What are Jello shots?
Jello shots are a popular party drink made by mixing liquor into gelatin. The gelatin mix is poured into molds and allowed to solidify in the fridge overnight. This gives you small, bite-sized jelly cubes packed with booze that can be popped easily into the mouth. Jello shots come in a wide variety of flavors, colors, and shapes. They provide a fun way to consume alcohol in a quirky and nostalgic form.
Pros of making Jello shots ahead of time
There are several advantages to preparing Jello shots the night before your party or event:
Saves time day-of
Mixing up and setting multiple trays of Jello shots can be time consuming. Getting them done in advance saves you from this kitchen task when you want to be socializing with guests. No one wants to be stuck in the kitchen missing the fun!
Allows Jello to fully set
Jello needs several hours in the refrigerator to fully solidify. Making them the night before or morning of your event allows the Jello adequate time to firm up. Jello shots made right before the party risk not being ready in time or being too soft.
Can make ahead in bulk
If you’re hosting a large party, you may need to make Jello shots in big batches. Making them the night before allows you to take your time and create all the Jello shots you’ll need for your crowd without any time pressure.
Can arrange decoratively
For a festive look, Jello shots can be decorated with sprinkles, sit in decorative holders, or have fun garnishes. If you make them the night before, you’ll have time to get creative with the arrangement and presentation of your Jello shots. They can chill looking party-ready.
Allows you to test batch
A benefit of making Jello shots in advance is that it allows you time to sample one and adjust the recipe if needed. You can decide if you want to add more or less liquor to the mix.
Can transport easily
When Jello shots are made ahead of time, they are easy to pack up and transport to another location. You don’t have to worry about liquid spilling or unstable Jello in transit.
Cons of making Jello shots ahead
However, there are a few downsides to preparing Jello shots in advance:
Takes up refrigerator space
Trays of already-made Jello shots will take up a good amount of room in your refrigerator overnight. Make sure you have enough open shelf space.
Can’t make last minute flavor decisions
If you prepare the Jello shots in advance, you lose the ability to make game-time decisions on flavors based on what fruit you have on hand or your mood. The flavors are already determined.
Need to calculate alcohol needed precisely
When making Jello shots beforehand, the amount of liquor per shot needs to be precisely calculated ahead of time. If you make a batch too strong by accident, there’s no way to dilute it last minute.
May lose potency overnight
There is a slight risk that the alcohol trapped in the gelatin will lose some potency after sitting overnight in the fridge. It likely won’t be a significant amount, but a possibility.
Kids or pets could accidentally access
If you have small children or pets in your home, already-made Jello shots could potentially get accessed or eaten accidentally if they are within reach. Make sure to store properly overnight.
Could potentially crystallize
If not stored at the right temperature, already-set Jello has a small chance of crystallizing in the fridge overnight. This results in a gritty texture.
Tips for making ahead
If you do choose to make your Jello shots the night before, here are some tips:
Use liquor bottles to precisely measure alcohol
Don’t eyeball the liquor amounts- use a jigger or measure precisely with liquor bottles to ensure each shot has the proper booziness.
Make a test Jello shot first
Mix up a test Jello shot before doing a whole batch to ensure the liquor amount and flavors are right. Adjust from there.
Use rigid molds
Flexible silicone molds can lead to messy, misshapen Jello. Opt for firm plastic molds.
Avoid adding fruit
Fresh fruit mixed into Jello may break down overnight and create mushy spots. Add fruits as garnish right before serving instead.
Underfill molds slightly
Don’t overfill liquid to the very top of molds. Leave a little headspace for the Jello to settle into.
Don’t add carbonated liquids
Avoid using soda or other carbonated mixers- they will fizzle out overnight as the Jello sets. The result can be foam atop the shots.
Cover surface with plastic wrap
Before chilling in fridge, lay plastic wrap directly on the surface of filled molds to prevent “Jello skin” forming overnight.
How long do Jello shots last?
Properly stored Jello shots can last:
- Jello shots without fruit: 5-7 days refrigerated
- Jello shots with fruit: 3-5 days refrigerated
The liqueur helps preserve the Jello shots, but they will slowly lose their firm shape over time. For best consistency and taste, Jello shots are best consumed within 3-4 days of making them.
| Type | Shelf Life Refrigerated |
|---|---|
| Jello Shots without Fruit | 5-7 days |
| Jello Shots with Fruit | 3-5 days |
Serving Jello shots
When ready to serve your pre-made Jello shots:
Take out of fridge 20 minutes before
Let them come slightly closer to room temperature right before serving so they aren’t rock hard. But don’t let them get too warm and start melting.
Keep refrigerated until serving
Leave Jello shots in the fridge until right before guests arrive. Only take out what you’ll use right away and leave rest chilled.
Add any fresh garnishes
Garnish with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, sprinkles, etc. if desired right before serving for best look.
Have plenty of napkins available
Jello shots can be sticky and messy, so provide guests with plenty of napkins.
Use shot glasses for easy eating
To avoid spillage and messy hands, serve Jello shots inside a shot glass for easy pick up and eating.
Have a discard bucket available
Not everyone will want to finish their Jello shots. Have a bucket or trash can for easy disposal.
Fun ways to serve Jello shots
Themed Jello shot bar
Create a cool Jello shot bar with a variety of flavors, liquors, and visual themes. Allow guests to pick their favorites.
Cut into creative shapes
Use cookie cutters or knives to cut Jello into fun shapes like stars, hearts, or initials before serving.
Jello shot lollipops
Pour into lollipop molds for an adult popsicle vibe.
Layered Jello shots
Create cool layers and patterns by pouring alternating colors and flavors.
Movie or TV show themed
Match your Jello shots to a theme like Game of Thrones or The Office for some added fun.
Conclusion
Making Jello shots the night before your event can be a smart move, allowing adequate chilling time and saving you last minute work the day-of. However, you do need to be a bit careful to store them properly in the fridge overnight and consume within 3-5 days for best taste and texture. Prep your flavor combinations, liquor measurements, and molding in advance and then sit back and enjoy the party without any work left to do! Your guests will have a blast with the fun, wobbly treats.