Nothing says “holiday party” quite like a tray of wobbly, festive Christmas Tree Jello Shots winking at you from the dessert table. I’ll never forget the first time I made these for our annual Friendsmas gathering – my husband’s college buddies went wild for them, and now they’re practically a requirement at every December get-together. What started as a silly experiment (can jello really look like tiny evergreens?) turned into one of our most beloved traditions. The magic is in those cheerful green and red layers – they look fancy but couldn’t be simpler to make. Just wait until you see guests’ faces light up when they spot these little trees! Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or an ugly sweater party, these jiggly shots bring instant holiday cheer. Pro tip: make extra – they disappear faster than cookies left out for Santa.
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Tree Jello Shots
Listen, I know holiday entertaining can feel overwhelming – between decorating, cooking, and keeping Uncle Joe from spilling eggnog on your good tablecloth. That’s exactly why these jiggly little trees are my secret weapon every December. Here’s why they’ll become your new favorite party trick:
- Instant holiday magic: Those vibrant green and red layers look like you spent hours decorating, when really it’s just jello being its fabulous self. I love watching guests do double-takes when they spot them on the dessert table!
- Foolproof fun: Unlike fussy holiday desserts that require precision piping or tempering chocolate, these shots are seriously easy. If you can boil water and stir, you’ve got this. My 12-year-old niece helps me make them now (sans vodka in her batch, of course).
- Party perfect: They’re the ultimate conversation starter at any holiday gathering – from office parties to Friendsmas celebrations. I always bring a double batch because people go crazy for them.
- Endlessly customizable: Swap the lime for blue raspberry to make Grinch shots, use pomegranate for deeper red layers, or skip the alcohol for a kid-friendly version. The possibilities are as endless as your holiday spirit!
Ingredients for Christmas Tree Jello Shots
Gathering ingredients for these festive shots is as easy as checking off your holiday shopping list! Here’s everything you’ll need to create these wobbly little Christmas trees. Trust me, you probably have most of this in your pantry already – except maybe the vodka, which I always seem to need an extra bottle of during the holidays anyway.
- 24 (2-ounce) plastic condiment cups or plastic shot glasses – Look for clear ones to show off those pretty layers!
- 1 (3-ounce) box lime-flavored powdered gelatin – That vibrant green makes the perfect tree color
- 3 cups water, divided – You’ll use this for both gelatin layers
- 1 cup very cold vodka or white rum, divided – Keep it chilled in the freezer until the last minute
- 1 (3-ounce) box strawberry- or cherry-flavored powdered gelatin – For that gorgeous red “tree trunk” layer
Optional Garnishes (because we’re fancy like that):
- 1 small lime – For zesting or thin slices to perch on top
- 2 tablespoons red, green, or white sugar sprinkles – Like edible Christmas ornaments
- Whipped cream – For a snowy tree topper effect
- Holiday sprinkles – The more glittery, the better in my book
See? Nothing too crazy here. The magic happens when these simple ingredients come together to create something truly special. Now let’s get mixing!
How to Make Christmas Tree Jello Shots
Alright, let’s make some holiday magic happen! I promise this is easier than untangling Christmas lights – just follow these simple steps and you’ll have the cutest jiggly trees on the block. First things first: clear a nice big spot in your fridge for a baking sheet. You’ll thank me later when you’re not playing Tetris with your leftovers to fit these in!
- Prep your workspace: Arrange 24 plastic cups on a baking sheet – this keeps them from tipping over and makes transport to the fridge a breeze. I learned this the hard way after a jello avalanche incident we don’t talk about.
- Make the green layer: Mix lime gelatin with 1 cup boiling water (I just use my electric kettle) until it’s completely dissolved. Then stir in 1/2 cup cold water and 1/2 cup vodka. Pro tip: use chilled vodka straight from the freezer for the clearest layers.
- First pour: Carefully measure about 3/4 ounce of the lime mixture into each cup. This is your tree layer! Pop them in the fridge for 2 hours – perfect time to wrap presents or sip some eggnog.
- Prep the red layer: While the green sets, mix strawberry gelatin with the remaining water and vodka. Here’s the key – let this sit at room temperature until the first layer is firm. Cold gelatin would make lumpy layers, and we want our trees to look picture-perfect!
- Add the trunk: Once the green layer passes the jiggle test (no wobble when gently shaken), slowly pour the red mixture over the back of a spoon to create a smooth second layer. Back in the fridge they go for 4 hours – I usually do this before bed for ready-to-garnish shots in the morning.
- Dress your trees: Right before serving, get creative with garnishes! A dollop of whipped cream makes snowy treetops, lime zest adds fresh fragrance, and holiday sprinkles are like tiny ornaments. The kids love helping with this part (we make non-alcoholic versions for them too).
See? Easier than assembling those “some assembly required” Christmas toys! For more no-bake holiday treats, check out our irresistible Oreo balls that pair perfectly with these shots.
Tips for Perfect Christmas Tree Jello Shots
After making approximately a million of these over the years (okay, maybe hundreds), here are my can’t-live-without tips:
- Lids are lifesavers: Use cups with snap-on lids if you’re transporting these to parties – no red and green spills on your car seats!
- Patience pays off: Wait until the green layer is completely set (no stickiness when touched) before adding the red. Rushing this step leads to mixed layers instead of crisp color separation.
- Garnish with gusto: Right before serving, dip rims in lime juice then colored sugar for a frosty effect. Or pipe whipped cream “snow” with a star tip – it looks professionally decorated with zero effort.
- Make ahead magic: These keep beautifully in the fridge for 3 days (covered), making them the ultimate stress-free party prep. Just add garnishes last minute so they stay fresh.
Remember – the messier your kitchen gets making these, the more holiday memories you’re creating. At least that’s what I tell myself when there’s red jello on the ceiling!
Variations for Your Christmas Tree Jello Shots
One of my favorite things about this recipe? It’s like a holiday sweater – you can dress it up however you want! Here are some fun twists we’ve tried over the years that always get rave reviews:
- Grinch-inspired: Swap lime for blue raspberry gelatin – those vibrant green and blue layers will have everyone saying “fah who foraze!”
- Winter wonderland: Use pineapple gelatin with coconut rum for a creamy white “snowy” version – top with shredded coconut for extra texture.
- Kid-friendly: Simply replace the vodka with cold seltzer water or apple juice. My little ones love helping decorate these with sprinkles!
- Spiced cranberry: Cherry gelatin with a splash of orange liqueur makes a gorgeous deep red layer that tastes like holiday cheer in a cup.
The possibilities are endless – just pick flavors that make your holiday heart happy!
Serving and Storing Christmas Tree Jello Shots
Here’s the beautiful thing about these festive shots – they’re practically party-ready straight from the fridge! I always serve them chilled (the colder, the better – it makes them extra jiggly and refreshing). For maximum wow factor, add your garnishes right before serving – that whipped cream “snow” stays picture-perfect and the sprinkles keep their crunch. If you’re using lidded cups (my personal lifesaver), they stack beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days – just don’t stack them too high unless you want a jello shot Jenga situation!
Christmas Tree Jello Shots FAQ
Over the years, I’ve gotten all sorts of questions about these festive little trees – here are the answers to the ones that pop up most often at my holiday parties!
Can I use different alcohol in these jello shots?
Absolutely! While vodka keeps the flavors clean and lets the fruity gelatin shine, white rum works beautifully too (it adds a hint of tropical warmth). Just steer clear of dark liquors unless you want brown Christmas trees – learned that one the hard way! For more holiday-inspired drinks, check out our Christmas dessert recipes that pair perfectly with these shots.
How long do Christmas Tree Jello Shots last?
These stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 days if you keep them covered – though in my house, they never last that long! The colors might bleed slightly after day two, so I recommend making them no more than 24 hours before your party for picture-perfect layers.
Can I make non-alcoholic versions?
You bet! Just replace the vodka with cold club soda, lemon-lime soda, or even apple juice. My kids go crazy for the “kid trees” we make with Sprite – they love decorating them with whipped cream and sprinkles almost as much as eating them!
Why does my second layer sometimes mix with the first?
Ah, the dreaded layer bleed! This usually happens if either: 1) your first layer isn’t fully set (wait the full 2 hours!), or 2) your second mixture is too cold. Let the second batch sit at room temp for about 20 minutes before pouring – it should be liquid but not hot.
Nutritional Information
Just like Santa’s cookie calories don’t count on Christmas Eve, let’s not stress too much about numbers here! These festive shots are all about celebration, not calculation. Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific brands of gelatin and alcohol you use. The important thing is enjoying these jiggly little trees with your favorite people – that’s what holiday memories are made of!
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Christmas Tree Jello Shots
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 min
- Yield: 24 shots 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Festive layered jello shots with lime and strawberry flavors, perfect for holiday parties.
Ingredients
- 24 (2-ounce) plastic condiment cups or plastic shot glasses
- 1 (3-ounce) box lime-flavored powdered gelatin
- 3 cups water, divided
- 1 cup very cold vodka or white rum, divided
- 1 (3-ounce) box strawberry- or cherry-flavored powdered gelatin
- 1 small lime (optional for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons red, green, or white sugar sprinkles (optional for garnish)
- Whipped cream (optional for garnish)
- Holiday sprinkles (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Clear space in your refrigerator for a baking sheet. Arrange 24 cups in a single layer on the sheet.
- Mix lime gelatin with 1 cup boiling water until dissolved. Add 1/2 cup cold water and 1/2 cup vodka. Stir well.
- Pour 3/4 ounce of lime mixture into each cup. Refrigerate for 2 hours until set.
- Mix strawberry gelatin with remaining water and vodka. Let sit at room temperature.
- Once the first layer is set, pour strawberry mixture evenly over it. Refrigerate for 4 hours.
- Garnish with lime juice and sugar or whipped cream and sprinkles before serving.
Notes
- Use plastic cups with lids for easy stacking and transport.
- Let the second gelatin mixture sit at room temperature while the first layer sets.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shot
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 25
- Fat: 0
- Saturated Fat: 0
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 0
Keywords: Christmas Tree Jello Shots, Holiday Party Recipes, Festive Desserts, Christmas Recipes, Fun Holiday Drinks