Old Fashioned Jello Shots

Try these old fashioned jello shots at your next party, they’re sure to be a hit!

My husband and his friends are all big fans of bourbon and scotch. Typically this isn’t a liquor I prefer, but when you add in a little sugar and some fruit this liquor transforms into something I can start to enjoy. Last weekend our friends had a cookout which they called an “old fashioned” party and I knew I had to make some jello shots to fit the theme. Truth be told, I’ve been wanting to try my hand at making these for awhile and this party just gave me the perfect excuse!

How to make Old Fashioned Jello Shots

For these shots you use the same ingredients you would typically use for an old fashioned. The only difference is the gelatin and water that is added in to make it jiggle!

• Alcohol: For the liquor you can use whatever bourbon or whiskey you have on hand. Or, if you don’t want to waste your favorite on making a batch of shots, you can buy a cheaper option just for this recipe. I used Crown for my shots, and they were very tasty!
• Bitters: Regular bitters would work, but I used orange bitters to give it a little extra flavor. This came from a gift set someone gave us with four types of bitters from Scrappy’s Bitters, which you can find on amazon (affiliate link), amongst other options!
• Sugar: To keep it easy, I suggest using simple syrup for this recipe. It mixes in easier and then you don’t to do any crushing or dissolving. If you do end up using cubes or granulated sugar just make sure you mix it up well so it fully dissolves.
• Cherries: I used basic maraschino cherries from a jar. This gives it a little more sweetness, which everyone agreed was a must for these shots.

These shots use Knox gelatin to set. When using gelatin it’s important to let is bloom before mixing or it won’t set properly. To do this be sure to spread the gelatin powder over the top of the water so that it’s all touching liquid and the gelatin can get filled up with moisture. It should look “plump” with liquid and wet, not dry. 

For the garnish I used homemade orange gummies! I wanted to do a garnish like this because old fashioneds often have an orange peel as a garnish. I used my recipe The Best Homemade Boozy Gummy Bears and substituted orange jello as the flavor and just used water instead of vodka so I wouldn’t have two competing liquors. You could also use other orange shaped gummy candy that you find, but if you have orange jello at home, it’s easy enough to make your own. Be sure to cut a slit in each gummy so it fits on the shot cups properly!

Old Fashioned Jello Shots Recipe

Old Fashioned Jello Shots

Yield: 12 shots

Print

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1 packet knox gelatin (these come in a box of 4 usually, so 1 of those 4 packets is what you need)
• 1 cup bourbon/whiskey
• 3-4 teaspoons simple syrup (to taste)
• 1/8 teaspoon bitters (about 12 dashes)
• 12 maraschino cherries

Instructions

1. Measure water into small saucepan. Sprinkle gelatin over the water and let it bloom.
2. While the gelatin is blooming mix bourbon, simple syrup and bitters in a mixing bowl.
3. Bring water mixture to a boil, stirring the gelatin in so it dissolves.
4. Stir water mixture into bourbon mixture.
5. Lay out your 2-ounce shot cups. Add 1 cherry to each shot cup.
6. Divide shot mixture into cups.
7. Transfer to fridge to set, at least 4 hours.
8. Garnish with orange gummies and serve!

Notes

For the orange gummies I used orange flavored jello with this recipe: The Best Homemade Boozy Gummy Bears. You can opt to use water instead of vodka in the gummy recipe so you don't have two clashing liquors.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  Bitters (Scrappy's Orange Bitters)
• 
  [100 Sets - 2 oz.] Plastic Portion Cups With Lids, Souffle Cups, Jello Shot Cups
• 
  Knox Gelatine Unflavored, 4 Count (Net Wt. 1 Ounce)