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Bright, boozy, and fun, these Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots are perfect for parties and easy to make ahead. 🌅🍒🍊 A guaranteed crowd favorite!

Stack of tequila sunrise jello shots with lids, topped with a maraschino cherry and orange slice.

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 for tequila sunrise jello shots laid out, including tequila, jello powder, grenadine, and orange juice.

🛒 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

How far in advance can I make these?

This tequila sunrise jello shots recipe can be made up to two weeks ahead, but they taste best within the first week.

Can I use different jello flavors?

Yes! Swap cherry and orange for flavors like strawberry, raspberry, peach, or mango for fun jello shot ideas for summer.

How do I serve them?

Serve cold, and add a maraschino cherry and orange wedge just before serving.

Can these be made without alcohol?

Yes. Simply replace the tequila with cold water.

What is the best tequila for these shots?

A silver or reposado tequila works great. Use your favorite!

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Close-up of a single tequila sunrise jello shot garnished with a maraschino cherry and orange slice.
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Servings: 30 servings

Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots

By Jamie Sherman
Tequila Sunrise Jello Shots are a fun, colorful treat with vibrant cherry and orange layers. Perfect for parties and easy to make!
Prep: 10 minutes
Additional Time: 4 hours
Total: 4 hours 10 minutes

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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

Serving: 1shot, Calories: 56kcal, Carbohydrates: 8g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 0.02g, Saturated Fat: 0.002g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.003g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.003g, Sodium: 29mg, Potassium: 18mg, Fiber: 0.02g, Sugar: 7g, Vitamin A: 17IU, Vitamin C: 4mg, Calcium: 2mg, Iron: 0.03mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Jamie

Jamie Sherman founded Love Bakes Good Cakes in February 2012. She is a self-taught home cook passionate about sharing easy, delicious, and family-friendly recipes. From comforting classics to irresistible desserts, I believe homemade food brings people together. Join me on my journey of creating and sharing meals that bring joy to every table!

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