Spooky, boozy, and bursting with bold colors, these Halloween Jello Shots are the ultimate party starter for your October festivities. Whether you’re hosting a costume bash or just feeling festive, these layered treats add a fun pop of color and flavor to your Halloween spread. With just a few ingredients and a touch of creativity, you can whip up a tray of these fun and frightful shots in no time.
What makes them especially great is how customizable they are. Use your favorite vodka, mix and match gelatin flavors, or get creative with toppings like whipped cream and spooky sprinkles. Make them ahead of time and watch your guests beeline for these brightly colored, chillingly sweet sips.
What Kind of Jello Should I Use for Halloween Jello Shots?
You can use any flavored gelatin for Halloween Jello Shots, but the most effective combos are usually grape, orange, and lime for those bold purple, orange, and green hues. Look for brands like Jell-O or store brands with vibrant colors. For an even spookier effect, you can layer them for a striped look or add edible glitter or candy eyeballs.
Ingredients for the Halloween Jello Shots
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 box (3 oz) grape gelatin
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 box (3 oz) orange gelatin
- 1 box (3 oz) lime gelatin
- Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
- Halloween sprinkles or candy eyeballs (optional, for garnish)
- 20 plastic shot cups

How To Make the Halloween Jello Shots
Step 1: Set Up Your Shot Cups
Place 20 small plastic shot cups on a baking tray or large flat surface that fits in your fridge. This makes it easier to transfer them after filling.
Step 2: Make the First Gelatin Layer
Start with the grape gelatin. In a mixing bowl, dissolve the gelatin powder in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved. Add 1/2 cup vodka and 1/2 cup cold water. Mix well.
Carefully pour the grape mixture into each cup, filling about 1/3 of the way. Place in the fridge for 60–90 minutes until set.
Step 3: Add the Orange Layer
Repeat the same process with the orange gelatin: dissolve in boiling water, add vodka and cold water, then pour over the set grape layer. Chill again until firm.
Step 4: Top with Lime Layer
Finally, prepare the lime gelatin and repeat the steps to add the last green layer. Let the shots chill for a final 2–3 hours or until completely firm.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, top with a dollop of whipped cream and a dash of Halloween sprinkles or a candy eyeball. Serve chilled!
How to Serve and Store Halloween Jello Shots
These jello shots are best served chilled, straight from the fridge. Add the whipped cream and decorations just before serving to keep them fresh. You can store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making them a perfect make-ahead party treat. Avoid freezing them, as the texture won’t hold up well after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make These Non-Alcoholic?
Absolutely. Just replace the vodka with cold water or fruit juice to make a kid-friendly version.
How Far in Advance Can I Make Jello Shots?
They can be made up to 4 days ahead. Just leave the toppings off until it’s time to serve.
What Alcohol Works Best?
Vodka is classic, but rum, tequila, or flavored schnapps can add a fun twist.
Can I Use Syringes Instead of Cups?
Yes! Plastic syringes are a fun and spooky way to serve jello shots for Halloween.
How Long Do They Take to Set?
Each layer needs about 60–90 minutes to set. Allow at least 4–6 hours for the full batch.
Can I Make a Single Flavor Instead of Layers?
Definitely! Use one flavor and skip the layering to simplify the prep.
Want More Halloween Treat Ideas?
If you’re loving these Halloween Jello Shots, try some of these other party-friendly bites and drinks from the blog:
- Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake for a rich, blood-red dessert.
- Irresistible Pecan Pie Bites for bite-sized autumn decadence.
- Peanut Butter Balls with Chocolate Rice Krispies for crunchy-creamy no-bake fun.
- Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars to add warm spice and sweetness to your table.
- Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe for a cozy, cinnamon-packed bite.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Halloween board on Pinterest so it’s ready for your spooky gatherings.
And let me know in the comments if you layered them or stuck with one bold color. Did you try gummy worms or sprinkles on top? I love hearing how you customize your shots. Questions and spooky success stories welcome!

Halloween Jello Shots
- Total Time: 6 hours
- Yield: 20 shots
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Halloween Jello Shots are festive, colorful, and perfect for your spooky party spread. With layers of grape, orange, and lime gelatin spiked with vodka, they’re an easy, crowd-pleasing treat you can make ahead and customize with creepy toppings.
Ingredients
1 cup boiling water
1 box (3 oz) grape gelatin
0.5 cup vodka
0.5 cup cold water
1 box (3 oz) orange gelatin
1 box (3 oz) lime gelatin
Whipped cream (optional)
Halloween sprinkles or candy eyeballs (optional)
20 plastic shot cups
Instructions
1. Place 20 small plastic shot cups on a tray for easy chilling.
2. Dissolve grape gelatin in 1 cup boiling water. Stir well.
3. Add 0.5 cup vodka and 0.5 cup cold water. Stir to combine.
4. Fill each cup 1/3 of the way with the grape mixture and refrigerate 60–90 minutes.
5. Repeat the process with orange gelatin for the second layer, pour it over the grape, and chill again.
6. Do the same with lime gelatin to create the final layer. Chill at least 2–3 hours until fully set.
7. Before serving, top with whipped cream and Halloween decorations if desired.
Notes
Make sure each layer sets fully before adding the next to get clean stripes.
Swap vodka for fruit juice to make these kid-friendly.
Add edible glitter or gummy worms for an extra spooky flair.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Drinks
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shot
- Calories: 55
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: jello shots, Halloween treats, vodka jello
