Easy Grinch Jello Shots

Made with lime jello and vodka, and topped with whipped cream and a candy heart, these Easy Grinch Jello Shots are a fun addition to any holiday party! These Christmas jello shots come together with just a handful of ingredients, so they’re easy to whip up anytime.

Easy Green Christmas Jello Shots

How fun are these Grinch Jello Shots?! Out of all the fun holiday jello shots I’ve made, I think these are my favorite. They’re made with lime jello and marshmallow vodka, which I think is the perfect combination for flavorful, not-too-tart and not-too-sweet jello shots. The shot glasses are also dipped in red sugar and then topped with whipped cream for a festive touch. And, of course, don’t forget the red heart – you can’t have a Grinch-themed drink without a red heart!

If you’re wondering what to make for your next holiday party, I definitely recommend these Grinch jello shots. They’ll put a smile on everyone’s face and are just so easy to make.

Need more festive ideas? Check out these 9 EASY Christmas jello shots!

What You’ll Need

These adorable holiday jello shots are made with just a few ingredients. See the recipe card for the full details.

• Jello – Lime jello gives these Christmas jello shots the Grinch green color. Green apple jello would also work.
• Water
• Marshmallow Vodka – Regular vodka would also work but I love the light flavor of marshmallow vodka.
• Whipped Cream – To top the jello shot.
• Red sanding sugar – The shot glasses are dipped into sanding sugar to add the festive red color to the rim.
• Simple syrup – Simple syrup helps hold the sanding sugar to the shot glass.
• Large candy (sugar) hearts – You can’t have a Grinch-themed drink without the candy hearts!
• Plastic shot glasses – While I make most jello shots in condiment cups, I prefer plastic shot glasses for this recipe, due to the toppings.

Jello Shot Essentials

Here are a few of our favorite tools for making the best jello shots.

• Condiment cups – Unless you have a large stash of shot glasses, you’ll want to make your jello shots in condiment cups. Most jello shots are made in 2 ounce condiment cups but if you want the shots to go further, you can use 1 ounce condiment cups instead.
• Sauce pan – You’ll want to use a decent, non-stick saucepan for preparing your Jello shots. We like this one.
• Baster – A baster is my secret to easily filling the Jello shot cups, without making a mess!
• Measuring cups – To ensure you’re adding the right amount of water and liquor, you’ll want a decent measuring cup as well.

Variations for Grinch Jello Shots

Here are a few easy ways to customize these Christmas jello shots to your flavor preferences and the ingredients you have on hand.

• Change up the alcohol – Use peppermint schnapps and spiced rum, depending on the flavor. The marshmallow vodka gives a light, sweeter flavor so you mostly taste the lime.
• Use peppermint whipped cream – If you want to add a little holiday zing to your drink, then grab peppermint whipped cream from the store!
• Kid-friendly – You can make this jello shot kid-friendly by leaving out the alcohol and replacing it with just water. Non-alcoholic holiday jello shot recipes are the way to go, even for kids!

How to Make Grinch Jello Shots

These fun holiday jello shots come together in just a handful of steps. You’ll need just 20 minutes or so to assemble them. Remember to allow at least 4 hours for chilling!

• Gather your ingredients. In a medium-sized bowl or measuring cup, add one cup of water. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Add jello and whisk until dissolved.
• Start mixing the drink. Whisk in the Marshmallow vodka.
• Decorate the jello shots. Dip the rim of the shot glass into the simple syrup and then into the red sanding sugar. 
• Pour the drink. Carefully fill each cup, but not full to the rim.
• Finish making the jello shots. Place in the fridge to cool until the Jello is firm. Top with whipped cream and red heart(s) right before serving.

FAQs & Tips for Success

• Prepare them well in advance. These jello shots need to chill for at least 4 hours but I always recommend making them a day in advance, to ensure they set fully.
• Add the toppings just before serving. Do not add the whipped cream until it’s time for the party, as it won’t held up well in the fridge.
• Use a baster to fill the cups. While I know some like to use a ladle with a pour cup, my favorite way to fill jello shot cups is with a baster. It makes things so much easier!

How to Store Jello Shots

• Can I freeze these jello shots? You don’t want to freeze jello shots, but you do want to store them in the fridge!
• How long can jello shots be stored? Jello shots can be stored in the fridge for 3-5 days after you make them.

These Easy Grinch Jello Shots can add a fun twist to holidays. Skip the traditional drinks and try something new this holiday season.

More Christmas Jello Shots Recipes:

• Santa Hat Jello Shots
• Gingerbread Jello Shots
• Eggnog Jello Shots
• Chocolate Rumchata Pudding Shots

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