Bartending is alchemy, and there’s a science behind the sip — a sentiment that also applies to jello shots. These jiggly beauties might be just gelatin and alcohol plus maybe a drop of fruit juice, but as in any successful formula, measurements matter.
Jello shots can be a thrifty way to use up the final dregs of bottles on your bar cart that have been open for a long time and are past their prime. Similarly, jello shots can be an affordable party pleaser, as the sweet flavor and playful texture easily mask budget-friendly, bottom-shelf liquor. Although, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing, and the most important element in making memorable (in a good way) jello shots is nailing the proportions.
A standard recipe with a three-ounce package of jello powder needs 16 ounces of liquid total. 4–5 ounces of vodka and 11 to 12 ounces of water yields approachable jello shots. This also translates as 1 ½ cups of water and a scant ½ cup of booze. But, feel free to use these guidelines as a jumping-off point to make your jello shots as strong or as weak as you like. Our pistachio amaretto jello shots, for instance, lean slightly stronger with 6 ounces of liquor and 10 ounces of milk/water mixer. Just take care not to overdo it on the spike.
Use 4 to 8 ounces of alcohol per 3-ounce box of jello powder
Maybe four to five ounces of liquor per box of jello seems a little low for your personal taste — or maybe you’re making boozy favors for a Halloween party where some extra strength could be welcome. As a general rule, 4 ounces of water and eight ounces of alcohol is the golden ratio for punchier jello shots without going overboard. At this ratio, the gelatin will still gel into the jiggly solid that makes jello shots fun.
As you make your next creative, crowd-pleasing batch of jello shots, just keep in mind that any more than 14 ounces of alcohol per four ounces of water is going to be overkill. Luckily, eight to 14 ounces is a wide range, allowing for stronger or weaker shots depending on your preferred potency. For reference, a standard liquid shot is 1 ½ ounces of alcohol. Even on the high end, you’ll be able to get at least two batches of jello shots out of one per 750 milliliter bottle.
Also, for the most harmonious flavor, stick to clear 80-proof liquors like vodka, rum, or pisco, especially if you’re whipping up some creative artisanal jello shots. Clear liquors tend to work better for jello shots than dark liquors like bourbon or whiskey, which can mask or clash with the light sweetness of the gelatin and fruit juices.
