These Halloween jello shots are made in two layers, a lime gelatin base and a raspberry gelatin top, with a lychee and a blueberry set in between so each cup looks like an eyeball. The lychee is the white of the eye and the blueberry sits inside it as the pupil. The recipe makes 12 shots, and each one gets a dollop of whipped cream before serving.
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Active time is short, about 15 minutes of prep and 10 of cooking. Most of the 3 hours and 25 minutes in the card is chilling, so they are easy to make ahead of a party.
What You Need
The full list is in the recipe card at the bottom. This is what each item does.
- Water (1 cup) and vodka (1 cup): the water dissolves the lime gelatin, then the vodka is stirred in.
- Lime gelatin (one 3 oz package): the green bottom layer.
- Raspberry gelatin (one 3 oz package): the red top layer, a contrast that sharpens the eyeball effect. It is dissolved in a second cup of boiling water.
- Lychee fruit (one 15 oz can, drained): one piece goes in each cup to form the eyeball.
- Blueberries (12): one inside each lychee, as the pupil.
- Whipped cream: a dollop on top as a finishing touch.
Layering the Shots
Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a saucepan, take it off the heat and stir in the lime gelatin until it dissolves completely. Stir in the vodka, then pour the mixture into small plastic shot glasses or cups until each is about halfway full. Refrigerate for about 1 hour, until set.
While the lime layer sets, boil another cup of water in a separate saucepan, remove it from the heat and dissolve the raspberry gelatin in it. Let it cool slightly.
When the lime layer is firm, set one lychee in each cup and press a blueberry inside it. Pour the raspberry mixture over the top until the cups are full. Return them to the refrigerator for another 2 to 3 hours, until fully set. Add the whipped cream just before serving.
Tips for Cleaner Layers
- Use a dropper: it fills the cups without spilling and keeps the layers neat.
- Chill overnight: the shots set firmer and the flavors have more time to blend. It also takes the work out of party day.
- Cool the raspberry mixture: it should be only slightly warm when it goes over the lychee, as the card directs.
Ways to Change Them
- Non-alcoholic: replace the vodka with the same amount of water or a flavored soda such as lemon-lime or orange. Fruit juice or coconut water also work.
- Other flavors: orange gelatin in place of the lime gives a pumpkin look, and grape gives a purple color.
- Gummy worms: set them on top of the set gelatin or let them sit inside the layers.
- No shot glasses: small plastic cups or silicone molds work.
What to Serve With Them
The shots are sweet and tangy, so a savory spread sits well beside them. A cheese board with cheddar, brie and gouda, cured meats such as salami and prosciutto, and some olives and nuts is a good match. A vegetable platter of bell peppers, cucumbers and cherry tomatoes with ranch or guacamole gives crunch. For non-sweet drinks, a lime spritzer made with sparkling water and fresh lime juice, or a cucumber mint cooler, goes with them.
Nutrition per Serving
One shot has approximately 80 calories and 6 grams of carbohydrates. The card lists no fat, fiber, sugar, protein or sodium. These are estimates.
FAQ
Can I make these shots ahead of time?
Yes. Making them a day ahead works well, because they are fully set by the time the party starts. Keep them covered in the refrigerator.
How do you store leftover jello shots?
Cover them with plastic wrap or move them to an airtight container. They keep in the refrigerator for up to a week. Serve them chilled.
What can you use instead of vodka?
An equal amount of flavored soda, fruit juice or coconut water. Water also works.
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Written and edited by The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team
The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team writes and edits the recipes on Foodie Yummy: classic American potluck salads, holiday sides and easy comfort food, with a few low-carb options. Every recipe lists exact quantities, numbered steps and a printable recipe card, plus notes on swaps, storage and make-ahead timing. Spot a problem with a recipe? Tell us through the contact page and we will correct it. About us
Halloween Eyeball Jello Shots Recipe to Wow Guests!
Ingredients
Instructions
In a saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the lime-flavored gelatin until fully dissolved. Add 1 cup of vodka and mix well.
In small plastic shot glasses or cups, pour the lime gelatin mixture until they are about halfway full. Place in the refrigerator for about 1 hour or until set.
While the lime layer is setting, prepare the raspberry gelatin. In a separate saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the raspberry-flavored gelatin until fully dissolved. Allow to cool slightly.
Once the lime layer is set, carefully place one lychee fruit in each shot glass, followed by a blueberry inside each lychee to create the ‘eyeball.’
Pour the raspberry gelatin mixture over the lychee and blueberry until the cups are full.
Return the shots to the refrigerator and chill for an additional 2-3 hours until fully set.
Before serving, add a dollop of whipped cream on top for a spooky effect.
Notes
For a non-alcoholic version, replace vodka with an equal amount of water or a flavored soda.
Experiment with different flavors of gelatin for a unique twist, such as orange or grape for a Halloween theme.
Nutrition
| Serving Size | 1 shot |
|---|---|
| Calories | 80 calories |
| Sugar Content | 0g |
| Sodium Content | 0mg |
| Fat Content | 0g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 0g |
| Unsaturated Fat Content | 0g |
| Trans Fat Content | 0g |
| Carbohydrate Content | 6g |
| Fiber Content | 0g |
| Protein Content | 0g |
| Cholesterol Content | 0mg |