Purple Hooter Shot Recipe

With the bright berry flavor of the traditional purple hooter shooter and the fun jiggly texture of jello, these shots are guaranteed to be a hit. The grape jello mix combines perfectly with red berry vodka and lime juice to create that signature purple color and sweet-tart taste.

Looking for more party-ready jello shots? Try my Blue Raspberry Jello Shots, Tropical Jello Shots, or Cherry Bomb Jello Shots. Or check out my full collection of 14 Easy Jello Shots for even more inspiration!

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make – With just 5 ingredients and simple steps, these jello shots come together quickly with minimal effort.
• Perfect for parties – These can be made well in advance and stored until your event, making party prep a breeze.
• Signature purple color – The vibrant purple hue makes these shots visually striking and perfect for Halloween parties, purple-themed events, or anytime you want to add a pop of color.
• Crowd-pleasing flavor – The combination of grape, berry vodka, and lime creates a delicious sweet-tart taste that’s reminiscent of the classic cocktail but in a fun gelatin form.

What is a Purple Hooter Shooter?

The Purple Hooter Shooter is a classic cocktail that gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s. The traditional drink recipe combines vodka, black raspberry liqueur (like Chambord), and lime juice, resulting in a vibrant purple color with a sweet-tart flavor profile.

This jello shot recipe transforms the classic cocktail recipe into a fun, party-friendly format. The grape jello provides both the signature purple color and sweet base, while the berry vodka and lime juice maintain the authentic flavor of the original shooter.

Unlike many jello shots that are simply fruity and sweet, this recipe maintains the balanced flavor profile of the original cocktail, with a pleasing mix of sweetness from the jello and vodka combined with the bright acidity of lime juice.

Purple Hooter Shot Ingredients

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

• Grape Jello – A 3-ounce box provides the perfect base, delivering both the signature purple color and sweet grape flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• Boiling Water – Activates the gelatin in the jello mix, allowing it to properly set when chilled.
• Red Berry Vodka – Infuses the shots with berry flavor and, of course, the alcohol content. The berry flavor helps replicate the taste of raspberry liqueur used in the traditional cocktail.
• Lime Juice – Adds that essential brightness and acidity that balances the sweetness of the jello and vodka, creating the classic Purple Hooter flavor profile.
• Whipped Topping – An optional garnish that adds a creamy visual contrast and a touch of richness to each shot.
• Purple Sanding Sugar – Another optional garnish that enhances the visual appeal with a bit of sparkle and reinforces the purple theme.

Substitutions and Additions

• Vodka variations – If you can’t find berry vodka, use regular vodka and add a splash of raspberry liqueur like Chambord or Razzmatazz.
• Citrus options – Fresh lime juice provides the best flavor, but bottled lime juice works in a pinch. For a different twist, try lemon juice instead.
• Jello alternatives – While grape jello gives the authentic purple color, you could use berry blue jello with raspberry vodka for a different purple hue.
• Non-alcoholic version – Replace the vodka with white grape juice or berry-flavored sparkling water for a mocktail version everyone can enjoy.
• Layered effect – Create a layered look by letting a bottom layer of plain grape jello set before adding a top layer with the alcohol mix.
• Extra berry flavor – Add a few drops of berry extract or a tablespoon of raspberry syrup to enhance the berry profile.

How to Make Purple Hooter Jello Shots (step-by-step directions)

STEP 1. Pour the grape jello mix into a medium mixing bowl. (Photo 1)

STEP 2. Add the boiling water to the jello powder and stir continuously until the powder is completely dissolved, about 2 minutes. (Photos 2 & 3)

STEP 3. Stir in the red berry vodka and lime juice, mixing well to combine all ingredients evenly. (Photo 4)

STEP 4. Arrange your shot cups on a tray or baking sheet for easy transportation to the refrigerator. (Photo 5)

STEP 5. Carefully pour the jello mixture into each cup, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top to prevent spilling when moving them. (Photos 6 & 7)

STEP 6. Place the filled cups in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the jello is completely set.

STEP 7. If desired, just before serving, top each shot with a small dollop of whipped topping and a sprinkle of purple sanding sugar for an extra festive touch. (Photos 8 & 9)

Recipe Tips

• Make sure the jello is completely dissolved in the boiling water before adding the cold ingredients to ensure a smooth texture.
• For the best-looking shots, let the mixture cool slightly before pouring into cups to prevent bubbles from forming.
• If you want stronger shots, you can increase the vodka slightly, but don’t exceed 1 cup of total liquid for the alcohol and lime juice combined, or your shots won’t set properly.
• For cleaner edges when serving, briefly dip the outside of each shot cup in warm water to help release the jello from the sides.
• If you’re making these for a party, prepare a tray with additional garnishes like lime wedges or berries so guests can customize their shots.

Storing Tips

• Storage: These jello shots can be stored in the refrigerator with lids on for up to 1 week. Do not add whipped topping or other garnishes until ready to serve.
• Freezing: While technically possible, freezing isn’t recommended as it alters the texture of the jello, making it grainy when thawed.
• Preparation timing: For best results, make these at least 4 hours before serving, but they can be prepared up to several days in advance for party planning convenience.
• Transport: Keep the shots refrigerated until ready to serve. If transporting to another location, use an insulated cooler with ice packs.

Serving Suggestions

These Purple Hooter Jello Shots are perfect for Halloween parties, especially alongside my Grinch Popcorn Recipe or Halloween Party Drinks for a colorful spread. They also make a fun addition to adult birthday celebrations, bachelorette parties, or game day gatherings.

For a complete cocktail party menu, serve them with my Pull Apart Pepperoni & Mozzarella Pizza Monkey Bread and Spicy Alabama Fire Crackers With Mini Saltines for crowd-pleasing finger foods.

Recipe FAQs