Pool Party Jello Shots

These fun vodka jello shots are a must-have at any summer party! Adorable gummy bears are inside a candy pool floatie on alcohol-filled blue jello. Pool Party Jello Shots are a must-make this summer.

A tray of jello shots served in plastic cups is always a hit at summer parties. This delicious recipe will be an instant hit and is exactly what you need for summer celebrations.

They’re easy to make with a few ingredients. And no, you don’t need blue vodka! The blue jello is the perfect color for the clear blue water.

Have fun decorating your serving tray to set the beach scene or just place them on a serving tray and enjoy some yummy blue jello shots.

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If you are looking for fun summer jello shots, this recipe is needed for your next summer party.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun-themed jello shots are perfect for pool parties or a backyard barbecue
• Gets people talking and having a good time
• One of my favorite jello shot recipes
• Perfect treat for a hot summer day
• You can make them into non-alcoholic jello shots
• You don’t have to use much alcohol if you choose
• Ready to enjoy in just a couple of hours (2-3 hours)
• A tropical drink that will remind you of the beach

Ingredients 

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

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• Berry Blue Instant Jello
• Boiling water
• Tito’s vodka – Other brands of vodka can be used.
• Gummi bears – I recommend Albanese Gummi Bears.
• Peach rings
• Graham cracker crumbs – Use as “sand”.
• Sour chewy ribbon candy – Use as “beach towels”. 

How to Make Pool Party Jello Shots

• Step One: Place at least 32 cups on two large rimmed sheet pans, making sure the rims do not overlap. Have extra disposable cups ready just in case.
• Step Two: Place the jello packets in a large heat-proof measuring cup. Add the boiling water and whisk to dissolve. Whisk in the vodka.
• Step Three: Working quickly, pour jello mixture into each cup, filling about ¾ of the cup. Allow to cool for a few minutes, then place lids on each cup. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until completely cooled and set.
• Step Four: Arrange the Jello shots on a serving platter. Cut the bottom ¼ off 32 gummy bears, placing each bear inside a peachy ring. Place a gummy garnish on each cup. Decorate with umbrellas, graham cracker crumbs, and chewy ribbons, if using.

Equipment Needed

• 2 ounce plastic tasting cups with lids
• Small cocktail umbrellas

What to Serve with Them

Sweet treats pair awesome with jello shot cups with vodka!

• Strawberry Icebox Cake
• Strawberry Fluff Salad
• Blueberry Pie Ice Cream
• Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles

Substitutions and Variations

• Try using flavored vodkas like peach, raspberry, or strawberry. Smirnoff and Skyy both make delicious sweet flavors.
• Use tequila, coconut rum, or Malibu rum instead of vodka.
• Try using a different brand of blue raspberry jello mix, like Starburst blue raspberry instant gelatin.
• Use different flavors of gummy rings, like apple or watermelon.
• Top each jello shot with a maraschino cherry and Cool Whip.
• Use other varieties of gummy candy like Swedish Fish, blue gummy bears, or white gummy rings.

Storage Instructions

If you don’t plan on using the jello shots within an hour, keep them on ice or in the refrigerator.

They can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, but they are best served the same day or the next day. 

I don’t recommend freezing Jello shots. 

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• These jello shots are strong. For best results, do not use a cheap, bottom-of-the-barrel vodka. I recommend Tito’s or Smirnoff vodka.
• The sugar on the peach rings will quickly dissolve when it comes in contact with the Jell-O, darkening their color. Assemble the jello shots immediately before serving.
• You can also serve these jello shots in a muffin tin instead of on a baking sheet.

Can I Add More Alcohol?

I find these jello shots more on the strong side with 2 cups of vodka. I don’t recommend adding any more than that.

Can I Make Them Weaker?

To weaken the vodka jello shots, use 1 cup of vodka and 1 cup of cold water instead of 2 cups of vodka.

Can I make them kid-friendly?

Yes, you can make them kid-friendly by omitting the vodka and using 2 cups of cold water instead.

How to Keep Cold at a Party?

At a party, the jello shots can be kept on ice in a cooler for up to 1 hour. They are best served right away.

What is the Best Way to Eat?

There’s no right way to eat one. It’s whatever works for you! 

I find squeezing the plastic cup a little helps to loosen the jello so you can put it to your mouth and suck it back.

You could also try loosing it with your finger or a butter knife. 

Eat it with a spoon if you want to as well!

Boozy Drinks

• The Appleton Estate Manhattan Martini
• Passionate Sangria
• Pretty in Pink Punch
• Boozy Orange Creamsicle Milkshake
• Homemade Irish Cream
• Root Beer Shooters

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