own bourbon that tastes just like your fave dessert.

Get the Apple Pie Bourbon Shots recipe.

apple pie bourbon shots with apple slices and cinnamon sticks in little mason jars
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

How To Make Jell-O Shots

Want to freestyle your own Jell-O shots? Let's start with the basics: Here's a step-by-step guide to making any kind of Jell-O shot.

Get the How To Make Jell-O Shots recipe.

how to make jell o shots delish
Parker feierbach

S'mores Pudding Shots

The next best thing to actual s'mores is a pudding shot. It's the best way to feed a crowd with delicious boozy s'mores. Feel free to use regular or vanilla vodka if you can't find marshmallow vodka!

Get the S'mores Pudding Shots recipe.

s'mores pudding shots
Parker feierbach

Washington Apple Shot

The Washington Apple Shot is a breed of the Washington Apple Cocktail made with whiskey—typically Canadian-style—apple schnapps, and cranberry juice. We added pomegranate to jazz it up! It’s a drink that’s crisp, pungent, and refreshing, one that you want to sip on for a little while.

Get the Washington Apple Shot recipe.

washington apple shot
PHOTO; ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLIST; FRANCESCA ZANI

Candy Cane Jell-O Shots

For when you need a little more jingle in your step, these will surely do it. 😉

Get the Candy Cane Jell-O Shots recipe.

candy cane jell o shots vertical
Jon Boulton

Santa Hat Jell-O Shots

A Christmas party wouldn't be complete without Santa, and these Jell-O shots are the perfect way to include him. Strawberries and and Cool Whip turn a simple Jell-O shot into a festive holiday one.

Get the Santa Hat Jell-O Shots recipe.

santa hat jell o shots vertical
Chelsea Lupkin

Christmas Jell-O Shots

These will surely have everyone feeling merry in no time. If you're not a fan of vodka, feel free to swap in tequila.

Get the Christmas Jell-O Shots recipe.

grinch jell o shots
Ethan Calabrese

Negroni Jell-O Shots

Stunning, isnt it? It was only a matter of time we made a party-ready take on the Negroni. We even finished these off with an orange peel for that classic Negroni touch.

Get the Negroni Jell-O Shots recipe.

negroni jello shots delishcom
Parker Feierbach

Cherry Pie Shots

You know what's better than cherry pie? Cherry pie shots!

Get the Cherry Pie Shots recipe.

pie jello shot
Ethan Calabrese

Cranberry Jell-O Shots

Cranberry sauce? We thought you said "cranberry shots." We love these tart-sweet Jell-O shots, especially the sugar-coated cranberries. They're optional but highly encouraged—they make for a great chaser after you've downed the shot.

Get the Cranberry Jell-O Shots recipe.

cranberry jello shots
Ethan Calabrese

Big-Batch Fireball Jell-O Shots

This spiced cherry big-batch shot is drinks and dessert—all in one. We call that a 2-for-1 special.

Get the Big-Batch Fireball Jell-O Shots recipe.

big batch fireball jell o shot
Ethan Calabrese

Hot Cocoa Pudding Shots

Enjoy your favorite winter drink as a pudding shot (mini marshmallows included)!

Get the Hot Cocoa Pudding Shots recipe.

hot cocoa pudding shots vertical
Jon Boulton

Pumpkin Pie Shots

Good luck going back to regular pumpkin pie after these.

Get the Pumpkin Pie Shots recipe.

pie jello shot
Ethan Calabrese

Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Jell-O Shots

Everyone loves a chocolate-covered strawberry, and turning them into Jell-O shots makes them even better! Use your favorite liquor for the Jell-O shots. We went with vodka because it's our fave, but tequila would be amazing too!

Get the Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Jell-O Shots recipe.

chocolate covered strawberry jello shots
Emily hlavac green

Apple Caramel Pie Shots

It's literally everything you love in one pie crust.

Get the Apple Caramel Pie Shots recipe.

pie jello shot
Ethan Calabrese

Holly Jolly Fireball Shots

These spicy shots are the one thing your Christmas is missing. These will surely make sure you stay holly and jolly all night long!

Get the Holly Jolly Fireball Shots recipe.

holly jolly jell o shots
Jonathan Boulton

Champagne Jell-O Shots

These scream PARTY. Change out the sprinkles on top, and you can be using this recipe for every holiday.

Get the Champagne Jell-O Shots recipe.

champagne jello shots vertical
Ethan Calabrese

Pumpkin Pie Pudding Shots

Pumpkin pie? Pudding shots? Obviously the two belong together! Fireball adds some more cinnamon flavor to the shots, but you can sub with all vodka if you prefer. But if Fireball is your thing, then you might as well serve these shots right along with a Fireball pumpkin pie.

Get the Pumpkin Pie Pudding Shots recipe.

pumpkin pie pudding shots
Emily hlavac green

Peach Pie Shots

Make sure literally every flavor of pie is accounted for in booze form this holiday.

Get the Peach Pie Shots recipe.

pie jello shot
Ethan Calabrese

Fireball Apple Jell-O Shots

We believe every good party has a Jell-O shot, and these Fireball apple shots will be a hit with everyone—friends, cousins, coworkers, Grandma. Whatever you do, don't skip the lemon juice! It prevents the apples from browning while the Jell-O sets up in the fridge.

Get the Fireball Apple Jell-O Shots recipe.

fireball apple jell o shots
Emily hlavac green

Sangria Jell-O Shots

As far as we're concerned, Sangria is essential all year round—and so are Jell-O shots. So we combined the two into one dangerously good, very boozy treat. We use a light-bodied red wine, but you can feel free to swap in your favorite white wine as well!

Get the Sangria Jell-O Shots recipe.

sangria jell o shots vertical
Charlie Gillette

Sour Apple Jell-O Shots

We soaked Jolly Ranchers in vodka to infuse these shots with real candy flavor and have zero regrets. (Just like we apologized to NO ONE for our Sour Patch Kids Jell-O Shots.) If you've ever had a Tootsie Caramel Apple Pop, this shot tastes exactly like it—only it's easier to eat and better for a party.

Get the Sour Apple Jell-O Shots recipe.

food, drink, ingredient, juice, liqueur, distilled beverage,
Charlie Gillette

RumChata Jell-O Shots

Cherry Jell-O + RumChata = the most surprising, and delicious shot combo ever. Trust us on this one 😉 These taste like the best-every cherry pie—in shot form.

Get the RumChata Jell-O Shots recipe.

rumchata jello shots delishcom
Charlie Gillette

Chardonnay Jell-O Shots

Make your Jell-O shots as fancy as you are. Be sure to shoot these with your pinkies up!

Get the Chardonnay Jell-O Shots recipe.

chardonnay jello shots vertical
Chelsea Lupkin

PSL Jell-O Shots

PSL season is the best time of year at Delish. We wait all summer for the first sip of the fall drink—and then never order anything else until January. 😋And with these shots, even your party guests don't have to go without the classic flavor!

Get the PSL Jell-O Shots recipe.

psl jello shots
Hearst Owned

Butterbeer Jell-O Shots

We're absolutely going to need to Accio these Jell-O shots, perfect for all the Harry Potter fans out there!

Get the Butterbeer Jell-O Shots recipe.

butterbeer shots vertical
Jon Boulton

Tiffany Jell-O Shots

You're going to want to say yes to these shots. A splash of blue Curaçao turns these Jell-O shots the perfect shade of Tiffany blue. They're probably the fanciest Jell-O shot you'll ever take!

Get the Tiffany Jell-O Shots recipe.

tiffany jello shots delishcom
Brad Holland

Strawberry Champagne Jell-O Shots

Feel free to use whatever sparkling wine you prefer in these shots: Champagne, Prosecco or maybe even a bubbly rosé! Make sure to let that initial Jell-O layer solidify before adding your strawberries. This makes sure they don't sink all the way to the bottom.

Get the Strawberry Champagne Jell-O Shots recipe.

strawberry champagne jell o shots vertical
John Komar

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