Watermelon Jello Shots: Two Irresistible Recipes for Your Ultimate Summer Party!
Summer is here, bringing with it the promise of sun-drenched days, lively barbecues, refreshing pool parties, and an array of delicious mixed drinks. Among the adult crowd, jello shots hold a special place as a fun, festive, and easy-to-serve treat. We decided to take this classic party favorite up a notch by experimenting with two distinct and incredibly creative ways to make watermelon jello shots.
Both methods proved to be a resounding success, offering unique flavor experiences. The jello shots prepared in tart lime rinds delivered a zesty kick at the end, a delightful surprise for those who enjoy a bit of tang. Meanwhile, the shots crafted within a real watermelon rind offered a beautifully sweet and refreshing finish. So, whether you prefer a burst of citrus or a pure fruity sweetness, we have the perfect “poison” for your next gathering. Let’s dive into these exciting recipes!
Why These Watermelon Jello Shots are the Ultimate Party Starters!
While traditional jello shots are typically served in small plastic cups or shot glasses, elevating their presentation can transform them into a true party centerpiece. Our watermelon jello shots, especially those crafted to resemble mini watermelon slices, are not just drinks; they’re an experience. Imagine the delighted expressions of your guests when they see these vibrant, fruity creations at your backyard party, potluck, or camping trip!
The visual appeal is undeniable. Using the actual fruit rinds makes these shots incredibly festive and unique, perfectly capturing the essence of summer. They’re a fantastic conversation starter and always leave a lasting impression. Beyond their charming appearance, the added unflavored gelatin ensures a firmer, jiggly texture reminiscent of the beloved Jell-O Jigglers from childhood, making them easy to handle and even more enjoyable to eat. They’re mess-free and don’t require any extra serving dishes for each shot, making cleanup a breeze for hosts.
How to Make Watermelon Jello Shots – 2 Spectacular Ways
Get ready to impress with these simple yet show-stopping recipes. We’ll guide you through crafting these delightful treats, whether you opt for the large, impressive watermelon slices or the adorable, tangy lime wedges.
NOTE: For a classic pink watermelon look, we used watermelon-flavored gelatin. However, if you desire a deeper, more vibrant red hue for your shots, strawberry gelatin is an excellent alternative that still complements the watermelon flavor beautifully.
To Make Watermelon Slice Jello Shots in a Watermelon Rind (Large Batch):
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are provided to help you visualize the process. For a concise, printable version of the full recipe, please scroll down to the recipe card below.
This method is perfect for larger gatherings, producing a generous amount of impressive, triangular jello shots that genuinely look like mini watermelon wedges. You’ll use a whole watermelon rind as your mold, creating a truly spectacular presentation.
- One (6-pound) watermelon: Halved, with most of the fruit removed (leaving about 1/4-inch of fruit in the shell is optional but recommended for a sweeter finish).
- Three (3-ounce) boxes watermelon flavored gelatin: Or strawberry for a redder color.
- Six envelopes unflavored gelatin: Crucial for that firm, sliceable “jiggler” consistency.
- Three cups boiling water: To dissolve the gelatin thoroughly.
- Three cups cold vodka: Your choice of vodka, chilled for best results.
- After your gelatin has fully set (typically 4 hours or more), carefully remove one of the watermelon halves from the fridge. Place it on a sturdy cutting board. This provides a stable surface for slicing.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the gelatin-filled watermelon into 1-inch thick slices. Thanks to the generous amount of unflavored gelatin in the recipe, the mixture will be wonderfully firm and easy to slice, just like the Jell-O Jigglers you might remember from your childhood!
- You might notice that even though you filled the watermelon rind with liquid gelatin, it slightly shrank as it solidified. Don’t worry, this is normal! You can simply trim any excess, clear tips off each slice to maintain that perfect watermelon wedge shape. This step isn’t strictly necessary but enhances the visual appeal.
- Finally, cut each 1-inch watermelon slice into three triangles. This creates perfect, bite-sized jello shot “wedges” that are easy for guests to pick up and enjoy.
Now all you have to do is arrange them on a platter and serve! Get ready for a wave of compliments from your appreciative guests.
Expert Tips for Perfect Watermelon Jello Shots
- To Peel or Not to Peel: For the watermelon rind shots, I experimented with two approaches. In one half, I meticulously scooped out ALL the watermelon flesh, leaving a completely clean rind. In the other, I left about a 1/4-inch layer of fruit inside the rind.
- Sweet After-Nibble: Leaving a small layer of the fresh watermelon fruit provides a delightful, sweet “after-nibble” that beautifully complements the jello shot itself. While the shots made with a completely clean rind are undeniably pretty and visually striking, I personally preferred the ones with that subtle fruit layer for the added sweetness and texture. You’ll likely spot both versions in the accompanying photos, so you can decide which aesthetic and flavor profile you prefer!
- Chill Factor: Ensure your jello shots are thoroughly chilled for at least 4 hours, or even overnight, especially the watermelon rind ones. This guarantees optimal firmness for slicing and handling.
- Alcohol Choice: While vodka is our go-to, feel free to experiment with other clear spirits like white rum or even tequila for a different twist. Always ensure your alcohol is cold before adding it to the gelatin mixture to prevent it from thinning out the gelatin.
- Storage: Store prepared jello shots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. For the lime rind shots, cover them gently with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out or absorbing refrigerator odors.
Watermelon Jello Shots in Zesty Lime Rinds (Small Batch)
Next up, for those who love a bit of tangy zest, we tried using limes as our individual jello shot vessels. These miniature creations definitely score high on the “cute factor” and are absolutely delicious. However, be prepared for a noticeable tart lime aftertaste that beautifully cuts through the sweetness of the watermelon jello. This tangy finish is a hit with many, but it’s worth noting if you or your guests prefer a purely sweet profile.
To Make Watermelon Lime Jello Shots in Lime Rinds (Yields 12 Shots):
This method is fantastic for smaller gatherings or if you want to offer a more individual, easy-to-grab shot. They’re visually appealing and pack a refreshing punch.
- Six limes: Halved, with all fruit and pith removed (a video demonstration below can guide you through this).
- One (3-ounce) box watermelon flavored gelatin: Or strawberry, for desired color.
- One envelope unflavored gelatin: To ensure a firm, easily sliceable jello.
- One cup boiling water: For dissolving the gelatin.
- One cup cold vodka: Chilled for best incorporation.
While I didn’t capture step-by-step photos for this specific method, I did create a helpful video for you (embedded below)! The process is essentially a smaller, more intricate version of making the larger watermelon wedge shots. These charming watermelon jello shots are made inside tiny lime shells, offering a unique and individual serving.
The key to these lime rind shots is expertly hollowing out the limes. First, cut your limes in half and juice them. Then, the easiest technique to scoop out the fruit and pith is to gently pull at the white pith and fruit near the top of the lime half. Once you get it started and loosened, the rest of the pulp usually comes out quite easily. Be sure to watch the video below for a clear demonstration of this process – it’s simpler than it sounds!
Dang! They’re incredibly cute, aren’t they? I absolutely adore how adorable they look. They instantly bring to mind other charming themed treats I’ve made, like these adorable Watermelon Cookies from years past. And speaking of watermelon delights, we’re also big fans of our watermelon poke cupcakes!
No matter which version of these delightful watermelon jello shots you choose to prepare, one thing is for sure: you will undoubtedly be the star of the party. Guaranteed! These unique, flavorful, and visually stunning treats are sure to be a hit and get everyone talking.
Planning a fabulous BBQ or summer soiree? Don’t stop at jello shots! These Raspberry Mango Vodka Popsicles offer another refreshing adult treat, or for a non-alcoholic option, this Refreshing Watermelon Smoothie would make a perfect and hydrating addition to your party spread!
More Creative Jello Shot Ideas for Every Occasion
If you’ve enjoyed these watermelon jello shots, you’ll love exploring other creative ways to make and serve these fun adult treats. We’re always looking for innovative ideas that elevate the humble jello shot:
- We’ve recently added these vibrant Orange Jello Shots to the blog. Like our fruit rind recipes, these also utilize the natural fruit shell, preventing plastic waste and negating the need for purchasing disposable shot glasses. They’re another fantastic summer favorite!
- For sports enthusiasts looking for the perfect game day snack, these spirited football jello shots are designed to be made in your favorite team’s colors! What better way to celebrate a big win or cheer on your team?
- You absolutely must try these refreshing Arnold Palmer Jello Shots, which are absolutely perfect for a hot summer day. And for those special celebratory moments, be sure to save these elegant Champagne Jello Shots – they’re a fantastic choice for New Year’s Eve or any glamorous occasion! And let’s not forget about these festive Green Jello Shots, ideal for your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
- For spooky season, our Candy Corn Jello Shots offer a super fun and festive way to serve up boozy shots at your Halloween parties, delighting guests with their layered colors.
Looking for More Awesome Summer Drink Ideas?
Beyond jello shots, our blog is brimming with fantastic drink recipes to keep your summer gatherings lively and refreshing:
- You’ll definitely want to check out these enchanting Blue Mixed Drinks, which are fun, mermaid-inspired cocktails that will mesmerize your guests with their vibrant hues and delicious flavors.
- This classic Pina Colada recipe is utterly delicious and quintessential for summer, bringing tropical vibes straight to your backyard.
- And of course, last but certainly not least, a beloved party favorite that’s always a popular choice for potlucks or gatherings of all types: our incredibly easy and flavorful Rum Punch! It’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
I absolutely love to bake and cook, and sharing my delicious recipes with you brings me so much joy! I know it can be hard to remember to come back and search for specific recipes, so I’ve made it incredibly easy for you with my weekly newsletter. You can subscribe for free, and I’ll send you delicious, tried-and-true recipes directly to your email inbox every week, ensuring you never miss a new culinary adventure.
Watermelon Jello Shots – 2 Ways
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
FOR JELLO SHOTS IN A WATERMELON RIND
- 6 pound watermelon halved with fruit removed (leave about 1/4-inch of fruit in the shell)
- 3 3-ounce boxes watermelon flavored gelatin
- 6 envelopes unflavored gelatin
- 3 cups boiling water
- 3 cups cold vodka
FOR JELLO SHOTS IN LIME RINDS
- 6 limes halved with fruit and pith removed
- 3 oz watermelon flavored gelatin 1 box
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup cold vodka
Before You Begin
- IN A WATERMELON RIND – this makes a lot of shots, perfect for a large party
- IN LIME RINDS – this makes 12 shots, great for a small gathering
- Just for the record, I made the shots inside the watermelon rind two different ways. In one-half I scooped out ALL of the watermelon, leaving a clean rind. The other I left about 1/4-inch of the fruit inside the rind.
- Leaving a small layer of fruit gives your guest a little sweet after-nibble. Seriously. They are still good without the fruit left in the shell, and honestly, they’re prettier. But I did prefer the jello shots with the fruit after-nibble. You’ll probably notice both types in the photos.
Instructions
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SHOTS IN A WATERMELON RIND
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Cut watermelon in half and line a large baking sheet with paper towels. Do this near the refrigerator so you don’t have too far to carry it!
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Scoop out the fruit leaving about 1/4-inch inside the shell.
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Whisk watermelon flavored gelatin and unflavored gelatin into the boiling water until dissolved. Stir in the cold vodka. Pour gelatin mixture into the two watermelon halves and transfer to the refrigerator. Chill for four hours or more.
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After your gelatin has set, remove one of the watermelon halves from the fridge and place it on a cutting board.
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Use a sharp knife to cut 1-inch slices. The gelatin will be nice and firm because of the added unflavored gelatin in the recipe.
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Even though you filled the watermelon rind with liquid gelatin, when it solidified, it shrank too. You can trim the excess tips off of each slice.
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Cut each watermelon slice into three triangles.
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Repeat with second watermelon half.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SHOTS IN LIME RINDS
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Cut limes in half and juice them, then scoop out the fruit. The easiest way to do this is to pull at the pith and fruit near the top of the lime half. It’s fairly easy to pull out once you loosen it.
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Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners and place each lime shell inside a liner.
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Whisk watermelon flavored gelatin into boiling water until dissolved. Stir in cold vodka and carefully pour spiked gelatin into lime shells.
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Chill in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours.
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Using a sharp knife, cut each lime shell in half and serve.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.