Layered, sweet and powerful, the jiggly and colorful Tequila Sunrise Jell-O Shots will put a smile on everyone’s face.
To paraphrase the legendary American band The Eagles, it’s another Tequila Sunrise cocktail variation. And why not? The mixture of tequila, orange juice and grenadine has inspired everything from relaxing nights in, to a full-blown decadent Rolling Stones tour in 1972. Born in that decade, the mellow-looking and easy-sipping concoction still brings those sunny, slightly fried vibes of a Southern California summer’s day. The sun is on the rise, bringing with it the sweet citrus flavor of orange juice, grounded by the earthy peppery notes of the tequila, with the fiery red color of the grenadine winking over your drink’s horizon.
Then there’s the Tequila Sunrise Shot, a diminutive version of the classic drink. When a tray of these are prepared and brought out to a group of unsuspecting guests, the “oohs” and “aahs” at the sight of the colorful, little layered liquor treats will make you feel like a celebrity bartender. Unless you had someone else make them. In that case, give credit where credit is due.
Then we have tonight’s recipe, the Tequila Sunrise Jell-O Shot. Back in the 1950s, when humorist and singer Tom Lehrer was in the U.S. military, he ended up inventing the modern Jell-O Shot as we know it today. When the post he was stationed at threw a Christmas party—but banned alcoholic beverages—the ever resourceful Lehrer smuggled a fair amount of vodka into the shindig by spiking orange Jell-O with it. And now, with these Tequila Sunrise Jell-O Shots, you can take one of the greatest party favors invented to a whole new level.
They look impressive, too.
What Is The Best Tequila To Use In Tequila Sunrise Jell-O Shots?
For our tray of orange, jiggly goodness, we’ll need some tequila. You’ll want a spirit that neither works too hard, nor gets crushed by the weight of the other flavors. A silver tequila is the perfect liquor to make this shot with, as the clear color allows the layered look to be achieved easily, and the smooth and grassy notes from it blend in a balanced way with the rest of the ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 package orange-flavored gelatin mix (3 ounces)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup silver tequila
- 1/2 cup cold orange juice
- 1/4 cup grenadine syrup
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the orange-flavored gelatin mix with boiling water. Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved and allow to cool to room temperature.
- Stir in the silver tequila and cold orange juice until well combined.
- Arrange 24 plastic shot cups on a tray for easy transport. Evenly pour the gelatin mixture into the shot cups, filling each about three-quarters full.
- Slowly add a splash of grenadine to each cup. It will sink to the bottom, creating a sunrise effect.
- Place the tray of shots in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until set. Once set, serve the Jell-O shots chilled with an optional maraschino cherry on each shot.
Nutrition
WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH ARE USED?
You can find disposable party shot cups at most home goods and grocery stores, often in bulk, too. Once your shots are prepped and begin to solidify in the fridge, pop a maraschino cherry on top of each one, or wait until they are served.
HOW DO YOU MAKE A TEQUILA SUNSET JELL-O SHOT?
Just replace the grenadine with blackberry liqueur to make your Sunrises a bunch of Sunsets.
Other Fun Shot Recipes Worth Trying
It wouldn’t be a party without some shots coming out to play. I mean, technically, it could still be called a party without them, but would it still be as memorable? I never want to find out, which is why I always like to entertain with one of these delicious and fun shooters. Try a few of them out for yourself before planning your next get-together.
- Scooby Snack Shot – This fruity, creamy treat will make you shout “zoinks” it’s so good.
- Champagne Jell-O Shots – An elegant version of the classic party favorite.
- Margarita Jell-O Shots – These mini-margaritas will keep your pool party going all weekend.
- Pickle Shot – Give your vodka shooter a boost with some devilish dill flavor.
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