This post may contain affiliate links. As an amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full Disclosure Policy for details.
Bright, boozy, and fun, these Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots are perfect for parties and easy to make ahead. 🌅🍒🍊 A guaranteed crowd favorite!

Tequila Sunrise Jello Shot Recipe
Looking for fun and vibrant jello shot ideas for summer? This Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots recipe is exactly what you need! With bright cherry and orange layers, these shots are as pretty as they are delicious. Perfect for parties, BBQs, or anytime you want to bring a little sunshine to the table, this tequila sunrise jello shot recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
If you’ve been wondering how to make tequila sunrise jello shots, you’ll be happy to know they’re super easy and can be prepared ahead of time. These summer jello shots combine the fruity flavors of cherry and orange with your favorite tequila for a playful twist on the classic cocktail.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make ahead for parties
- Perfect layered presentation
- Bold fruity flavors with a boozy kick
- Fun and festive jello shot ideas for summer
- Simple instructions for how to make tequila sunrise jello shots

🛒 Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherry Layer
- cherry jello – substitute with raspberry or strawberry jello
- boiling water – no substitution
- cold water – use flavored water for added taste
- tequila – substitute with cold water for a non-alcoholic version
- grenadine – substitute with maraschino cherry liquid
Orange Layer
- orange jello – substitute with peach or mango jello
- boiling water – no substitution
- orange juice (pulp-free) – substitute with pineapple juice or mango nectar
- tequila – substitute with cold water for a non-alcoholic version
✨ Variations
- Add a splash of orange liqueur to the orange layer for an extra burst of flavor.
- Try using pineapple juice for a tropical twist.
- Make them non-alcoholic by replacing tequila with cold water.
- Add a little chili-lime seasoning to the orange layer for a spicy kick.








🔥 Tips
- Chill the tequila before adding it to the jello mixture to help it set faster.
- Let the orange jello mixture cool completely before pouring to avoid mixing colors.
- Prepare fridge space in advance. Thirty shots take up more room than you think!
❓ FAQs
This tequila sunrise jello shots recipe can be made up to two weeks ahead, but they taste best within the first week.
Yes! Swap cherry and orange for flavors like strawberry, raspberry, peach, or mango for fun jello shot ideas for summer.
Serve cold, and add a maraschino cherry and orange wedge just before serving.
Yes. Simply replace the tequila with cold water.
A silver or reposado tequila works great. Use your favorite!
🍽️ Other Recipes You May Enjoy
Beverages
Blue Hawaiian Jello Shots
Beverages
Piña Colada Jello Shots
Beverages
Lime Margarita Jello Shots
Beverages
Rum Punch Jello Shots
Pin this now to find it later
Pin It
Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots
Would you like to save this?
Equipment
- 30 plastic shot cups or condiment cups (2-ounce)
- baking sheets (for transporting shots)
- refrigerator space for chilling
Ingredients
Cherry Layer
- 1 package cherry jello, 3-ounce
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup cold water
- ¼ cup tequila, chilled
- ¼ cup grenadine
Orange Layer
- 1 package orange jello, 6-ounce
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 cup pulp-free orange juice, chilled
- 1 cup tequila, chilled
Garnish
- orange wedges
- Maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Arrange 30 (2-ounce) shot cups on a tray.
- In a mixing bowl with a spout, stir cherry jello and 1 cup boiling water until dissolved.
- Add cold water, tequila, and grenadine. Stir to combine.
- Fill each cup about one-third full with the cherry mixture.
- Refrigerate for 2 hours or until fully set.
- In a clean bowl, stir orange jello and 2 cups boiling water until dissolved.
- Add orange juice and tequila. Let sit 5 to 10 minutes to cool to room temperature.
- Gently pour orange mixture over the cherry layer to fill the cups.
- Refrigerate for 2 more hours, or until fully set.
- Serve cold. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and orange wedge just before serving, if desired.
Notes
🥡 STORAGE
- Store jello shots covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Best enjoyed within the first 7 days for ideal flavor and texture.
♨️ REHEATING
- Jello shots are served cold and do not require reheating. Do not attempt to warm them, as they will melt.
❄️ FREEZING
- Freezing is not recommended. Frozen jello turns grainy and unpleasant once thawed.
💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS
- Use chilled tequila to help the jello set faster.
- Allow the orange layer to cool to room temperature before pouring over the cherry layer.
- Use measuring cups with spouts for clean pouring.
- Clear enough space in your fridge ahead of time to fit two trays of 15 shots each.
🍳 ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS
- No alternate cooking methods are needed for this no-cook, no-bake recipe.
♻️ LEFTOVERS
- Keep leftover jello shots refrigerated and covered.
- Do not garnish until just before serving to prevent weeping or melting of the tops.
- Use leftovers within a week for the best taste and texture.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.









