Looking for a party treat that’s as colorful as it is delicious? These Skittles Jello Shots are the ultimate way to taste the rainbow! Bursting with fruity flavor and bright layers of color, they’re the perfect crowd pleaser for game nights, birthday parties, or any celebration that needs a little extra fun. Easy to make, eye catching, and totally customizable, these playful shots are guaranteed to be the life of the party.
Why You’re Going to Love These Jello Shots
I love these Skittles Jello Shots because they’re fun, colorful, and surprisingly easy to make. What’s even better is that you can make them with or without alcohol, so everyone can enjoy them! With a splash of vodka, they’re the perfect party starter, but you can also swap in juice or soda for a kid friendly version that’s just as tasty and festive.
The rainbow colors make them pop on the table, and the fruity flavors bring out that nostalgic “taste the rainbow” vibe we all love. Whether you’re hosting game night with friends or a family get together, these jello shots are guaranteed to be a hit!
What You’ll Need for Skittles Jello Shots
Makes 12 2 ounce shots / Prep: 15 minutes / Chill time: 2 hours / Total 2 hours and 15 minutes
- 1 Box Regular Skittles Jello (3.89 ounces)
- 1 ¾ Cup Boiling Water
- 1 ¼ Cup Vodka
- 1 Tub Cool Whip (8 ounces)
- Skittles (for garnish)
- 12 2 Ounce Shot Glasses
- Frosting Bag (optional for garnish)
- Ateco #824 Frosting Tip (optional for garnish)
Step by Step Instructions for Skittles Jello Shots
Step 1: Make your Skittles Jello
Grab a medium mixing bowl and pour in your Skittles Jello mix. Add the boiling water and stir, stir, stir until everything is smooth and dissolved; no grainy bits allowed!
Step 2: Add Vodka
Time to add the fun! Pour in the vodka (or juice if you’re keeping it family friendly) and give it another good stir.
Step 3: Fill Your Shot Glasses
Carefully fill each shot glass, leaving just a little wiggle room at the top. Trust me, it makes the fridge transfer so much easier.
Step 4: Let your Shots Chill
Pop those colorful little cups into the fridge and let them chill for about 2 hours, or until they’re firm and ready to party.
Step 5: Top your Shots with Whipped Cream and Skittles
Once they’re set, top each one with a fluffy swirl of whipped cream and a couple of Skittles for extra rainbow magic. Serve, snap a pic (because these are Instagram gold), and enjoy!
Jello Shot Tips and Tricks
Before you dive in, here are a few handy tips to make sure your Skittles Jello Shots turn out perfectly every time. From making them ahead to getting that whipped cream swirl just right, these little tricks will save you time and make your shots look (and taste) party ready!
Make ahead magic – You can prep these up to 3 days in advance (just hold off on the garnishes until serving time). Keep them covered in the fridge, and whatever you do, don’t freeze!
Kid-friendly swap – Want a non-alcoholic version? Simply replace the vodka with water or even a fruity juice. Same fun colors, zero booze.
Whipped cream hack – I love using a piping bag with a frosting tip for those picture-perfect Cool Whip swirls. It’s neat, quick, and makes them look fancy. No bag? No worries! A can of Ready Whip works just as well.
Serving in glass? Grab some mini spoons so your guests can scoop them out without the struggle.
Vodka balance – More vodka might sound tempting, but too much will keep your jello from setting properly.
Flavored vodka caution – Flavored vodka can be fun, but remember, it’ll change up the Skittles taste.
Cool Whip confession – I tend to go heavy handed with the topping (oops!), so you might not use the whole tub. Better too much than not enough, right?
Your Burning Questions Answered
Can kids enjoy these too?
Absolutely! Just swap the vodka for water, soda, or juice, and you’ve got a kid friendly rainbow treat.
What happens if I use too much vodka?
More alcohol = softer jello. If you go heavy on the vodka, your shots might not fully set, so stick to the recommended amount.
Can I use flavored vodka?
You can, but it will slightly change the Skittles flavor. Pick a flavor that complements the fruity candy, or stick to plain vodka for the truest “taste the rainbow” experience.
How do I get those perfect whipped cream swirls?
A piping bag with a frosting tip works like a charm! No bag? No problem, Ready Whip or the squirt can works just fine.
Do I need anything extra if I serve in glass shot glasses?
Mini spoons are a lifesaver! They make scooping out the jello smooth and mess free.
Fun Variations and Substitutions
Layered Rainbow Shots – Make each color of Skittles Jello separately and layer them in your shot glasses for a bold, rainbow striped effect. Perfect for Instagram!
Fruity Vodka Twist – Swap plain vodka for fruit-flavored vodka (like berry or citrus) to give your shots an extra fruity punch.
Sparkling Shots – Use lemon lime soda or sparkling water instead of some of the water for fizzy, festive shots.
Tropical Vibes – Mix in a little coconut rum for a tropical twist that pairs perfectly with fruity Skittles.
Candy Crush – Top each shot not just with a Skittle, but with a mix of mini candies for extra crunch and color.
Mini Mocktails – Keep them alcohol-free and layer different juices (like orange, grape, and pineapple) to create fun, kid friendly “mocktail shots.”
Chocolate Lovers’ Edition – Drizzle a bit of chocolate syrup on top of the whipped cream for a sweet, candy chocolate combo.
Easy Skittles Jello Shots Recipe
EASY SKITTLES JELLO SHOTS
These Skittles Jello Shots are colorful, fruity, and easy to make! Perfect for parties, game nights, or celebrations, they can be made with vodka for adults or juice for a fun, kid friendly version.
Ingredients
- 1 Box Regular Skittles Jello (3.89 ounces)
- 1 ¾ Cup Boiling Water
- 1 1/4 Cup Vodka
- 1 Tub Cool Whip (8 ounces)
- Skittles (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Grab a medium mixing bowl and pour in your Skittles Jello mix. Add the boiling water and stir, stir, stir until everything is smooth and dissolved; no grainy bits allowed!
2. Time to add the fun! Pour in the vodka (or juice if you’re keeping it family-friendly) and give it another good stir.
3. Carefully fill each shot glass, leaving just a little wiggle room at the top. Trust me, it makes the fridge transfer so much easier.
4. Pop those colorful little cups into the fridge and let them chill for about 2 hours, or until they’re firm and ready to party.
5. Once they’re set, top each one with a fluffy swirl of whipped cream and a couple of Skittles for extra rainbow magic. Serve, snap a pic (because these are Instagram gold), and enjoy!
Notes
These can be made up to 3 days in advance, without garnishing. If garnished, they should be served immediately. Cover when storing. Do not freeze.
To make the kid-friendly version, simply swap the alcohol out for water.
I use a frosting bag with a frosting top to add the swirls of cool whip on top of each shot. It makes the presentation prettier, less messy, and quicker. However, if you don’t have a frosting bag/tip, don’t sweat it. Simply use some Ready Whip. Those squirt tops come in handy as well.
If you’re serving these in glass shot glasses, you might want to serve them with mini spoons for easier consumption. If you add more vodka, be prepared for the jello to not fully set.
Be aware, if you use flavored vodka, it will alter the Skittles flavoring.
I go a little ham with the cool whip, so you might not end up using the entire tub of cool whip.
