These Dirty Shirley Temple Jello Shots are a fun and tasty twist on classic jello shots. Made with cherry jello, lemon-lime soda, grenadine, and vodka, they taste just like a boozy Shirley Temple drink. They’re so easy to make for your next get together!
More delicious ways to use jello include our Broken Glass Jello and No-Bake Jello Pie.
Dirty Shirley Temple Jello Shots
It’s no secret how much we love taking our classic Shirley Temple Drink and converting it into other delicious recipes like Shirley Temple Party Punch and Shirley Temple Cake. This time we took our Dirty Shirley cocktail and turned it into fun Dirty Shirley Jello Shots.
This Jello shot recipe contains the classic Dirty Shirley Temple ingredients like lemon-lime soda and grenadine, which are mixed together with vodka, poured into cups, then chilled until firm. We then top them off with fresh whipped cream, a small lime wedge, and a maraschino cherry for a festive treat!
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Dirty Shirley Jello Shot recipe:
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements)
- Cherry Jell-O gelatin
- Boiling water
- Lemon-lime soda, FLAT, chilled
- Vodka, chilled
- Lime juice, chilled
- Grenadine
- Garnish: Fresh whipped cream, fresh small lime wedges, maraschino cherries
How to Make Dirty Shirley Jello Shots
Jello shots are simply Jello mixed with alcohol (in this case, vodka.) Here’s a summary how to make them:
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements)
- Dissolve jello powder in boiling water. Boil water and pour it in a bowl with the cherry Jell-O gelatin powder. Whisk the Jello powder to make sure it completely dissolves in the water.
- Add in the other liquids. Whisk in the cold lemon lime-soda, cold vodka, cold lime juice, and Grenadine.
- Pour into plastic cups. Pour the mixture into shot glasses or plastic containers.
- Chill until firm. Chill the jello cups in the refrigerator until firm, then garnish and enjoy.
Tips for Success
- Set out a sheet pan: Spreading out jello shot cups on a sheet pan makes them easy to transfer to the fridge once they’re filled.
- Use something with a spout for pouring: A large spouted measuring cup or mixing bowl that has a spout helps prevent spills when you’re pouring the liquid jello into the cups.
- Use flat soda. The soda doesn’t have to be flat, however, poured straight from the can there will be A LOT of foam. Once adding it to the jello mixture, you’ll either need to wait for it to settle or pop with toothpicks. Otherwise, the jello jots will set with bubbles on top. I suggest opening up a can the day before you’ll be using it, let it chill and let it become a little flat.
- Chill all the liquids: Make space in your fridge to chill the lemon-lime soda, lime juice, and vodka before using. This ensures the jello sets properly.
- Wait to garnish: Chill the shots until firm and then garnish right before serving.
Jello Shot Cups
We love making jello shots in these Jello shot cups with lids, which are basically condiment cups. You get a lot of them for super cheap and they’re disposable, so virtually no clean up. For this recipe, you’ll need the 2 ounce size.
How to Serve Jello Shots
We do garnish these Dirty Shirley Jello Shots, but wait until right before serving so the whipped cream doesn’t melt and the fruit stays fresh. When you’re ready to enjoy them, run a dull knife around the inside edge of the container to loosen the jello and remove it. We also recommend giving your guests tasting spoons for those who don’t want to swallow them all at once.
Make Ahead and Storing
- How long do jello shots take to set? Our recipe calls for 2 ounce shots and will take between 3-4 hours to firm up. If you make them bigger, they will take longer.
- How long do jello shots last? In the refrigerator, they will stay good for 3-5 days. Once removed from the fridge, they don’t last long, especially in a warmer atmosphere. Plan to consume the shots within 30–45 minutes.
- Can you freeze jello shots? You can freeze shots. They will get colder and firmer than shots chilled in the fridge, of course, but it’s not our preferred method since they tend to get grainy.
More Jello Shot Recipes:
I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!
Dirty Shirley Temple Jello Shots
Equipment
- 12 (2 ounce) jello shot cups with lids
- Tasting spoons, optional
Ingredients
- 3 ounce box cherry Jell-O gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup lemon lime soda , FLAT, chilled (see note)
- 1/2 cup vodka , chilled
- 3 tablespoons lime juice , chilled
- 2 tablespoons Grenadine
- whipped cream , for garnish (optional)
- 12 maraschino cherries , stems removed, drained and patted dry, for garnish (optional)
- 3 thin round lime slices , quartered, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Place the plastic jello shot cups on a sheet pan without the lids on. Set aside.
- Add the powdered JELL-O to a mixing bowl. Pour in boiling water and whisk until gelatin is completely dissolved.
- Add in the cold lemon lime soda, cold vodka, cold lime juice, and Grenadine. Whisk to combine.
- Carefully pour the gelatin mixture into each plastic cup, filling until almost full.
- Transfer sheet pan of jello shots into the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or until set. Put lids on cups and keep in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Right before serving, pipe a little fresh whipped cream on top, followed by a maraschino cherry, and tiny lime wedge.
- Serve with tasting spoons and enjoy!
