Margarita Jello Shots

Margarita Jello Shots

The Spruce / S&C Design Studios

Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Chill: 2 hrs 10 mins
Total: 2 hrs 30 mins
Servings: 16 servings
Yield: 16 shots
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
19 Calories
0g Fat
2g Carbs
0g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 16
Amount per serving
Calories 19
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 6mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 2g 1%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 0mg 1%
Calcium 1mg 0%
Iron 0mg 0%
Potassium 1mg 0%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

A tasty, jiggly little shooter, the margarita jello shot is an easy recipe based on the classic cocktail. With the bright green color and sweet lime flavor spiked with tequila, these shots are fun to serve at parties.

This is a basic recipe that's very similar to making regular gelatin. You'll simply use a combination of tequila and triple sec to replace a portion of the water. Fresh lime juice adds a hint of tartness against the sweet gelatin, while water ensures a mellow "drinkable" flavor. One trick to making jello shots is to keep the alcohol in check, so the gelatin can set up. If you pour too much tequila, you'll have a sloppy mess.

The recipe makes 16 shots at an ounce each, and you can multiply it to make more or to fit bigger cups. Lime is not the only option, either. Just like the lineup of margarita cocktails, you can make it any flavor you like by swapping out the gelatin.

Ingredients

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for margarita jello shots

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  2. In a small bowl, mix the tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and cold water. Chill in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes.

    Mixing tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and cold water for margarita jello shots

    The Spruce / S&C Design Studios 

  3. In a separate bowl, stir the boiling water and lime gelatin together until the gelatin is completely dissolved.

    Making lime gelatin for margarita jello shots

    The Spruce / S&C Design Studios

  4. If using, whisk the unflavored gelatin into the chilled tequila mix. Let sit for 1 minute.

    Whisk the unflavored gelatin into the chilled tequila mix for margarita jello shots

    The Spruce / S&C Design Studios

  5. Combine the warm lime gelatin mix and the tequila mix, and stir well.

    Making margarita jello shots

    The Spruce / S&C Design Studios 

  6. Pour the liquid into shot glasses, molds, or a shallow baking pan for a sheet of gelatin to cut up once set.

    Pouring margarita jello shots into molds

    The Spruce / S&C Design Studios

  7. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is best), until the liquid sets completely. Serve cold and enjoy.

    Margarita jello shots with lime wedges

    The Spruce / S&C Design Studios

Tips

  • Small plastic shot cups make the easiest jello shots because the drinker can just squeeze the shot into their mouth. Glass shot cups work if you offer guests small spoons to scoop the jello out.
  • Adding more alcohol may prevent the gelatin from setting up. Generally, the total volume of liquor should not exceed 4 ounces in any jello shot recipe.
  • Don't overdo the lime juice either. Fresh is best, and too much of any lime juice can make the shot bitter.
  • The unflavored gelatin helps solidify the mix and is most useful if you plan to unmold the jello shots. Feel free to skip it if you're serving them directly in cups.
  • If you plan to use molds or some fancy presentation, do a test batch before the party. A little experimentation is needed for each type of mold, and you'll learn tricks to get the cleanest look. You may need to reduce the liquid or add more unflavored gelatin, for instance. Spray molds with cooking spray before filling so the gelatin is easier to remove.

Recipe Variations

  • This jello shot can take on the flavor of mango, pineapple, raspberry, strawberry, or whatever your heart desires. All you need to do is change out the gelatin.
  • To enhance any fruit flavor, replace the cold water with the cold juice of your choice.
  • Try layered jello shots using two or more flavors. Allow the bottom layer to set before mixing up and adding the next layer.

How Strong Is a Margarita Jello Shot?

Jello shots are often enjoyed as a supplementary party treat, and it's easy to have a few at once. Be careful because these boozy jigglers have an alcohol content around 10 percent ABV (20 proof). Too many can catch you by surprise.

Why Are My Jello Shots Not Setting?

Go easy on the amount of liquor you use, or your jello shots won't set. While it might be tempting to use more, stick with the recipe to ensure you get a proper gel and not a slushy mess.