Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots

A twist on a popular cocktail, Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots are a fun and easy layered tequila jello shot. With layers of orange and cherry jello, these tequila sunrise shots are perfect for summer!

The Best Tequila Jello Shots

These Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots are based off the popular Tequila Sunrise cocktail, with layers of orange and cherry jello mixed with tequila. They’re fun, fruity, and the perfect treat for birthday parties, pool parties, or any party.

The red layer in these tequila jello shots is actually from cherry jello, not grenadine as it would be in the OG tequila sunrise recipe, while the orange layer is, in fact, orange. The combination of the sweet cherry and tart orange is perfect, especially when topped with a maraschino cherry to pull it all together!

What Is a Tequila Sunrise?

The original Tequila Sunrise cocktail is made with tequila, orange juice, and grenadine syrup. It’s a layered cocktail with the grenadine layer on the bottom, and the orange juice on top. It’s usually served with a mandarin peel and a maraschino cherry. It can be made with a silver or gold tequila or one of your favorite reposado tequilas – whichever you prefer!

It’s a popular fun cocktail recipe that’s perfect for brunch or any occassion.

While this tequila sunrise jello shot recipe has slightly different ingredients, it still has that classic tequila sunrise taste!

Ingredients

This easy recipe is made with just 3 ingredients – tequila, jello, and water!

• Jello – Both orange jello and cherry jello are used in these tequila shots to create a layered effect. If cherry isn’t your thing, you can also use strawberry jello for the red layer. You’ll need a regular 6oz package of orange jello and a small box jello for the cherry.
• Water – Boiling hot water and cold water are both used at different points in the recipe.
• Tequila – Your favorite brand of tequila. I wouldn’t opt for the cheapest bottle you can find but you also don’t need top-shelf liquor for these jello shots.
• Garnishes – I like to garnish my tequila sunrise shots with maraschino cherries and a small orange wedge. You can also top them with whipped cream if desired.

Jello Shot Essentials

Here are a few of our must-haves for making jello shots. While some of these are optional, they will definitely make the process easier!

• 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.

Can I Make These With a Different Type of Liquor?

Sure. While tequila sunrise shots are inspired by the tequila sunrise cocktail, you can turn these into regular layered jello shots by swapping the tequila for vodka or clear rum. Just use equal amounts!

How to Make Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots

These yummy tequila sunrise jello shots come together in just a handful of steps.

• Make the cherry layer. Whisk the cherry jello into a cup of boiling water. Once dissolved, stir in cold water and tequila. Pour evenly into the plastic shot glasses. Refrigerate for 2 hours, until the layer has set.
• Make the orange layer. Whisk the orange jello into boiling water. Add cold cup of water and a cup of alcohol. Pour mixture over the cherry jello. Refrigerate for 4 hours, until the orange jello layer is set.
• Serve and enjoy. Garnish with an orange wedge and maraschino cherry. Or, not serving immediately, place the lids on the cups and refrigerate.

Tips & Variations

Here are a few things that might may make these jello shots even easier.

• Use a baking sheet. I find it much easier to work with jello shots when I place all of the cups on a baking sheet. It’s much easier to transfer them to the fridge and just keeps the process more organized.
• Enhance the orange flavor. To make the orange flavor even stronger, replace the cold water with fresh, pulp-free orange juice. You can also add some triple sec in place of the tequila for more orange flavor.
• Boil water in the microwave. For ease you can also heat the water to boiling in the microwave instead of on the stovetop.
• Allow each layer to set completely. It’s vital that the bottom layer sets completely before adding the next to ensure distinct layers. This is especially true for the first layer.

Storing Jello Shots

Tequila sunrise jello shots can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. After they set, place the plastic lids on the containers. You can stay them if you wish!

Wait until serving to add the orange peel or wedge and any other garnishes. I do not recommend freezing jello shots.

More Jello Shot Recipes:

• Crown Apple Jello Shots
• Blue Hawaiian Jello Shots
• Margarita Jello Shots
• Slytherin Stained Glass Jello Shots
• PB&J Jello Shots
• Watermelon Jello Shots

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