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Festive Cranberry Vodka Jello Shots – Easy Christmas Recipe

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These Festive Cranberry Vodka Christmas Jello Shots are the perfect holiday party treat—tart cranberry, smooth vodka, and a perfect wobble in every bite. Quick to make with simple ingredients, they’re always the first to disappear from the dessert table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (6 ounces) cranberry-flavored Jello
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • 1/2 cup cranberry juice (100% juice recommended)
  • 1/2 cup vodka (mid-range, like Tito’s or Smirnoff)
  • 1 tablespoon orange juice (fresh or bottled)
  • Fresh cranberries (for garnish, optional)
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish, optional)
  • Sparkling sugar or edible glitter (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Set up your workspace: Arrange plastic shot cups on a baking sheet or tray. Set out about 20 cups for a single batch.
  2. Boil the water: Bring 1 cup of water to a rolling boil in a saucepan or microwave.
  3. Dissolve the jello powder: Pour the boiling water into a mixing pitcher or measuring cup. Add the entire 6-ounce box of cranberry jello powder. Whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until every grain is dissolved and the mixture is clear and bright red.
  4. Add the cold liquids: Pour in 1/2 cup cold water, 1/2 cup cranberry juice, 1/2 cup vodka, and 1 tablespoon orange juice. Stir gently in a figure-eight motion until combined, avoiding bubbles.
  5. Taste test (optional): Dip a clean spoon and taste. Adjust with more vodka or juice if desired.
  6. Fill the cups: Carefully pour the mixture into each plastic cup, filling them about 3/4 full. Use a small measuring cup with a spout for easy pouring.
  7. Add garnishes (optional): Drop 2-3 fresh cranberries into each cup and add a small sprig of rosemary. Do not add sparkling sugar yet.
  8. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours: Slide the baking sheet into the fridge on a level surface. Leave undisturbed for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  9. Check for set: After 4 hours, gently jiggle one cup. The jello should be firm and wobble like a solid. If still liquidy, give it another hour.
  10. Add final touches: Once fully set, sprinkle sparkling sugar or edible glitter on top. Put lids on if transporting.

Notes

Don’t skip the cold water step—it prevents alcohol evaporation. Let set overnight for best texture. Use mid-range vodka to avoid harsh aftertaste. For non-alcoholic version, replace vodka with cold water or extra cranberry juice. The flavors meld and improve after a day in the fridge.

Nutrition

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