Sweet and fruity, these Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots are a fun way to enjoy a classic summer cocktail… in Jello shot form! Perfect for any summer party, you’ll love how easy these are to make, with only 5 ingredients.
This is one of my Drink recipes I know you’ll want to keep on hand!
A tequila sunrise is a classic cocktail, and for good reason! It’s as delicious as it is beautiful.
The way the red fades into the orange; it really does remind me of a beautiful sunrise and/or sunset.
Making cocktails for a party, especially one that’s layered like this, would require a lot of hands on time, when you might just be wanting to enjoy the party.
But with a fun jello shot version of your favorite cocktail, all the preparation is done ahead of time, and you just get to have fun!
I promise, making shots like this isn’t difficult; if you can make jello, you can make this jello shot recipe!
How to make tequila sunrise jello shots?
This is just an overview; the full ingredients and directions are in the recipe card toward the bottom of this post.
- Combine jello mix and water. Boil the water, then stir into jello until dissolved.
- Add tequila and OJ. Feel free to use any orange juice that you’d like.
- Pour into containers. Make sure to leave a little room for the grenadine.
- Add grenadine and chill. Just a splash, then cover and chill for 2 hours.
Helpful Tip!
You can use any tequila that you’d like for this jello shot recipe. A reposado or silver tequila are our favorites. No need to break the bank, just a tequila that you like to drink will work great 🙂
Variations of this recipe
- Other alcohol – of course this won’t be a tequila sunrise, but if you need to substitute the tequila for vodka or clear rum, you certainly can.
- Oranges – if you’d like extra garnishes, you could add a small wedge of a fresh orange in place of/or in addition to the cherries.
- Whipped cream – another fun topping would be to add a swirl of whipped cream. It adds a decadent flavor, as well as look super pretty.
- Orange peels – additionally, you could halve some smaller oranges (the little mandarines are perfect for this), scoop out the orange for another time, and add them cut side up to a muffin tin (or mini muffin tin). This adds stabilization, then you can pour in the jello mixture and have the jello set. Slice into wedges and serve!
FAQ’s
Unfortunately no. If you add additional liquid, the ratios of liquid to gelatin will be off and they won’t set.
This will depend on where you live, but here in the Midwest they can be found at larger grocery stores (they’re considered a condiment cup), smaller restaurant supply stores, and amazon.
Making jello shots ahead of time
The good news is, by nature, jello shots have to be made a little ahead of time. These shots will need to set in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
But they also can be made completely ahead of time and enjoyed the next day, or the day after. Check the storage instructions below for more details.
Storage
Leftover jello shots should be refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoyed within about a week. They’ll technically last a little longer, but for optimal flavor, I recommend sticking to a week or less.
I don’t recommend freezing these, as the jello doesn’t freeze well, and tends to crystalize during the freezing/thawing process.
More Cocktail Recipes:
My Favorite Cups for Jello Shots!
These condiment cups are the perfect size for jello shots, are inexpensive, and easy to find! Plus I love that they come with a lid!
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @the_chunky_chef on Facebook and Instagram!
Ingredients
- 3 oz package orange flavored Jello
- 8 oz boiling water
- 4 oz tequila reposado or silver work well
- 1/2 cup bottled orange juice
- splash of grenadine
Instructions
Prepare
- For this recipe it's helpful to have a large liquid measuring cup that has a pour spout, or any mixing bowl that has a pour spout.
- Bring water to a boil, either on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Mix Jello
- Once water is boiling, in a mixing bowl or liquid measuring cup, combine hot water and orange jello. Whisk until dissolved completely.
- Let sit until cooled to room temperature, then stir in tequila and orange juice.
Assemble shots
- Carefully pour the orange mixture into the "shot glasses", leaving a little room for some grenadine. ** I use condiment cups, as these are pretty standard for jello shots – check for the link below in the "Chef Tips" section) **
- Slowly pour a splash of grenadine into each shot. It will sink to the bottom and give the shots that characteristic look of a tequila sunrise cocktail.
Chill
- Cover shots and place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, or until set.
Serve
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry, orange slice, whipped cream, or leave them plain. Enjoy responsibly and have fun!
Want to save this recipe for later? Click the heart in the bottom right corner to save to your own recipe box!
Chef Tips
- This recipe should make approximately 24 jello shots (each about 2 oz).
- I use these condiment cups from Amazon, since they have individual lids and are perfect for jello shots.
- You can use any bottled orange juice you’d like, even sunny d! I don’t recommend oj with pulp in it though.
Nutrition Disclaimer
The Chunky Chef is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Beti says
I need to try these asap!! Looks amazing!
katerina says
Yes, please! These are fantastic!!
Catalina says
I am making these shots for our next party! Such an awesome idea!
Erin says
Looks absolutely fantastic! You had me on this!
Sandra says
This is such a fun addition to any party!! Thanks for sharing!
Beth says
These look absolutely fantastic! I love serving shots like this at parties when the weather gets nice and warm. Spring is on the way, and I’m raring to make these.
Chava says
Disclaimer: I didn’t try the recipe yet, just want to comment. Could this work in a Margarita version?
The Chunky Chef says
I haven’t tested it, but it should work, as long as you keep the water/juice/alcohol amounts the same.