These Pool Party Jello Shots are the perfect way to dive into the summer season! These tasty jello shots are topped with adorable gummy bear floaties and are guaranteed to make a splash at your next BBQ or party!
Round out your summer menu with these favorites: Chicken Marinade, Broccoli Salad and No Bake Cookies!
Pool Party Jello Shots Recipe
Jello shots are always fun and these Pool Party Jello Shots are no exception. Berry Blue jello and vodka combine for a refreshing blue “pool” where a gummy bear lounges with his peach ring “floatie”. They are just too cute and so fun for pool parties.
Be sure to add these crowd pleasers to your next pool party menu for a vibrant pop of color, flavor and fun. These jello shots are spiked with vodka (choose your favorite flavor!) for the adults or kept virgin for the kiddos. Playful, fun and super cute, these pool party jello shots are sure to make a splash at your next poolside bash!
I made mine with vodka but flavored vodka or other alcohol can be substituted, you’ll just want to make sure it goes with your jello flavor.
I like to offer a virgin options for parties with little ones (see recipe card) but please be mindful to differentiate the “shots” either with the color of jello or the containers they are served in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Party Perfect. These jello shots are not just adorable, they’re super easy to make and prep before your next party. The ocean blue color and fun gummy bear floaties are the perfect addition to your next gathering.
- Customizable. Whether you want an adult version with vodka or a virgin recipe for everyone to enjoy, you can easily customize this recipe for your next party. Change up the flavor of jello and top with watermelon rings instead of peach rings for a fun twist.
- Easy and Delicious. The jello shots take just minutes to make with simple ingredients. Plus, they can be made in advance (up to 4 days!) which is perfect for party prep.
Ingredients Needed
These jello shots are so fun for summer! The gummy bears and peach rings are what really set these jello shots apart. When set on top of the jello, they create the appearance of fun floaties bobbing in a pool. Too cute! As always, you can find the full printable recipe with complete instructions in the recipe card at the end of this post. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need…
- blue jello – The “pool” of our Pool Party Jello Shots. You can use another color/flavor if you prefer. Green would be a good option.
- vodka – Adds a boozy kick for the adult version of the shots, but can easily be replaced with cold water for a kid-friendly version.
- gummy bears – Use your favorite brand, go big or small, it’s really up to you!
- peach rings – I used peach rings for the floaties but you can use watermelon rings or any other ring shaped candy you like. Just make sure it fits in the shot cup.
You’ll need to buy jello shot cups. I get mine on Amazon.
How To Make Jello Shots
- Whisk together the lime gelatin (or whatever flavor you are using) and boiling water in a medium, heat-proof mixing bowl until gelatin has completely dissolved.
- Add in the apple vodka (or flavor of your choice) and whisk to combine.
- Fill each cup or shot glass about three-quarters full leaving a little room for whipped cream and/or sprinkles.
- Refrigerate for 3 hours, until the Jello has set up completely.
- Top each shot with whipped cream and gold sanding sugar (if making for St. Patrick’s Day) just before serving.
These little plastic cups are perfect for jello shots. It helps that they are disposable too. You can of course use real shot glasses but you will need to cover them if you have any leftovers and glass on a pool deck is never a good idea. These come with little lids so they’re perfect!
Storage Information
Refrigerator: Keep the party going by storing any leftover jello shots in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure each container has a lid or store them in a large container that can be sealed.
Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing them.
Variations To Try
- While the recipe uses berry blue jello, feel free to play around with other flavors like watermelon or sour apple. You can also mix and match different gummy candies for the floaties.
- Different flavors of vodka or even using rum or tequila are great ways to change up these jello shots.
- Add Swedish fish to the top or in the jello for a nice pop of color (also great for 4th of July!)
Trish’s Tips and Tricks
- Ensure that the jello is completely dissolved in the boiling water before adding the cold vodka or water. This will result in a smooth, evenly set jello shot.
- Carefully pour the jello mixture into the shot glasses to avoid spills. Using a large glass measuring cup or mixing bowl with a pour spout can help with this.
- Hot day? Serve your jello shots on a tray filled with crushed ice to keep them cool and enhance the poolside vibe.
- If the party includes both adults and children, remember to clearly identify which jello shots have alcohol. It’s a good idea to use a different color jello along with a different container for the alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions. Safety first!
- To make a less intense shot, reduce the vodka to ½ cup and increase the cold water to ½ cup.
- Place vodka in the fridge for an hour or in the freezer for 20 minutes before making the shots to help the jello set up quicker.
- Gently stir the jello mixture to avoid air bubbles in the top of your shots.
Add those adorable drink umbrellas to each shot for even more playful fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! The key is to have fun and get creative with this recipe. Gummy worms, Lifesavers, or even Swedish fish can work as floaties.
You can experiment with rum or tequila but keep in mind it will change the flavor.
Absolutely! Just replace the alcohol with cold water.
Absolutely! This recipe begs to be doubled or even tripled to serve a whole party!
While the blue jello gives a fun “pool” color, any flavor jello will work in this recipe.. Watermelon or sour apple jello would be yummy!
More Jello Recipes
- Creamsicle Cake
- Strawberry Poke Cake
- Rainbow Jello Cubes
- Jello Divinity
- Tropical Orange Jello Salad
- Lemon Lime Jello Salad
How To Make Pool Party Jello Shots
Pool Party Jello Shots
These Pool Party Jello Shots are the perfect way to dive into the summer season! These tasty jello shots are topped with adorable gummy bear floaties and are guaranteed to make a splash at your next BBQ or party! Kid and adult versions!
Ingredients
Alcoholic Recipe
- 3 ounces blue jello I used berry blue
- 1 cup boiling water
- ¾ cup vodka very cold, plain or flavored vodka works
- ¼ cup cold water
- 12 gummy bears
- 12 peach rings watermelon and sour apple are also delicious
Virgin Recipe
- 3 ounces blue jello I used berry blue
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup cold water you can also use juice like apple juice or even sprite or 7up will work
- 12 gummy bears
- 12 peach rings watermelon and sour apple are also delicious
Instructions
Arrange 12 shot glasses (2-ounce) on a rimmed baking sheet or in a baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl or large glass measuring cup (I used Pyrex), gently whisk (to avoid air bubbles) the jello and boiling water together until the jello is completely dissolved.
Stir in the cold vodka (if using) and cold water until combined.
Carefully pour the jello mixture into the shot glasses until about three quarters full. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least four hours to allow the jello to set up.
To serve, place a gummy bear in the center of each peach ring to create the gummy bear floaties.
Top each jello shot with a gummy bear floaty, serve and enjoy responsibly.
Notes
Nutrition
Calories: 128kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 2g | Sodium: 43mg | Potassium: 1mg | Sugar: 15g | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 0.01mg