Easy Margarita Jello Shots for Your Next Party

at a glance
Prep Time 10 minutes
Inactive time: 2 hours
Servings 30 servings
5 from 1 vote

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Looking for a fun and festive way to enjoy your favorite cocktail? Look no further than these Margarita Jello Shots! These boozy little treats pack a punch of tequila and lime in a fun, jiggly form – plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for any party or gathering!

Top down view of margarita jello shots in small white bowls on a blush colored table draped with a red and white striped towel.

Although we were a little skeptical about writing this recipe, we really went for it, and I’m so glad we did! These margarita jello shots are tangy, slightly sweet, and 100% FUN! Now, when I picture jello shots in my head, I think of bright, multi-colored jello in paper Dixie cups, but trust me, these shots are a leveled-up version of the jello shots of old. They’re made with fresh lime juice, a touch of agave, and tequila – all brought together by gelatin, resulting in a super fun version of the classic margarita. These make for a fun and interactive way to enjoy the beverage! 

Ingredients Needed

margarita jello shot ingredients on a gray and white marble surface.
  • 1 cup of lime juice
  • 2 cups of tequila
  • ¼ cup of agave
  • ¼ cup of gelatin
  • 1 cup of water
  • Flaky sea salt (optional), to garnish
  • Lime wedges (optional), to garnish

Ingredient Modifications

This recipe is meant to be FUN, so feel free to have fun with ingredient modifications. Here are some ideas:

  • Make it non-alcoholic. Substitute the tequila with Seedlip Grove 42 non-alcoholic spirit for a non-alcoholic version of these shots.
  • Use different juice. Pomegranate, pineapple, or orange juice (like a tequila sunrise!) would make for really tasty subs in this recipe, but subbing any juice for the lime juice would work!

How to Make Jello Shots

The process is really easy – you’ll be well on your way to party celebrations in no time! Here’s how to make margarita jello shots:

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  1. Boil water. Bring 1 cup of water to a boil over high heat in a medium saucepan. Once boiling, remove the pot from the heat and add the gelatin. Whisk or stir to combine until the gelatin has dissolved.
  2. Whisk ingredients. Add the lime juice, agave, and tequila to the water and gelatin mixture and whisk to combine. 
  3. Pour and set. Pour the ingredients into a 9×13 casserole dish, then place the dish in the refrigerator to set for a minimum of 2 hours.
  4. Slice and remove. Once set, slice your jello shots into 1” squares using a sharp knife (for easiest slicing, keep the jello shots in the casserole dish). Using a spatula, remove one of the middle jello shots first, then remove the rest of the shots. Removing the middle shot first will make it easier to maneuver the spatula underneath the other shots.
  5. Serve and enjoy! Serve your margarita jello shots in small bowls and garnish with a pinch of flaky sea salt and a lime wedge. Cheers!

How to Serve

Margarita jello shots are delicious served up in a small bowl or cup and garnished with flaky sea salt and a lime wedge, similar to a traditional tequila shot. They make for really delicious accompaniments to chips and guacamole and al pastor tacos.

How to Store

You can store your jello shots in a covered casserole dish in the fridge until you are ready to slice and serve them. They can also be stored in an airtight container once cut in the fridge. 

Two hands holding jello shots and other hands holding a slice of lime over a pink surface with cutting board, limes, linens, and other jello shots in the background.
Q How much tequila do you add to Jello shots?
A

This recipe calls for 2 cups of tequila and makes 30 jello shots.

Q How long does it take Jello shots to set in the fridge?
A

These jello shots set relatively quickly, but we recommend letting them firm up for at least 2 hours in the fridge to ensure they are set completely before cutting into them. 

Q How far in advance can you make Jello shots?
A

These jello shots can be made anywhere from 1-5 days in advance, although you will have the freshest lime juice flavor in the first 1-2 days. 

Q How long do they last out of the fridge?
A

This really depends on the temperature of the room (or the outdoors) where you’re serving the shots. The warmer the temperature, the quicker the jello shots will start to melt. As long as the temperature isn’t too hot, though, they should be good for a few hours. You can also serve them in a bowl that is set inside a larger bowl filled with ice to help keep them cooler longer. 

Q Can you freeze Jello shots?
A

Jello shots can be frozen, although the gelatin itself expands during freezing, so they may lose their shape and texture in the freezing process.  

Q What alcohol makes the best Jello shots?
A

It depends on what type of jello shot you want to make and how you want to flavor the shot. Vodka is a great neutral alcohol if you’re looking to flavor the shot more strongly with other ingredients, but really any alcohol will work.

Q Do you substitute alcohol for water in Jello shots?
A

This recipe is made by dissolving gelatin into water, then whisking in the additional ingredients versus using a jello pack, so both water and alcohol are used.

Q What is the best ratio for Jello shots?
A

These jello shots are made with 2 parts tequila, 1 part lime juice, 1 part water, a ¼ part agave, and a ¼ part gelatin. 

Q Can Jello shots get you drunk?
A

Jello shots contain alcohol, so as with any alcoholic beverage, it is good to be mindful of how much you are consuming based on your individual tolerance level.

Jello shots in a large bowl sitting in a bowl of ice surrounded by other jello shots in small bowls.

More Favorite Margarita Recipe

Top down view of margarita jello shots in small white bowls on a blush colored table draped with a red and white striped towel.

Margarita Jello Shots

By: Cassy Joy Garcia
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Inactive time: 2 hours
Servings: 30 servings
Made with the freshest ingredients, this fun twist on the classic margarita will bring life to any party!

Ingredients  

  • 1 cup lime juice
  • 2 cups tequila
  • 1/4 cup agave
  • 1/4 cup gelatin
  • 1 cup water
  • Flaky sea salt (optional), to garnish
  • Lime wedges (options), to garnish

Instructions

  • Bring 1 cup of water to a boil over high heat in a medium saucepan. Remove from the heat and add the gelatin. Whisk or stir to combine until the gelatin has dissolved.
  • Add the lime juice, agave, and tequila to the water and gelatin mixture and whisk to combine.
  • Pour the ingredients into a 9×13 casserole dish, then place in the refrigerator to set for a minimum of 2 hours.
  • Once set, slice your jello shots into 1” squares using a sharp knife while still in the casserole dish. Using a spatula, remove one of the middle jello shots first, then remove the rest of the shots. This will make it easier to maneuver the spatula underneath the other shots.
  • Serve your margarita jello shots in small bowls and garnish with a pinch of flaky sea salt and a lime wedge. Cheers!

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts
Margarita Jello Shots
Amount per Serving
Calories
55
% Daily Value*
Sodium
 
8
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
2.1
g
1
%
Sugar
 
1.4
g
2
%
Protein
 
1
g
2
%
Vitamin C
 
3
mg
4
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Recipe Notes

To make a non-alcoholic version of this recipe, substitute the tequila with Seedlip Grove 42 non-alcoholic spirit.
Meet the Author
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Cassy Joy Garcia

HOWDY! I’m Cassy Joy and I am just so happy you’re here. I’m the founder, Editor-in-Chief, and Nutrition Consultant here at Fed and Fit. What started as a food blog back in 2011 has evolved now into so much more.
Get to know Cassy

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