Name: Grinch‑Theme Jello Shots
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box (3 oz) cherry-flavored gelatin; 1 cup boiling water (for red layer); 1/4 cup cold water (for red layer); 1/4 cup chilled lemon-lime soda (for red layer); 1 box (3.94 oz) green apple or lime-flavored gelatin; 1 1/2 cups boiling water (for green layer); 3/4 cup cold water (for green layer); 3/4 cup chilled lemon-lime soda (for green layer); Non-stick cooking spray

These Grinch-Themed Jello Shots are the ultimate festive treat that capture the heart (literally) of the holiday season. With a playful combination of cherry and green apple (or lime) gelatin, topped off with fizzy lemon-lime soda, these shots are vibrant, flavorful, and completely alcohol-free—making them perfect for everyone at the party, from kids to adults. Whether I’m hosting a family-friendly Christmas party or just want to serve something colorful and fun, these Grinch-inspired shots always steal the show.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Red Heart Layer

cherry-flavored gelatin (3 ounces, about 1 box)

1 cup boiling water

¼ cup cold water

¼ cup chilled lemon-lime soda

Green Grinch Layer

green apple-flavored gelatin or lime-flavored gelatin (3.94 ounces)

1 ½ cups boiling water

¾ cup cold water

¾ cup chilled lemon-lime soda

Directions

I start by lightly spraying a small square dish (about 5×5 inches) with non-stick cooking spray.

In a heatproof bowl, I whisk the cherry gelatin with 1 cup of boiling water until it fully dissolves.

I stir in ¼ cup of cold water and ¼ cup of chilled lemon-lime soda.

Then I pour the red gelatin mixture into the prepared dish, about 1 inch deep, and refrigerate it until set, which takes around 2–3 hours.

Once it’s firm, I gently loosen the edges, invert the block onto a cutting board, and use a small heart-shaped cutter to make as many red hearts as I can. I keep these hearts in the fridge while I prep the next layer.

For the green layer, I whisk the green gelatin with 1 ½ cups of boiling water until fully dissolved.

I add ¾ cup of cold water and ¾ cup of chilled lemon-lime soda, letting the mixture cool to room temperature.

I arrange 20 (2-oz) shot glasses or small cups on a tray and place one red heart in the center of each.

Carefully, I pour the cooled green gelatin around each heart, filling each glass to the top—but making sure the heart remains visible.

Finally, I refrigerate everything for at least 3 hours until fully set, and serve chilled.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Chill Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Servings: about 20 jello shots

Calories: ~44 kcal per shot

Variations

Make it adult-friendly: I can swap out the soda for vodka or rum if serving to adults only.

Use different shapes: If I don’t have a heart-shaped cutter, stars or trees can work just as well for other holiday vibes.

Change up the flavors: Strawberry or raspberry gelatin works great for the red layer, and I can experiment with watermelon or lime for the green.

Add a whipped topping: A little swirl of whipped cream on top makes it feel like dessert.

Glitter it up: Edible glitter or sprinkles can add sparkle for a more whimsical look.

Storage/Reheating

I store the jello shots covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I don’t recommend freezing them, as the texture can get ruined. Since these are served chilled, there’s no need to reheat—just pull them from the fridge when it’s time to serve. If I want to make them a day or two in advance, they hold up beautifully.

FAQs

How far in advance can I make these Grinch jello shots?

I usually make them up to 2 days in advance and keep them refrigerated. They stay firm and fresh that way.

Can I make this with alcohol instead of soda?

Yes, I can replace the lemon-lime soda with vodka or rum to make them alcoholic. Just make sure not to overdo it or the gelatin won’t set properly.

What if I don’t have a heart-shaped cutter?

No problem! I can use any small cookie cutter I have—stars, circles, or trees all work well. Or I can just cube the red layer for a quicker version.

Can I use sugar-free gelatin?

Yes, I can use sugar-free versions of both gelatin flavors. The texture and setting time remain about the same.

Are these safe for kids?

Absolutely. Since there’s no alcohol in the recipe, these are completely kid-friendly and great for family holiday parties.

Conclusion

These Grinch-Themed Jello Shots are a fun, festive way to celebrate the holidays with family and friends. I love that they’re easy to make, visually impressive, and adaptable for all ages. Whether I’m serving them at a party or just making a holiday movie night extra special, they always bring smiles (and maybe even grow a few hearts three sizes).

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