Colorful layered Candy Corn Jello Shots with Vodka are sure to be a hit! You’ll love the fun and fruity flavors, festive presentation, and refreshing hit of vodka!

A Fun and Easy Halloween Treat (for Grownups!)

When Halloween rolls around, I focus mainly on whipping up treats for the whole family. Everyone has a sweet tooth, so I’m busy making cookies and bars and cakes… you know how it goes!

But, what about a treat just for the adults? Yes! I’m talking jello shots!

Okay, so maybe they aren’t the most mature or sophisticated option, but they are definitely fun! These jello shots are so festive – striped in yellow, orange, and white, just like candy corn. They’re cold, fruity, and refreshing, with a little burst of vodka for a fun boost. Yum!

So put on your costume, if you’ve got one, and get ready for a spirited little party drink! Boo! 👻

Recipe Ingredients

These shots are ridiculously easy! They only take a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps. Buuuut! There’s a lot of wait-time because each gel layer needs to set before you add the next one. Note: You’ll find the full recipe card with amounts at the bottom of this post.

• Jello: You’ll need a packet each of lemon, orange, and unflavored gelatin to make the yellow, orange, and white layers.
• Boiling Water: The water should be boiling to dissolve the gelatin thoroughly. If the gelatin doesn’t dissolve all the way, the layers won’t set properly.
• Vodka: I use vodka to make these yummy shots, but see the section below for more alcohol options.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This adds a lovely flavor and turns the unflavored gelatin a creamy white.

What’s the Best Alcohol to Put in Jello Shots?

Really, you can use just about anything. Jello shots work with vodka, rum, whiskey, tequila… whatever you prefer! I think the neutral taste of vodka works well with the different flavors of jello and condensed milk.

How to Make Candy Corn Jello Shots

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You’ll need sixteen shot glasses for this recipe. Glass ones are prettiest, but plastic work just fine. Here’s how you make them!

1. Make the Lemon Layer. In a small bowl, mix the boiling water and lemon-flavored gelatin. You’ll need to stir well to fully dissolve the gelatin, up to two minutes. Stir the vodka to the mixture, and allow it to cool for a couple of minutes. Pour the mixture into shot glasses to fill about ⅓ of the way. Refrigerate the jello shots until set, about 90 minutes.
2. Make the Orange Layer. As with the lemon layer, mix the boiling water and orange-flavored gelatin together thoroughly. Add the vodka, and cool for a couple of minutes. Pour over the refrigerated and set lemon layer to fill the shot glasses ⅔ of the way. Don’t pour over the lemon layer until the lemon layer is fully set. Refrigerate about 90 minutes to set the second layer.
3. Make the White Layer: This time, mix the boiling water and unflavored flavored gelatin until dissolved, and then add the vodka as well as the condensed milk. Stir well to combine. Cool for a couple of minutes, and then pour into the shot glasses to fill the rest of the way. Refrigerate until set, about 90 minutes.

Tips for Success

What else should you know about jello shots? Here are some helpful tips and tricks that will keep your party treats on point!

• Flavor Know-How: Jello shots mostly taste like the flavor of the jello you’re using, so when you choose your vodka or other alcohol, you don’t necessarily need to use a top quality, expensive one. You won’t be able to taste it very well.
• Make Shapes or Cubes: To make a firmer jello for pouring into molds, whisk an extra packet of unflavored gelatin into each layer. Pour the layers into small shaped molds such as candy molds, and unmold befores serving. Alternatively, pour the layers into a rectangular pan, and slice into cubes.
• Watch the Amounts: While you might be tempted to add extra vodka, be careful with your amounts or the jello won’t set.

Serving Suggestions

To serve, I like to have a few tasty snacks to choose from. Sweet, savory, it’s all good! Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Puff Pastry Cheese Sticks: Flaky, crispy, and crunchable, these homemade Puff Pastry Cheese Sticks are a savory snack that add a touch of elegance to any table.
• Pasta Chips: Made in the air fryer, Pasta Chips are crispy and easy, flavored with herbs and cheese.
• Pumpkin Cheesecake Crescent Rolls: Another perfect Halloween recipe! Pre-made crescent roll dough makes them super easy to make. Try making Pumpkin Cheesecake Crescent Rolls and say hello to your new favorite!

More Halloween Food Ideas

• Sheet Pan Pumpkin Pancakes
• Slow Cooker Apple Cider Punch
• Pumpkin Roll Cake