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Tequila Jello Shots
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The perfect party starter, Tequila Jello Shots are sweet, tangy, and easy to make. From the tangy lime and tequila, right down to the salted rim and lime wedge, these taste just like you are sipping on a margarita cocktail.
Tequila Jello shots are so fun and always a hit at a party, backyard BBQ, or holiday get-together. Super simple to make, you can easily have them ready to go ahead of time.
With just a few easy steps to make these fun party treats, you’ll want to make them one of your go-to cocktails. Serve them with fun appetizers like cucumber bites, bacon wrapped smokies or taquitos.
Tangy and citrusy, these tequila jello shots will be the life of your next party. Lime jello and limeade create a bright green color for the Jello shots, while tequila adds an adult spin to this fun treat.
Tequila Jello Shots Ingredients
- Jello - lime-flavored jello gelatin
- Water
- Limeade - limeade concentrate
- Tequila - silver tequila, I used Jose Cuervo
- Salt - coarse sea salt
- Simple syrup - bottled simple syrup
- Lime - fresh lime wedges
If you are making this yummy jello shot recipe for a party and need lots of shots, you can easily double this recipe. Setting the jello shot cups on a baking tray will help make it easier to transport them to the fridge for chilling.
The addition of the margarita salt rim is optional, but it makes an excellent presentation for serving. However, the salt can be pretty overpowering compared to the jello shots. You can substitute the straight salt for a mixture of 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of salt. Stir together and use this to rim your jello shots.
If you can’t find the 2-ounce plastic shot glasses with lids, they may be labeled as plastic condiment cups at the grocery store. You can also use any shot cups you prefer, but keep in mind that your servings may differ from this recipe.
How to Make Tequila Jello Shots
FIRST STEP: On a rimmed tray, place 14 (2-ounce sized) jello-shot containers (also known as condiment cups). Set aside.
SECOND STEP: In a large bowl with a pour spout, stir together the packet of lime-flavored jello gelatin and boiling water until the lime gelatin is completely dissolved.
THIRD STEP: Add the cold water, thawed limeade concentrate, and silver tequila to the lime jello mixture. Stir to combine.
FOURTH STEP: Carefully pour the tequila jello shot mixture into each container. You only want to fill each cup ¾ full.
FIFTH STEP: Transfer your tray of tequila jello shots to the refrigerator to set up and firm. This will take 5 to 6 hours.
SIXTH STEP: Once your tequila jello shots have firmed up and you are ready to serve them, you can garnish them with the salted rim and lime wedge.
SEVENTH STEP: You will need one small bowl to add the salt to, and a second small bowl to add the simple syrup.
EIGHTH STEP: Carefully flip the jello shot over and dip just the rim of the plastic cup into the simple syrup, then into the salt. You want to be careful not to get the salt onto the lime jello. Place the salt-rimmed tequila jello shot onto a serving tray and add a lime wedge to the side of the jello shot cup. Repeat with all the tequila jello shots.
What kind of tequila should I use?
Pick your favorite brand of tequila for this tequila shot recipe. You do not need a top-shelf brand because it will be mixed with the jello; therefore, there is no need to use the really expensive tequila. I like using silver tequila as it does not alter the color of the lime jello for these margarita tequila jello shots.
What if I can’t find limeade concentrate?
If you cannot find limeade concentrate in the freezer section, you can substitute ⅔ cup of fresh limeade in this easy recipe. If you use this substitute, you will also omit the additional cold water in the recipe. Bottled limeades tend not to be as strong in flavor; therefore, your jello shots will not have quite as much of that classic bold citrus flavor to them, but they will still be delicious.
What if I don’t have simple syrup?
If you do not have any or find that your brand does not work very well to hold the salt to the rim, then you can use clear corn syrup instead as a “glue” to keep the salt attached to the plastic cup rims. You will just need to note that you will get a thicker salt rim if you use the clear corn syrup.
How to Store Tequila Jello Shots
IN THE FRIDGE: This margarita jello shot recipe needs to be kept refrigerated until ready to garnish and serve. If you plan on making these ahead of time, you can cover each jello shot with the plastic lids that come with the plastic shot cups. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Do not garnish with the salt rim and lime until you are ready to serve.
IN THE FREEZER: Because of the gelatin and alcohol, this jello shot recipe doesn’t tend to freeze very well. While you can pop them in the freezer for a few minutes to help speed along the setting process, you shouldn’t store them in the freezer after they’re done.
Tequila Jello Shots
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Ingredients
- 3 ounces packet lime flavored jello gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- ⅓ cup cold water
- ⅓ cup limeade concentrate (thawed)
- ⅓ cup silver tequila (I used Jose Cuervo)
Garnish
- ¼ cup coarse sea salt
- ¼ cup bottled simple syrup
- 14 lime wedges (¼-inch thick slices that are cut into quarters)
DIRECTIONS
- On a rimmed tray, place 14 (2-ounce sized) jello-shot containers (also known as condiment cups). Set aside.
- In a large bowl with a pour spout, stir together the packet of lime-flavored jello gelatin and boiling water until the lime gelatin is completely dissolved.
- Add the cold water, thawed limeade concentrate, and silver tequila to the lime jello mixture. Stir to combine.
- Carefully pour the tequila jello shot mixture into each container. You only want to fill each cup ¾ full.
- Transfer your tray of tequila jello shots to the refrigerator to set up and firm. This will take 5 to 6 hours.
- Once your tequila jello shots have firmed up and you are ready to serve them, you can garnish them with the salted rim and lime wedge.
- You will need one small bowl to add the salt to, and a second small bowl to add the simple syrup.
- Carefully flip the jello shot over and dip just the rim of the plastic cup into the simple syrup, then into the salt. You want to be careful not to get the salt onto the lime jello. Place the salt-rimmed tequila jello shot onto a serving tray and add a lime wedge to the side of the jello shot cup. Repeat with all the tequila jello shots.
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