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Easy Festive Cranberry Vodka Jello Shots for Christmas

cranberry vodka jello shots - featured image

Tart, sweet, and boozy jello shots made with cranberry juice, vodka, and fresh orange juice, perfect for holiday parties. These make-ahead treats are stunning on any festive table and disappear fast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240 ml) cranberry juice cocktail
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) vodka
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh orange juice
  • 1 packet (85 g) cranberry or raspberry jello
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) boiling water
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) cold water
  • Fresh cranberries for garnish (about 12-15 berries)
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon sugar

Instructions

  1. Boil the water. In a small saucepan, bring 1/2 cup (120 ml) of water to a rolling boil.
  2. Dissolve the jello powder. Pour the boiling water into a mixing bowl and add the entire packet of jello. Whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until every grain is dissolved and the mixture is clear and bright red.
  3. Add the cold water. Pour in 1/2 cup (120 ml) of cold water and stir.
  4. Stir in the cranberry juice and orange juice. Add the cranberry juice cocktail and fresh orange juice. Stir gently until combined. Taste and add optional sugar if desired.
  5. Add the vodka. Pour in the vodka and stir gently but thoroughly. Avoid whisking too hard to prevent bubbles.
  6. Fill the shot cups. Arrange 12-15 shot cups on a cookie sheet. Pour the mixture into each cup, filling them about three-quarters full.
  7. Add the cranberry garnish. Drop one fresh cranberry into each cup.
  8. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Place the cookie sheet on a level shelf in the fridge and let set undisturbed for 4 hours or overnight.
  9. Check for doneness. Gently jiggle one cup; the surface should be firm and springy. If not, refrigerate for another hour.
  10. Snap on the lids (if using). Once set, press lids on firmly and store in the fridge until ready to serve.

Notes

Use room temperature vodka to prevent lumps. Don’t overfill cups; leave room for garnish. For a stronger version, reduce cold water to 1/4 cup and add an extra 1/4 cup vodka. These taste better after 24 hours. Store in fridge for up to 5 days; do not freeze.

Nutrition

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