Cozy Cranberry Vodka Christmas Jello Shots
These festive cranberry vodka jello shots are the perfect holiday party treat. Tart, sweet, and with a pleasant warmth from vodka, they’re easy to make with simple ingredients and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 cups (710 ml) 100% cranberry juice, divided
- 4 packets unflavored gelatin (about 1 ounce / 28 grams total)
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) vodka (mid-range, like Absolut, Tito’s, or Smirnoff)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) cold water
- Fresh cranberries (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Bloom the gelatin: Pour 1/2 cup cold water into a medium bowl. Sprinkle 4 packets unflavored gelatin evenly over the surface. Let sit for 5 minutes without stirring until it forms a thick, rubbery mass.
- Heat the cranberry juice: In a saucepan, combine 2 cups cranberry juice and 1/2 cup sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves and mixture is hot but not boiling (tiny bubbles form around edges). Remove from heat.
- Combine gelatin and hot juice: Pour hot cranberry mixture into bowl with bloomed gelatin. Whisk gently until gelatin is completely dissolved and mixture is smooth and clear. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer if needed.
- Add remaining juice and vodka: Whisk in remaining 1 cup cold cranberry juice, then slowly pour in 1 cup vodka while whisking gently until smooth.
- Fill shot cups: Arrange plastic shot cups on a baking sheet. Pour mixture into each cup, filling almost to the top. Work quickly as mixture will start to set.
- Add garnishes (optional): Drop fresh cranberries into cups. For rosemary, tuck a small sprig into each cup after mixture thickens slightly (about 10 minutes at room temperature).
- Chill until set: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until firm. Ensure baking sheet is level.
- Serve: Put lids on cups and keep refrigerated until ready to serve. They slide out easily when set.
Notes
Don’t skip blooming the gelatin in cold water—it prevents lumps. Heat cranberry juice to hot but not boiling (around 160°F/71°C). Measure accurately; too much liquid prevents setting. Work quickly when filling cups. For best texture, chill overnight. These keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. For non-alcoholic version, replace vodka with cold water or sparkling apple cider and add an extra half packet of gelatin.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jello shot
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 10
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Protein: 2
Keywords: cranberry vodka jello shots, Christmas jello shots, holiday jello shots, cranberry jello shots, easy holiday recipe, party appetizer