Make Tasty Gluten-Free Jello Shots for Your Next Party

Making Delicious Gluten Free Jello Shots

Jello shots are a fun and tasty party treat, but many traditional jello shot recipes contain gluten. Thankfully, there are plenty of delicious gluten free jello shot options that are easy to make and can please any crowd. With a few simple ingredient swaps and creative layering techniques, you can take your gluten free jello shots to the next level.

Choosing the Right Gelatin

The key to gluten free jello shots is choosing a gluten-free gelatin. There are a few great options on the market:

• Knox Unflavored Gelatin is certified gluten free
• Great Lakes Gelatin contains collagen and is paleo-friendly and gluten free
• Jell-O brand gelatin is gluten free except for their pistachio and butterscotch flavors

Be sure to read labels carefully and choose an unflavored gelatin that explicitly states it is gluten free. Avoid gelatins that contain wheat or barley-derived ingredients.

Gluten Free Liquors

The liquor you choose for your gluten free jello shots also matters. Many liquors like rum, vodka, tequila and gin are naturally gluten free. However, some whiskey, bourbon, and flavored liqueurs may contain gluten. When in doubt, reference an online guide for gluten free alcohol or contact the liquor manufacturer.

Mixing Up Creative Flavor Combos

There are endless flavor possibilities for gluten free jello shots. Get creative with different liqueur and fruit juice combinations. Here are some tasty ideas:

• Strawberry Daiquiri - Strawberry jelly, rum, lime juice
• Margarita - Lime jelly, tequila, orange liqueur
• Piña Colada - Pineapple jelly, rum, coconut milk
• Cosmopolitan - Cranberry jelly, vodka, lime juice, orange liqueur
• Bloody Mary - Tomato juice, vodka, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce

Layering Jello Shots

One fun way to take gluten free jello shots to the next level is to layer different flavors and colors. To layer jello shots:

1. Prepare the first layer and pour it into your shot glasses. Place in the fridge to partially set, about 1 hour.
2. Once set, pour your second flavor on top. Let set completely in fridge, about 2-3 hours.
3. Repeat layering if desired with remaining flavors.
4. Once fully set, store layered jello shots in the fridge until ready to serve.

Layering works best when lighter colors and flavors are poured first. Try layers like strawberry, orange, mango or blue curacao, pineapple, maraschino liqueur. Have fun coming up with unique flavor and color combinations!

Gluten Free Jello Shot Molds

For eye-catching gluten free jello shots, use fun shaped molds like:

• Silicone molds - holiday shapes, stars, hearts
• Ice cube trays
• Candy molds - gummy bears, sharks, dinosaurs
• Mini cupcake tins

Grease molds first with cooking spray for easy removal. Distinctive shapes make your gluten free jello shots even more unique.

Adding Fruits and Garnishes

Fruits and garnishes take gluten free jello shots up a notch. Try adding:

• Fresh raspberries, blueberries, or strawberry slices
• Pineapple chunks, mango cubes, or orange slices
• Drained canned fruits like mangos, peaches, or cherries
• Citrus zests for flavor and color
• Sprinkles, cocoa powder, or cinnamon for dusting

Aim for bite-sized fruits and minimal liquids to avoid diluting the jello shots. Place garnishes on top of the jello shots just before serving.

Serving Tips

Here are some final tips for serving your crowd-pleasing gluten free jello shots:

• Keep jello shots chilled right up until serving time
• Pour shots ahead of time into disposable cups for easy cleanup
• Use markers to label jello shot flavors for guests
• Offer fun straws, toothpicks, or skewers for easy eating
• Have a gluten free chaser on hand like seltzer water

With this guide, you can concoct creative and delicious gluten free jello shots for your next party. Just choose a certified gluten free gelatin, select safe liquors, mix fun flavors, and layer in glasses or molds. Garnish with fruits and serve chilled for a fun and accommodating treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best gluten-free gelatin to use?

Knox Unflavored Gelatin, Great Lakes Gelatin, and most Jell-O gelatins (except pistachio and butterscotch) are all good certified gluten-free options for jello shots.

Do I need to use gluten-free alcohol?

Most clear liquors like vodka, rum, tequila, and gin are naturally gluten-free. However, some brown liquors and flavor liqueurs may contain gluten, so check brands for gluten-free labels or contact the manufacturer to be safe.

How long do jello shots take to set?

Jello shots take about 1-2 hours to partially set if you want to layer them. A full set takes around 2-3 hours minimum. Allow more time if using thicker molds.

Can I make jello shots ahead of time?

Yes, you can make gluten-free jello shots 1-2 days ahead. Just store fully set jello shots covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Don't make too far in advance or they may lose their texture.

What's the best way to get jello shots out of the molds?

Grease molds first with cooking spray or oil for easy removal. Run a knife gently around edges before flipping molds over. You can also soak plastic molds briefly in hot water to help release.

FAQs

Can you make jello shots without alcohol?

Yes, you can make virgin jello shots by substituting the liquor for an equal amount of fruit juice, sparkling water, or non-alcoholic wine.

How long do jello shots last in the fridge?

Properly stored jello shots will last 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator before they start to lose their texture and flavor.

What's the easiest way to layer jello shots?

Pour lighter colored jello on the bottom layer first, then add darker colors on top. Also pour faster-setting gelatin on bottom and slower-setting layers on top.

Should you add fruit to jello shots?

Yes, bite-sized fresh fruits or drained canned fruits make great additions to jello shots for flavor and texture.

How do you make jello shots less sticky?

Reduce stickiness by dusting with powdered sugar or cornstarch before removing from molds. Greasing molds first also helps with easy removal.