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.
Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots are always a fun treat for the adults at any party! This festive cocktail is made with tequila, orange juice, and grenadine, turned into jello is a crowd-pleaser.
Jello shots are always a hit, and these Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots are no exception. These really are the best jello shots you’ll ever make and a really easy recipe too!
**Don’t miss our Blue Hawaiian Jello Shots!
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I’m always looking for fun new ideas to make when it comes to our warm weather gatherings. My mom and mother-in-law both loved to make fun recipes to wow their friends and this one is no different.
These will have everyone at your next summer party, BBQ, or holiday happy. They are so much better than a regular cocktail – no spills and portion control is so much easier too.
Jello Shots Tequila
Here are some commonly asked questions
Can these be made with another type of alcohol?
Yep – you can use plain vodka, rum, or any other type of alcohol instead. Keep in mind that it will no longer be a spin-off of the classic drink recipe. But the recipe will still work.
Can I increase the alcohol?
Unfortunately not. You’ll need to keep the alcohol measurement the same – these won’t set and solidify if the ratios are off.
Where can I find the cups for jello shots?
Sometimes you can find them at places like Walmart or the dollar store. But since we live very rural and have mostly mom & pop places around here – I order mine online from Amazon. I have a link towards the bottom of the post to the ones I like.
Can jello shots be frozen?
Gelatin is the most important component of jello. Gelatin doesn’t freeze well and, if you put solid jello shots in the freezer, the gelatin may expand and destroy their form and texture. The chemical structure of gelatin is disrupted when it is frozen, causing it to crystallize and grow.
Ingredients for Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots
- red Jell-O
- unflavored gelatin
- orange juice
- tequila
- boiling water
- cold water
- whipped cream – optional
- maraschino cherries – optional
How do you take jello shots?
If you’re using the style of cups shown, run your finger around the outer edge of the shot and then shake the Jell-O into your mouth – out of the cup.
How to Make Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots
- 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!
What to do if jello shots don’t set
If you use too much alcohol and not enough water, the jello shots won’t solidify correctly.
To fix – heat the liquid. The blooming of gelatin crystals will be enhanced by the heating process. You may also thicken the jello that isn’t setting by reheating it. If required, you can also add more bloomed gelatin while heating it up.
Why are jello shots popular?
There are a few reasons why jello shots are popular. For one, they’re usually pretty cheap to make. They’re also pretty easy to make and can be made in all kinds of flavors. And lastly, they taste good and people tend to like the way they feel after drinking them.
What is the best tequila for Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots?
The best tequila for Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots is a reposado tequila. Reposado tequilas are aged for at least two months, and up to one year, in oak barrels.
This aging process gives reposado tequilas their smooth, mellow flavor, which pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the orange juice and grenadine in Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots.
Do Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots need to be refrigerated?
Yes, Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots need to be refrigerated. Jello shots are made with gelatin, which needs to be kept cold in order to set properly.
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.
Can I make Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots gluten-free?
Yes, you can make Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots gluten-free by using gluten-free tequila.
Is it possible to get intoxicated off jello shots?
Depending on how tolerant you are to alcohol and how many you have – yes, you can become intoxicated eventually. The fact is that while there is a strong alcohol taste to each shot, there really isn’t that much in each shot at all. 1 drink is equivalent to approximately 4 jello shots.
Are Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots suitable for Vegans/Vegetarians?
Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots are not suitable for Vegans or Vegetarians, as they contain gelatin, which is derived from pork.
Don’t miss these other awesome Jello Shots & Pudding Shots
- Pina Colada Pudding Shots
- Pumpkin Pudding Shots
- 4th of July Jello Shots
- Blue Hawaiian Jello Shots
- Sangria Jello Shots
- Layered Pudding Shots
- Easter Jello Shots
- Candy Corn Jello Shots
- 50+ Jello Shot Recipes
Products I love when making these Jell-O shots…
This Jell-O shot recipe is SUPER EASY and delicious – and if you’re like me this time of year, then you maybe already have some of these items on hand OR maybe you have never made Jell-o shots before, & you might be a bit nervous – but you’re going to love them. I have made a list below of the things I absolutely can’t live without when it comes to making this fun adult treat recipe. (you can also SHOP MY FAVORITES in my store)
If you love this easy Jell-O shot recipe, you’re going to love these other Jell-O treats too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!
If you love this recipe for Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots as much as I do, please write a five-star review, and be sure to help me share on Facebook and Pinterest!
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Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots
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.
Equipment
- 15 2-Ounce Shot Cups with Lids
- Injector or Pourable Cup
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
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