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    Home / Recipes / Desserts

    Santa Hat Jello Shots

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Nov 24, 2023 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

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    Want a fun and festive treat for adults? Try these Santa hat jello shots. They are perfect for adding some holiday spirit to your party.

    Santa hat jello cups om white marble cutting board.

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    Get ready to take your holiday celebrations to the next level with these festive and fun treats. Whether you're hosting a Christmas party or just looking to add some holiday cheer to your gathering in addition to winter cocktails, these jiggly treats are sure to be a hit.

    These Santa hat shots will bring joy and merriment to any adult holiday celebration. So gather your friends, mix up a batch of these delightful concoctions, and let the festivities begin!

    Reasons to Love

    • Creative touch to holiday gatherings. Their appearance as miniature Santa hats adds charm and creativity to your party spread.
    • Simple party treat. You only need to prepare a box of gelatin with added strawberries and whipped cream. The combination of sweet jello and the kick of alcohol makes for a delightful adult treat.
    • Easy to customize. They can be customized with different flavors and colors, making them versatile for various tastes.

    Ingredients

    These festive and tasty Christmas jello shots are made with less than five ingredients. But you'll need some small cups or plastic shot glasses as well.

    Ingredients for Santa hat jello shots.

    Here's what you'll need to make this easy shot recipe:

    • red gelatin mix (like raspberry or strawberry jello)
    • boiling water
    • vodka
    • strawberries
    • whipped cream

    Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.

    Instructions

    To start, gather all the ingredients. Then follow these simple steps:

    A person holding a glass bowl filled with Jell-o powder.

    Add the Jell-o mix to a bowl.

    A person using a whisk to mix water into a bowl of red Jell-o mix.

    Whisk in the boiling water until smooth and combined. Then mix in the vodka.

    Four cups of red jelly sitting on a white surface.

    Pour the mixture evenly into 12 plastic shot cups that are 2 ounces each. Place in the fridge to chill until set.

    Four red gelatin cups with whipped cream.

    Add a layer of whipped cream to the top of the Jello shots. Use a piping bag if using Cool whip.

    Jello cups with whipped cream and strawberries.

    Cut the top off the strawberries and place them upside down on top of the Jello shot.

    Four strawberry Santa hat Jello shots.Pin

    Top each strawberry tip with a dollop of whipped cream on top.

    Hint: Recipe works with sugar-free gelatin mix too if you want to make it keto friendly.

    Variations

    Want to change up these holiday Jell-o shots? Here are a few things you can try:

    • Flavored vodka - Options like vanilla, caramel, or even whipped cream vodka can elevate the flavor profile and give your shots a unique twist. Just be mindful of how much sweetness these flavored vodkas bring to the mix, as you don't want your shots to become overly sugary.
    • Other spirits - add a splash of rum or tequila if you want more depth to your shots. Just remember to stay moderate with the amount added, as too much alcohol can affect the texture of your jello.
    • Kid friendly - substitute fruit juice or soda for liquor. Choose juices that pair well with your chosen fruits - for example, cranberry juice with strawberry-flavored jello.

    To add a fizzy twist, you can also experiment with soda flavors like cherry or raspberry. A Shirley Temple Drink would make a great addition, especially if you use unflavored gelatin.

    Tips

    Top tip: When pouring your gelatin mixture into the cups, it's important not to overfill them. Overfilled shot glasses can lead to spills and messy-looking jello shots. Fill each shot glass only about three-quarters full with each layer of gelatin. This will leave enough room for the whipped cream topping without causing any overflow.

    • Pick visually appealing strawberries. For that classic Santa hat look, it's essential to use fresh strawberries that are ripe and vibrant red. Avoid using overripe strawberries that have started to wilt, as this can affect both the taste and appearance of your jello shots.
    • Serve immediately. The whipped cream will flatten if not eaten immediately, so add it along with the strawberries just before serving.
    Santa hat jello shots with whipped cream on top.Pin

    Serving suggestions

    When it comes to serving and displaying your mini adult desserts, presentation is key. Start by choosing the right serving dishes and platters that complement the theme of your Santa hat jello shots.

    Incorporate holiday-themed decorations like miniature Santa hats or candy canes to add cheer to your treat table. You can add a few different cocktail choices, like a vodka blueberry lemonade, or espresso martini.

    Storage

    To store jello shots, you can store them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator before adding whipped cream and strawberries. Make sure to cover the container with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent any spills or contamination. It's important to store prepared gelatin in a cool environment to maintain their shape and consistency.

    Santa hat jello shots with whipped cream.Pin

    FAQs

    Can I use gelatin instead of jello?

    Yes, you can use gelatin instead of flavored jello for your Santa hat shots. Simply dissolve unflavored gelatin in water and add your desired flavoring or fruit juice to create your own custom-flavored shots.

    How long do jello shots need to set?

    They typically need to sit in the refrigerator for at least 2-4 hours. However, it's best to follow the specific instructions for your chosen brand or recipe to ensure proper setting time.

    Can I make non-alcoholic Santa hat jello shots?

    Absolutely! Non-alcoholic versions of Santa hat jello shots are just as delicious and fun. Substitute fruit juice or soda for any alcoholic ingredients called for in the recipe.

    Related Recipes

    Here are a few more mini treats you can serve at your holiday parties:

    • Banana lumpia are delicious spring rolls with a sweet filling.
    • No-bake cheesecake in a jar is quick and easy to prepare.
    • Red velvet mug cake whips up in just a couple of minutes.
    • Mini Pavlova nests have an edible serving bowl.
    • Chocolate oatmeal no-bake cookies are perfect for last-minute bites.

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    Recipe

    Santa hat jello shots with whipped cream and strawberries.Pin
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Review Recipe

    Santa Hat Jello Shots

    Impress your guests with Santa hat jello shots! They are perfect for spreading holiday cheer at your Christmas gatherings.
    Prep Time30 minutes mins
    Total Time30 minutes mins
    Course: Snack
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free
    Servings (Adjustable): 12
    Calories: 104kcal
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    Ingredients

    • 6 ounce box of strawberry or cherry Jell-o
    • 1 cup vodka
    • 1 cup boiling water
    • 12 small strawberries
    • whipped cream

    Instructions

    • Add the Jell-o mix to a bowl.
    • Whisk in the boiling water until smooth and combined.
    • Mix in the vodka.
    • Pour the mixture evenly into 12 plastic shot cups that are 2 ounces each.
    • Place in the fridge to chill until set.
    • Add a layer of whipped cream to the top of the Jello shots.
    • Cut the top off the strawberries and place them upside down on top of the Jello shot.
    • Top each strawberry tip with a whipped cream dollop.
    • Serve immediately.

    Notes

    Recipe works with sugar-free Jell-o too if you want to make it keto friendly.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 104kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.04g | Saturated Fat: 0.002g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 66mg | Potassium: 20mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 0.1mg

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    About Lisa MarcAurele

    Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

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