Name: Cosmo Jello Shots
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 16
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 (3 oz.) boxes of cranberry jello; 2 cups boiling water; 1 cup vodka; 1/2 cup triple sec; 1/4 cup cranberry juice; 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice; Orange wedges and sugared cranberries for garnish, optional

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If you love a classic cosmopolitan cocktail, you’re going to love these fun and festive Cosmo Jello Shots! They have all the delicious cranberry and citrus flavors of your favorite cocktail, served in a fun, jiggly little party shot.

These Cosmopolitan Jello Shots are perfect for Christmas parties, New Years Eve celebrations, girls’ nights or any occasion that calls for a fun cocktail-inspired treat. Their pretty red color makes them especially festive for the holiday season.

The best part? You can prepare them ahead of time, so there’s one less thing to worry about when you’re entertaining.

Why You’ll Love These Cosmo Jello Shots

Classic cocktail flavors– Inspired by the popular cosmopolitan, with delicious cranberry and citrus flavors.

Perfect for parties– These individual servings are easy to prepare and serve to a crowd.

Make-ahead friendly– Prepare them the day before your party and keep them refrigerated until you are ready to serve.

Festive color– Their pretty cranberry color makes them a fun addition to any Christmas or New Years Eve celebration.

Ingredients

2 (3 oz.) boxes of cranberry jello
2 cups boiling water
1 cup vodka
1/2 cup triple sec
1/4 cup cranberry juice
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Orange wedges and sugared cranberries for garnish, optional

Directions

Step 1: Arrange about 16 2 ounce plastic jello shot cups on a baking sheet for easy transport.

Step 2: Bring 2 cups of water to a boil.

Step 3: Remove from the heat and whisk in the cranberry jello mix, whisking until dissolved.

Step 4: Stir in the vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and fresh lime juice, until everything is well combined.

Step 5: Carefully pour the mixture into your shot cups.

Step 6: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until completely set.

Step 7: Just before serving, garnish with small orange wedges and sugared cranberries.

Tips for the best Cosmopolitan Jello Shots

Don’t add too much alcohol. It can be tempting to make your jello shots extra strong, but adding more alcohol than the recipe calls for can prevent them from setting properly.
Make them ahead of time. Jello shots need several hours to set, so I recommend preparing them the night before your party.
Use small plastic shot cups. Two-ounce plastic cups with lids are convenient for making, storing, and serving jello shots.
Add a festive garnish. A little lime zest, a thin lime wedge, or a few sugared cranberries can make these shots look extra special for Christmas.

Serving Ideas for Christmas

These pretty cranberry-colored shots are right at home on a Christmas cocktail table. Arrange them on a festive serving tray with fresh cranberries, lime wedges and a few sprigs of rosemary for an easy holiday presentation.

For a Christmas party you can also serve them alongside other festive favorites, like cranberry cocktails, holiday punch and peppermint-inspired treats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Cosmo Jello Shots ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, I recommend making them the day before your party. Store them covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.

How long do Cosmo Jello Shots last?

For the best flavor and texture, enjoy them within three to five days. Keep them covered and refrigerated, and add any fresh garnishes shortly before serving.

Can I make these with flavored vodka?

Absolutely! Citrus vodka is a great option for bringing out the citrus flavors in a cosmopolitan. Just keep the total amount of alcohol the same as your original recipe.

Can I freeze jello shots?

I don’t recommend freezing them. Freezing and thawing can change the texture of gelatin and make your shots watery.

More Christmas Jello Shots to Try

Planning a holiday party? Be sure to check out my collection of Christmas Jello Shots for even more festive ideas. There are plenty of fun options for your next celebration.