Candy Cane Jello Shots

It’s been a hot minute since I’ve had a Jello shot. But, when I’m going to have one, I think a candy cane Jello shot is the way to go. It’s pretty, it’s go flavor, and well, you know it’s going to taste good. So, without further ado, here’s how you can make your very own candy cane Jello shots for your next holiday festivities. Just incase this needs warning, this is an adult beverage. You should be 21+!

Candy Cane Jello Shot ingredients

To get started, you’ll want to make sure you have all of your ingredients. You’ll need a can of sweetened condensed milk (yes, that good stuff), sugar, peppermint schnapps, vanilla vodka, 2 packets of Knox plain gelatin, 1 Cherry Jello packet, whipped cream, and crushed candy canes for garnishment.

Once you’ve got it all gathered, along with some pots for making the Jello, measuring cups, your jello shot cups and a muffin tin for allowing the layers to form., you are ready to get creating. 

Starting with the red layer

You’ll want to boil your box of cherry Jello with one cup of water, stirring to combine. Once the Jello is dissolved, pour in a cup of cold vanilla vodka. The cold part is important as it’s taking the place of the cold water. Stir in that vodka to combine. Then, set that bowl aside until for it to reach room temperature.

Another option here is to use plain gelatin for this layer and color it red if you don’t like the combination of cherry and peppermint. Keep that in mind when making your grocery list. 

Creating the white layer

This layer is going to take the peppermint flavor. You will pour one cup of water and 3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk into your sauce pan. Then, add 2 packets of Knox gelatin on top and let it sit for a few minutes. Next, you’ll urn on the stove to medium to high heat and stir to combine. You’ll next want to add about 3 tablespoons of sugar to the mixture and stir to combine again.

Then you’ll remove your pan from heat and add 1 cup of cold peppermint schnapps. Again, you will stir to combine and allow this to reach room temperature.

Making the candy cane jello shots layers

You have some options here. If you want to make your layers look more like the swirl of a candy cane, you’ll want to place your shot glasses in a muffin pan to keep them at an angle. If you want them to be straight layers, just leave them sitting on the counter.

Here are the shot glasses used in these pictures, but you can check out some other good alternatives, too. Keep in mind these are best made in clear cups.

To the cups, add 1 tbsp. of red jello. You’ll want to wait or the jello to harden (about 30-45 mins, or you can cheat with the freezer). Next, add 1 tsp. of white jello on top of the red jello, and again for the jello to harden (about 20-35 mins). Repeat this 2 times and remove from the muffin tin and top with the remaining hard jello. 

Once the shot is solid, top it with whipped cream and crushed candy canes.

Invite your friends over to share or bring them to your next holiday party! Enjoy.