Lemon Jello Shooters (Simple and Citrusy for Summer!)
If you’re wanting to make friends super duper quick at your (or anyone else’s) backyard shin-dig, these Lemon Jello Shooters will definitely get the job done. They’re sweet, a little boozy, a little tart, and crazy easy to make. Only a handful of ingredients are needed, with about 10 minutes of effort, and then they’re in the fridge for setup time.
Bonus: this recipe makes 16 little cups of sunshine, but they’re totally scalable. Want to change it up? I’ve got fun layering tips and a meringue magic idea below.
These are great little pops of flavor to add along with any other beverages when you’re having a get-together. Particularly perfect for that tropical vibe, serving these lemon drop shots along with some Pina Colada shots totally gets that island theme going.
🛒Ingredient Notes
The main ingredients are super easy to find and I’ll link the little unbreakable (might be handy after a few!) containers to make them in, below.
- Lemon Jello (3 oz box) – Classic yellow jello is the base.
- Vodka – Plain vodka is fine, but lemon vodka gives an extra citrusy punch. As for the brand to use, I recommend using your favorite!
- Limoncello – Optional, but kind of not. It adds a luscious lemony depth.
- Fresh lemon juice – Don’t skip it. Brightens the flavor.
- Optional Garnish – Thin lemon slices, twists of peel, or candied lemon rinds all work. Or… go big (see below).
- 2-ounce containers for stackable Lemon Shooters.
✨Important Tips to Nail These Lemon Shots
- The best way to get the lemon jello mixture into the shot containers is to use a glass or plastic measuring cup with a spout. It’s the cleanest, no mess way to fill them up that I’ve found.
- Don’t put the lids on until they’ve cooled or at least come to room temperature. It helps with keeping the condensation down inside the shot.
- If you want a stronger tasting shot, pare down the water a bit (I’ll give directions in the recipe card below).
- You can add a punch-you-in-the-face lemony kick by mixing in finely minced lemon rind into the jello mix.
- For a non-alcoholic version of this Lemon drop shooter, replacing the vodka with a zero-proof spirit like Seedlip’s Grove 42 will come close to mimicking the shooter with its citrusy notes. Another swap idea could be using lemonade concentrate (diluted).
🧪 How to Make These Lemoncello Shots
- Boil it: Make the Jello
- Cool it: Let it chill down.
- Booze it: Add the alcohol or lemonade mix if not using the alchohol.
- Pour it: Get it into the serving containers.
- Set it: Chill them down to set.
- Fancy it: Add your garnish if you’re going to add any.
🍋 Serving Ideas & Fancy Upgrades
🍋For a pretty layered look: Pour raspberry jello first and chill until set. Then pour the lemon layer over and chill again for a Raspberry Lemon Duo Shot. I love this idea because the variations are endless. Try blue raspberry, strawberry, cherry, even peach.
🍋Now hear me out – this is an over-the-top idea but super impressive. Whip up some meringue (like the top of lemon meringue pie), pipe it on just before serving, and give the whipped clouds a little toast action with a small kitchen torch – your guests will lose their minds at your creativity, for real.
Let me know if you tried a lemon-on-lemon version, or if you went full bartender with the layers and torched meringue. Tag me in your creations – I love seeing your creations! Thanks for stopping by The Salty Pot today!
Lemon Jello Shooters
Zesty Lemon Jello Shooters made with vodka, limoncello, and fresh lemon juice. Easy to prep, chill, and serve - perfect for parties!
Ingredients
- 1 (3 oz) box lemon Jello (or any brand you prefer).
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup vodka (lemon vodka = extra zing)
- ¼ cup limoncello (optional)
- 3 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp cold water
Instructions
- Empty the Jello into a mixing bowl.
- Add boiling water and stir until fully dissolved.
- Cool slightly before stirring in vodka, limoncello, lemon juice, and cold water.
- Pour into 16 plastic shot cups and refrigerate until set (2–4 hours).
- Keep chilled until serving. Garnish with lemon slices, zest, or get creative! (see notes!)
Notes
Skipping the alcohol? Here are the instructions for making these shots sans booze. There are just a few different tweaks:
How to Make These Shots (Non-Alcoholic Version)
- Boil it. Whisk the lemon Jello powder into 1 cup of boiling water until fully dissolved—no clumps!
- Cool it. Let it sit for a few minutes so it’s warm, not hot.
- Juice it. Stir in ½ cup lemonade, an extra tablespoon of lemon juice, and that splash of cold water.
- Pour it. Fill your shot cups almost to the top.
- Set it. Refrigerate 2–4 hours until firm and jiggly.
- Garnish it. Add lemon zest, a tiny wedge, or a sugared rim—still fancy, just zero proof.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 31Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 2mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 0gSugar: 2gProtein: 0g
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.
