5 from 9 votes
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Mardi Gras Green Jello Shots (Easy Vodka Recipe)

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These festive and delicious Mardi Gras Green Jello Shots are a must-make for a Mardi Gras celebration. It has the sweet flavors of lemonade, just the right amount of alcohol, and a frosting ripped glass for added sweetness. These delicious treats will give you the vibe of New Orleans and be a delicious jello mixture spiked with vodka.

Purple, yellow, and green Mardi Gras themed Jello Shot with whipped cream on top.

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These Jell-O shots are a perfect addition to your Mardi Gras party or Fat Tuesday. Whip this up for themed jello shots that all your friends will love to try. A fun way to add a splash of color to your party.

For your next party of Mardi Gras, pair it with your favorite meals, appetizers, tasty drinks, and more. I whipped up my Instant Pot jambalaya the other night and then served these shots up after.

What Is A Jello Shot?

A Jello Shot is a party favorite that combines gelatin and alcohol, typically vodka, into a flavorful, jelly-like consistency treat. They are commonly served in small cups and consumed by eating, not drinking. 

These shots are a great way to have fun and offer a colorful way to consume alcohol, and their sweet taste can be adjusted based on the type of gelatin and alcohol used. Their unique texture and wide variety of flavors make them a huge hit at parties and gatherings.

Why This Recipe Works

  • The vibrant layers of jello infuse this easy recipe with the most colorful party vibes.
  • This recipe’s appeal lies in its sweet and creamy flavors that are beautifully paired with refreshing lemonade.
  • It incorporates traditional Mardi Gras colors, enhancing the festival feel.
  • It offers easy-to-consume jello shot cups designed specifically for adults.
  • The jello in this fun recipe is infused with vodka, adding an exciting twist.
  • This perfect recipe is adult party-approved, making it a hit for gatherings and celebrations.

Ingredients For Mardi Gras Green Jello Shots

Ingredients for Mardi Gras Jello Shots sitting on a marbled countertop.
  • Lemonade – You are going to use lemonade for the flavor of jello shots. Now you can use any brand you like. I do recommend pulp-free.
  • Plain Gelatin – Instead of flavored gelatin, I used plain unflavored gelatin for the jello layers.
  • Vodka – Reach for vodka to give these shots that boozy twist.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk – This is going to create a nice creamy consistency to the jello layers.
  • Food Coloring – You will use either gel food coloring or liquid food coloring to create different colors.
  • Frosting – I used frosting to dip the rims of each shot glass into the frosting. It creates extra sweetness to the shot.
  • Sugar – Then you can’t forget the classic colored sugars to give it that Mardi Gras look.

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

Substitutions and Variations

  • You can leave off the vanilla frosting around the rim if you want.
  • Instead of lemonade, use orange juice or pineapple juice for a tropical flavor.
  • Malibu rum, tequila, silver rum, or any other alcohol can work in being swapped with vodka.
  • You could add some cream of coconut to the jello to help add more fruity flavors.
  • Go right ahead and use green jello, blue jello, and purple gelatin flavors for flavored layers if you don’t want to use lemonade.
  • Make these strawberry lemonade jello shots by using strawberry lemonade.
  • You can use condiment cups instead of shot glasses if you would prefer.
  • Change up the colors to make Christmas jello shots, Halloween jello shots, or St. Patrick’s Day jello shots.

How To Make Mardi Gras Green Jello Shots

Collage of creating colored rims for Jello shots.
  • Apply frosting to each glass rim and add sugars. Ensure each rim gets all three colors. (Photo 1)
  • Pour lemonade into a medium saucepan. Add gelatin. (Photo 2)
  • Let it sit for 2 minutes. Keep heat low and stir. Continue until gelatin dissolves. This takes around 5 minutes.
  • Remove from heat. Mix in condensed milk and vodka.
  • Divide jello into 3 bowls. Add respective colors to each. (Photo 3)
  • Use a baster for the first layer. Chill in the fridge until it sets a bit. (Photo 4)
Collage of created layered Mardi Gras jello shots.
  • Add the second layer of jello. Chill again until set, and repeat for the final green layer. (Photo 5)
  • Once all layers are set, top with whipped cream and sprinkles. Serve. (Photo 6)
Several layered Mardi Gras themed Jello Shots with whipped cream on top.

Expert Tips 

  • Make sure to let each layer of the jello shot set fully before adding the next layer. This creates clear, distinct layers in your shots.
  • Don’t rush the gelatin-dissolving process. Keep the heat low and stir consistently for the best consistency.
  • If you’re using store-bought lemonade, choose one without pulp for a smoother texture.
  • Use a dropper or baster to add the jello mixture to the shot glasses. This will help keep the layers neat and prevent spills.
  • When adding the food coloring, start with a few drops and add more if necessary. It’s easier to add more color than to dilute an overly vibrant layer.
  • For a fun variation, consider using flavored vodkas to add an extra kick to your jello shots. Vanilla vodka is a great choice and apple vodka makes great flavored green apple jello shots.
  • The frosting rim is not just for looks – it balances out the tartness of the lemonade and vodka. Make sure to apply it evenly for the best taste experience.
  • Remember that although they taste sweet, these jello shots contain alcohol – serve responsibly!

Storing Tips 

You can store the vodka jello shots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure not to add the whipped cream or the sprinkles to the topping until right before serving. If you use canned whipped cream instead of Cool Whip, it will break down and become watery.

The lemonade creamsicle jello shots can be stored for a bit in the fridge, but you can’t freeze any of the leftovers. The gelatin will break down and become a gooey mess if you freeze a prepped packet of gelatin with water and alcohol.

What To Serve With Green Jello Shots

Green Jello Shots make an excellent pairing with a variety of finger foods and appetizers. They are a delightful companion to spicy foods like chicken wings, jalapeño poppers, or spicy meatballs, as the sweet and tangy jello shots can provide a refreshing contrast to the heat. Lighter options like vegetable skewers, mini sandwiches, or spring rolls also work well. 

For a themed Mardi Gras party, consider serving alongside traditional foods like jambalaya, crawfish étouffée, or beignets. Lastly, cheese and crackers offer a simple and universally appealing option. Always remember, the key is to offer food options that are easy to eat and complement the fun vibe of the jello shots.

Layered Mardi Gras themed Jello Shot with whipped cream on top.

Recipe FAQs

Why do I have to allow the layers of jello to set before adding the next color?

If you do not allow the jello to set up, it will blend together and become off-color. You won’t have the defined layers of Jello, and it won’t be the result you want.

What is the best way to transfer jello shots from the counter to the fridge? 

Place your shots in a baking dish or a rimmed cookie sheet. This is going to create a flat surface that you can easily pick up and move from one area of your home to another. This speeds things up instead of moving each jello shot by hand.

How long does it take for the jello shots to set?

It typically takes about 2-3 hours for each layer of jello to fully set. However, this can vary depending on the specific temperature of your refrigerator and the thickness of your jello layers.

Can I use sugar-free jello for these shots?

Yes, sugar-free jello can be used as a substitute for regular jello. The overall taste and texture of the shots may vary slightly, but the alcohol content will remain the same.

Can I make these jello shots non-alcoholic?

Absolutely. You can simply replace the vodka with additional lemonade or water for a non-alcoholic version of these jello shots. Keep in mind that the flavor will be less intense without the vodka. 

Do I have to use shot glasses, or can I use something else?

While shot glasses are the traditional choice for jello shots, you can use any small, shallow container. Plastic shot cups, small plastic cups, mini mason jars, or even ice cube trays can work as alternatives.

Need More Jello Shot Recipes? Try These:

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Green, yellow, and purple layered Jello Shots with whipped cream on top.
5 from 9 votes

Mardi Gras Green Jello Shots (Easy Vodka Recipe)


Author: Kim Schob
Course: Beverages
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Mardi Gras Green Jello Shots are a layered jello shot with frosting around the rim. This King Cake jello shot recipe is a must make for adults. These Mardi Gras shots are going to tickle your taste buds and liven up your party.

Ingredients 

  • 1 ¾ cup (413 g) lemonade
  • 4 envelopes plain gelatin
  • 1 ¼ cups (295 ¾ ml) vodka
  • 2 teaspoons sweetened condensed milk
  • Liquid food coloring regular green, regular yellow and neon purple
  • 1 can Rich & Creamy Frosting Vanilla for rims
  • Decorating sugars in purple yellow and green (for rims)

Instructions

  • Apply frosting to each glass rim and add sugars. Ensure each rim gets all three colors.
    1 can Rich & Creamy Frosting Vanilla,Decorating sugars in purple
  • Pour lemonade into a medium saucepan. Add gelatin.
    1 ¾ cup lemonade,4 envelopes plain gelatin
  • Let it sit for 2 minutes. Keep heat low and stir. Continue until gelatin dissolves. This takes around 5 minutes.
  • Remove from heat. Mix in condensed milk and vodka.
    2 teaspoons sweetened condensed milk
  • Divide jello into 3 bowls. Add respective colors to each.
    1 ¼ cups vodka,Liquid food coloring
  • Use a baster for the first layer. Chill in the fridge until it sets a bit.
  • Add the second layer of jello. Chill again until set, and repeat for the final green layer.
  • Once all layers are set, top with whipped cream and sprinkles. Serve.

Notes

  • Make sure to let each layer of the jello shot set fully before adding the next layer. This creates clear, distinct layers in your shots.
  • Don’t rush the gelatin-dissolving process. Keep the heat low and stir consistently for the best consistency.
  • If you’re using store-bought lemonade, choose one without pulp for a smoother texture.
  • Use a dropper or baster to add the jello mixture to the shot glasses. This will help keep the layers neat and prevent spills.
  • When adding the food coloring, start with a few drops and add more if necessary. It’s easier to add more color than to dilute an overly vibrant layer.
  • For a fun variation, consider using flavored vodkas to add an extra kick to your jello shots. Vanilla vodka is a great choice and apple vodka makes great flavored green apple jello shots.
  • The frosting rim is not just for looks – it balances out the tartness of the lemonade and vodka. Make sure to apply it evenly for the best taste experience.
  • Remember that although they taste sweet, these jello shots contain alcohol – serve responsibly!

Want To Save This Recipe?

Enter your information below, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox! Plus, you’ll get complimentary gifts!

Save Recipe

Nutrition Information

Calories: 95kcal (5%) Carbohydrates: 6g (2%) Protein: 0.4g (1%) Fat: 0.1g Saturated Fat: 0.1g (1%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g Cholesterol: 0.3mg Sodium: 5mg Potassium: 4mg Sugar: 5g (6%) Vitamin A: 3IU Vitamin C: 0.03mg Vitamin D: 0.002µg Calcium: 3mg Iron: 0.01mg

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5 from 9 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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5 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This is so creative and colorful. I love the combination of vodka to these amazing Jello shots. Exciting to try these out.

  2. 5 stars
    I’ve been looking for a fun drink for mardis gras, and these jello shots are perfect! Thanks so much for sharing!

  3. 5 stars
    The easy vodka recipe adds the perfect kick, and the vibrant green color screams party time. These jello shots are a must-have for any Mardi Gras celebration!