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Cozy Cranberry Orange Christmas Jello Shots

Cranberry Orange Christmas Jello Shots - featured image

These festive jello shots are a perfect holiday party treat, combining tart cranberry and sweet orange with a kick of vodka. Quick and easy to make, they’re a crowd-pleaser that tastes like Christmas in a cup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240 ml) 100% Cranberry Juice
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) Fresh Orange Juice
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Fresh Orange Zest
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) Granulated Sugar
  • 2 packets (about 14 g) Unflavored Gelatin
  • 1 cup (240 ml) Vodka
  • Optional: 1/4 cup (60 ml) Triple Sec or Cointreau
  • Fresh Cranberries (for garnish, optional)
  • Orange Slices or Zest Twists (for garnish, optional)
  • Fresh Rosemary Sprigs (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Workspace and Cups: Arrange 20-24 plastic shot cups on a baking sheet. If using fresh cranberries as garnish, drop one or two into each cup now.
  2. Bloom the Gelatin: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup (120 ml) of the cold cranberry juice. Sprinkle the 2 packets of unflavored gelatin evenly over the surface. Do not stir. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  3. Dissolve the Gelatin: Place the saucepan over low heat. Gently warm the mixture, whisking constantly, until the gelatin is completely dissolved and the liquid is clear (about 3-4 minutes). Do not let it boil. Remove from heat immediately.
  4. Add the Sugar and Juices: Whisk in the 1/4 cup of sugar until fully dissolved. Add the remaining 1/2 cup of cranberry juice and the 1/2 cup of fresh orange juice. Stir in the 1 tablespoon of orange zest.
  5. Add the Alcohol and Pour: Let the mixture cool for 5-10 minutes until warm but not hot. Whisk in the 1 cup of vodka (and triple sec, if using).
  6. Fill the Cups: Using a liquid measuring cup with a spout or a funnel, carefully pour the liquid into the prepared shot cups, filling almost to the top.
  7. Chill and Set: Carefully transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator. Let the shots set for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Once set, garnish with a tiny sprig of rosemary or a small twist of orange peel right before serving. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Notes

The ‘bloom’ step is crucial for smooth texture. Do not let the gelatin mixture boil. The flavor improves after a day in the fridge. For non-alcoholic version, replace vodka and triple sec with cold water or ginger ale.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry orange jello shots, Christmas jello shots, holiday jello shots, festive jello shots, easy jello shots