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recipe for Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots
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Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots

Got a party coming up? These Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots are the perfect way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo or any other type of fiesta.
Course Beverage, Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword grenadine, Jell-O, jello, orange juice, tequila
Prep Time 15 minutes
Chill 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings 15 shots

Equipment

  • 15 2-Ounce Shot Cups with Lids
  • Injector or Pourable Cup

Ingredients

  • 1 box red Jell-O
  • 2 packets unflavored gelatin
  • ¾ cup orange juice
  • ½ cup tequila
  • 1 cup + ½ cup boiling water
  • 1 cup cold water
  • whipped cream optional
  • maraschino cherries optional

Instructions

  • Combine the red jello and 1 cup boiling water, in a medium mixing bowl, and mix until the jello has dissolved.
  • Add the cold water and stir.
  • Using the injector, fill each shot cup about ¼ of the way full.
  • Place in the fridge for an hour or until set.
  • Add the orange juice to a medium mixing bowl and sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over the top of it. You may need to gently help the gelatin powder all get wet to start the process.
  • Leave the mixture set until the gelatin has dissolved and looks no longer clumpy.
  • Add in the half cup boiling water and stir until the gelatin has dissolved.
  • Add the tequila and stir.
  • Using the injector, fill the shot cups until they’re about ¾ of the way full.
  • Place in the fridge for 1.5 hours or until set.
  • Top with whipped cream and a cherry, if desired, and enjoy!

Notes

  • Do not add hot water to the unflavored gelatin powder before it’s dissolved in cold water. You’ll make it clumpy and stringy. It’s salvageable, but definitely not as easy to use or as nice looking.
  • If you want to make the red layer alcoholic, swap out half a cup of the cold water for more tequila.
  • Do not go beyond half a cup of alcohol per jello layer or you chance the layer not setting up.
  • I like using Sunny D for the orange juice as it’s just a better/sweeter flavor. It really rounds out the flavor of the shot well. However, because Sunny D will make it sweeter, stick with your usual orange juice if you don’t want that.
  • I would skip using an orange juice that has pulp. It’s not very pleasant in a shot, texture-wise or aesthetically. However, it’s totally up to you!
  • I like using the injector because it’s quicker and easier. However, I’ve been able to use a pourable measuring cup and make it out with little mess as well.
  • Only add garnishes right before serving or within a couple of hours of serving. Garnishes have a tendency to get gross sitting in the fridge for long periods.
  • Store without garnishes, with lids on, for up to 2 weeks. Do not freeze.