Grinch Jello Shots are a fun and festive adult treat for holiday parties, themed gatherings, or New Year’s celebrations. Inspired by the mischievous green character, these jello shots are vibrant, tart, and topped with a creamy whipped layer and a cherry for a playful, seasonal look. They are simple to prepare, visually striking, and guaranteed to bring a little extra holiday cheer to any event.
This recipe combines lime-flavored gelatin with silver tequila for a refreshing and spirited treat. The whipped cream topping balances the tartness of the lime, while maraschino cherries add a sweet, decorative finishing touch. Individually portioned in small cups or shot glasses, these Grinch Jello Shots are as easy to serve as they are fun to make. They are ideal for holiday parties, adult gatherings, or as a festive addition to any cocktail table.
Below, you’ll find the full ingredient list and a detailed step-by-step method to make Grinch Jello Shots that are flavorful, festive, and perfectly portioned.
Ingredients
- 1 (3 ounce) box lime jello mix
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup cold water
- ½ cup silver tequila (4 ounces)
- 1 cup whipped cream for topping
- 12 maraschino cherries for topping
Preparation Method
Step 1
In a medium bowl, dissolve the lime jello mix in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved.
Step 2
Add ½ cup cold water and ½ cup silver tequila to the dissolved gelatin. Stir well to combine.
Step 3
Pour the jello mixture evenly into 12 small shot glasses or disposable cups, filling each about ¾ full.
Step 4
Place the filled glasses in the refrigerator and allow the jello to set for at least 2–4 hours, or until firm.
Step 5
Once the jello has set, top each shot with a generous spoonful of whipped cream.

Step 6
Garnish each shot with a maraschino cherry placed on top of the whipped cream.
Step 7
Keep the jello shots refrigerated until ready to serve. They are best enjoyed cold and fresh.
Step 8
Optional: For extra festive flair, add green sprinkles or edible glitter to the whipped cream topping.
Step 9
Serve to guests with small spoons or drinkable directly from the shot glasses.
Step 10
Enjoy your festive, tart, and creamy Grinch Jello Shots responsibly with friends and family.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these jello shots ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Keep covered to prevent the jello from drying out.
2. Can I use a different alcohol?
Yes, vodka, rum, or another clear spirit can be substituted for tequila, maintaining the same ½ cup measurement.
3. Can I make them non-alcoholic?
Yes, simply replace the tequila with an additional ½ cup of cold water for a kid-friendly version.
4. Can I use other gelatin flavors?
Yes, but the lime flavor gives the signature Grinch green appearance. Other flavors may alter the color and theme.
5. Can I make them in larger servings?
Yes, double or triple the recipe and pour into larger cups or small dessert bowls. Adjust setting time as needed.
6. Can I freeze jello shots?
Freezing is not recommended, as it may change the texture and cause the whipped cream topping to separate.
Grinch Jello Shots – Festive, Fun, and Perfect for Holiday Parties
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 shots
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Festive Grinch Jello Shots with a tangy lime flavor and a creamy whipped topping, perfect for holiday parties. Each shot is topped with a maraschino cherry for extra fun.
Ingredients
- 1 3-ounce box lime jello mix
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup cold water
- ½ cup silver tequila (4 ounces)
- 1 cup whipped cream, for topping
- 12 maraschino cherries, for topping
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, dissolve lime jello mix in 1 cup boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved.
- Add ½ cup cold water and ½ cup tequila, stirring to combine.
- Pour mixture into individual shot cups or a small dish.
- Refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours, or until firm.
- Top each jello shot with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry before serving.
Notes
- Use more or less alcohol to adjust strength to preference.
- Non-alcoholic version: substitute tequila with cold water or lemon-lime soda.
- Best served chilled immediately before a party.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drink, Cocktail
- Method: No-Bake, Refrigerate
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Grinch Jello Shots are a fun, adult-friendly dessert that adds holiday cheer and a little playful mischief to any party. Tart lime, smooth whipped cream, and sweet maraschino cherries create a balanced flavor, while the green color and festive garnish make them visually appealing. These jello shots are easy to make in advance, perfect for serving at parties, and guaranteed to delight both the eyes and taste buds of your guests.



