Whether you’re planning a party, gearing up for game day, or simply looking to elevate your weekend shenanigans, jello shots are a surefire way to add a splash of excitement to any gathering. And when it comes to jello shots, there’s nothing quite like the kick of rum to transform them from childhood nostalgia into a grown-up treat with a tropical twist.
In this article, I’m going to share with you my personal tips and tricks on how to create the most delectable rum jello shots—a recipe that’s been a hit at countless get-togethers and has earned a coveted spot in my “entertaining essentials” playbook.
A Jello shot or a gelatin shot, is a fun and often colorful alcoholic treat typically served in small, single-serving containers.
Ingredients:
1 cup boiling water
1 standard 3-ounce packet of flavored Jello (pick flavors that complement rum)
1 cup of your favorite rum (spiced, dark, or white)
Shot cups (plastic condiment cups with lids work great for storing and stacking)
Instructions:
Set Up Shot Cups: Place individual shot cups on a large cookie sheet or tray. This makes them easy to transport and maneuver into the fridge.
Boil Water: Bring a cup of water to a rolling boil.
Mix in Jello: Pour the boiling water into a heatproof bowl or large measuring cup with a spout (for easy pouring later on). Add the 3-ounce packet of Jello to the hot water and stir until the powder has completely dissolved. This is important to avoid grainy shots.
Add Rum: Once the Jello has dissolved, let the liquid cool for a few minutes. Then, add a cup of rum. The cooling period ensures that the alcohol won’t evaporate when mixed in with the hot liquid.
Pour the Mixture: Carefully pour the Jello mixture into the prepared shot cups, filling them up to just below the rim.
Chill to Set: Transfer the tray into the refrigerator and let the shots set. This usually takes between 2 to 4 hours, but for best results, let them chill overnight.
Serve: Once your jello shots are set, you can cap them with lids for easy transportation or serve as is. A soft squeeze of the cup or a tiny spoon can help ease them out when you’re ready to enjoy.
Tips for Perfect Jello Shots:
Rum Choice: The type of rum you choose can vastly influence the flavor of your shots. White rum is subtle, while dark and spiced rums bring richer notes. You might even consider using coconut rum for a tasty tropical twist.
Alcohol Content: Remember that the alcohol content in the shots can be adjusted to taste. The 1:1 ratio of boiling water to rum will make for quite strong shots. If that’s too powerful, try using ¾ cup of rum and ¼ cup of cold water for a more relaxed experience.
Avoiding Watery Shots: Be careful not to over-dilute the Jello with too much liquid. Stick with the recipe proportions for best results.
Creative Combos: Mix up your jello shot flavors by trying out different Jello and rum combinations. You can even layer different flavors to make rainbow shots, though this will take more prep time as each layer needs to set.
Elevate with Garnishes: To make your jello shots visually irresistible, garnish them with a slice of lime or lemon, a cherry on top, or a dusting of edible glitter.
Setting Time: Patience is key for the perfect consistency. Give them time to set thoroughly for the best texture and to avoid spills.
Ease of Use: If you’re planning to travel with your jello shots or want to serve them without a mess, consider using cups with lids. This makes it simpler to stack and transport them without the jello wobbling around.
What to serve with
Serving jello shots at a party can add a fun and whimsical touch to the event. To complement these festive treats, it’s ideal to offer a variety of appetizers and beverages that cater to different tastes and provide balance.
Snacks and Appetizers
Consider the flavor and style of your jello shots when choosing complementary snacks. Here are some ideas:
Chips and Dip: Offer a variety of chips, such as tortilla chips, potato chips, and veggie chips, with dip options such as salsa, guacamole, and a creamy onion dip.
Pretzels: Easy to serve and eat, pretzels are great for munching between shots.
Nuts and Trail Mixes: These provide a nice crunch and a balance of sweet and salty.
Finger Foods:
Mini Sandwiches or Sliders: Serve bite-sized sandwiches or sliders with various fillings (e.g., turkey and cheese, ham and Swiss, cucumber and cream cheese).
Vegetable Platter: A healthy option with a dip like hummus or ranch dressing.
Stuffed Mushrooms or Deviled Eggs: These appetizers are rich and satisfying without being too filling.
Cheese Board:
Assorted Cheeses: Offer a selection of cheeses ranging from soft to hard (Brie, Cheddar, Gouda, and Blue Cheese).
Crackers and Breadsticks: These pair perfectly with cheese and provide a nice textural contrast to the jello shots.
Sweet Bites:
Fruit Platter or Skewers: Fresh fruits can cleanse the palate and refresh your guests between different jello shot flavors.
Mini Desserts: Small desserts like cupcakes, cookies, or chocolate truffles offer a sweet end to balance the sweet, boozy jello shots.
Beverages
While jumbo shots are the main stars, offering a variety of beverages can cater to non-drinking guests or provide options for guests to pace themselves:
Non-Alcoholic Options:
Water: It is always essential to keep everyone hydrated.
Sodas and Sparkling Waters: These beverages help cleanse the palate and offer a non-alcoholic fizz.
Lemonade and Iced Tea: Refreshing and perfect for washing down the sweetness of the jello shots.
Alcoholic Beverages:
Beer: A light beer can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the sweetness of jello shots.
Cocktails: Offer a signature cocktail that complements the theme of your jello shots. A mixed cocktail bar allows guests to choose their own beverages according to their preferences.
Ingredients Substitutes
When creating jello shots with rum, you may find you need to substitute ingredients due to dietary restrictions, taste preferences, or simply because you need to use what’s available. Here is a detailed breakdown of possible substitutes for the common ingredients in rum jello shots:
Jello (Gelatin)
Vegan Gelatin Substitute: Agar-agar is a popular plant-based gelatin substitute derived from seaweed. It sets firmer than gelatin and does so at room temperature. Use it in equal measure to powdered gelatin. Make sure to dissolve it fully in boiling water for the best texture.
Flavor Variations: You can use any flavor of gelatin or even unflavored gelatin if you want to play with adding different fruit juices or other flavorings.
Flavored Jello
Homemade Gelatin Flavoring: If you have unflavored gelatin, you can make your own flavors with fruit juices, purees, or zest. Just replace some of the water in the recipe with your juice or puree of choice to reach the desired taste.
Other Dessert Mixes: In a pinch, you may be able to use pudding mixes or other dessert mixes that set. Keep in mind that these will have a creamier texture and won’t be clear like traditional jello shots.
Water
Juices: For additional flavor, use fruit juices such as apple, pineapple, orange, or cranberry in place of boiling water. Make sure the juice is heated similarly to how you would heat water.
Coconut Water: Using coconut water as your base for a tropical twist. It pairs well with rum and adds a subtle sweetness and flavor.
Rum
Different Types of Rum: For different taste profiles, feel free to substitute white rum with dark, spiced, or flavored rum, like coconut rum (Malibu).
Other Liquors: If you don’t have rum, you can use different types of alcohol like vodka, tequila, or even flavored schnapps. Just be mindful of the flavor compatibility with your gelatin.
Sweeteners (If using unflavored gelatin)
Sugar Substitute: If you’re using unflavored gelatin and want to keep the shots low-calorie, use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol instead of sugar.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Try honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener. These will add distinct flavors, so consider that when choosing your combinations.
Cold Water (If reducing alcohol strength)
Cold Juice: Replace cold water with cold juice to complete the jello’s flavor and add an extra fruity kick without boosting the alcohol content.
Soda or Sparkling Water: Using soda or sparkling water can add a slight carbonated effect to your jello shots.
Final Thoughts
Follow these instructions and you’ll have an irresistible batch of rum jello shots to serve at your next gathering. They are the perfect adult treat to liven any event—just serve responsibly and watch your guests relish each fruity, boozy bite!
Set Up Shot Cups: Place individual shot cups on a large cookie sheet or tray. This makes them easy to transport and maneuver into the fridge.
Boil Water: Bring a cup of water to a rolling boil.
Mix in Jello: Pour the boiling water into a heatproof bowl or large measuring cup with a spout (for easy pouring later on). Add the 3-ounce packet of Jello to the hot water and stir until the powder has completely dissolved. This is important to avoid grainy shots.
Add Rum: Once the Jello has dissolved, let the liquid cool for a few minutes. Then, add a cup of rum. The cooling period ensures that the alcohol won't evaporate when mixed in with the hot liquid.
Pour the Mixture: Carefully pour the Jello mixture into the prepared shot cups, filling them up to just below the rim.
Chill to Set: Transfer the tray into the refrigerator and let the shots set. This usually takes between 2 to 4 hours, but for best results, let them chill overnight.
Serve: Once your jello shots are set, you can cap them with lids for easy transportation or serve as is. A soft squeeze of the cup or a tiny spoon can help ease them out when you're ready to enjoy.
Meet Sandra, a bartender with a passion for mixology and storytelling. Born and raised in Miami, Sandra's fascination with flavors and spirits began at a young age, inspired by the vibrant culture of her hometown.
