Tequila Sunrise Jell-O Shots

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If you like the traditional version of this cocktail drink, you’re going to love these Tequila Sunrise Jell-O Shots! A fun addition to your next adult gathering!

AN EYECATCHING JELL-O SHOT RECIPE

Looking for a unique Jell-O shot to make for friends and family? Tequila Sunrise Jell-O Shots are the perfect solution – they’re easy to make, delicious, and can liven up any party! These ended up being a really huge hit when I made them and everyone wanted the recipe. They are really so simple to make. The hardest part is just waiting for the Jell-O to set up. These are not overly strong, with a fantastic balance of flavors and alcohol.

A pile of Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots with garnishes on a few.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What kind of tequila should I use?

You can use whatever tequila you prefer and have on hand. However, I will say that white tequila (like PATRÓN Silver) is my personal choice since it helps keep the shot clear and has a nice smooth flavor.

What other toppings can I use?

Instead of garnishing with a cherry and orange slice, you can add a dollop of whipped cream or leave them plain.

What other flavor Jell-O can I use?

I used cherry and orange as they provide the best colored jello that I was looking for and the flavor, but you can trade this out for strawberry or watermelon if you prefer. You can have a lot of fun changing up the combinations of flavors.

When do I add the cherries and orange slices?

Wait to add your garnishes until right before you’re ready to serve them.

What size cups should I use?

I always use 2 ounce cups for Jell-O shots but you can certainly go larger. It will just make less. Here are the ones I use (paid affiliate link).

How long do Jell-O Shots need to chill?

These Tequila Sunrise shots need to chill for a minimum of 5 hours. I like to make them the night before so they chill overnight and I’m not stressing to make them right before everyone comes over (or if I’m taking them somewhere.)

How to store leftovers?

Leftover Jell-O Shots can be covered and stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Don’t garnish them though if you’re storing them for later. Freezing is not recommended.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR THE FULL RECIPE)

cherry Jell-O mix
boiling water
cold water
grenadine
white tequila
orange Jell-O mix
cold orange juice
maraschino cherries
orange slices

Orange juice, grenadine, oranges, tequila, water, cherry and orange Jell-O, and cherries.

HOW TO MAKE TEQUILA SUNRISE JELL-O SHOTS

Make the cherry layer first. In a large bowl, add the cherry jello mix. Pour in the boiling water and whisk until combined and the jello is dissolved. Add the cold water and whisk until combined. Add the grenadine and tequila, and whisk until fully combined.

Grenadine being poured in Cherry Jello, water, and Tequila.

Fill (24) 2-ounce cups with the mixture a little under half of the way full. Cover with the lids and place into the fridge until set, about 2 hours.

Cherry Jello shot layer in mini jello shot cups on a baking tray.

Next, make the orange layer. In a large bowl, add the orange jello mix. Pour in the boiling water and whisk until combined and the jello is dissolved. Add the cold orange juice and tequila, and whisk until fully combined.

Orange juice being poured in a mixing bowl with orange jello mix, tequila and water.

Take a thermometer and test the liquid, it should be around 110°F. Let it sit at room temperature until it reaches this temp, if it is hotter, it may melt the cherry layer. Once at temp, carefully add the orange jello layer on top of the cherry, and evenly distribute the jello mix among all of the cups.