Eggnog Jello Shots Recipe (2024)

  • Rum
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Heavy Cream
  • Christmas

Boozy, rich, and scented with nutmeg, eggnog is even more festive in jello-shot form.

By

Elana Lepkowski

Eggnog Jello Shots Recipe (1)

Elana Lepkowski

Elana Lepkowski is an LA-based mixologist who shares her co*cktail recipes at Serious Eats and on her award-winning blog, Stir and Strain.

Learn about Serious Eats'Editorial Process

Updated November 30, 2023

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Eggnog Jello Shots Recipe (2)

Why It Works

  • This method works with both homemade and store-bought eggnog. You can also use any of our flavored riffs on eggnog (for specific recommendations, see the recipe notes below).
  • You choose the serving size. Just pick your favorite silicone mold shape.

As a child, I never saw anyone drink eggnog. My parents and grandparents never served it. My friends' homes were all nog-free, too, as far as I could tell. It became something of a bogeyman to me, something gross that sleazy uncles in books drank to keep warm.

As an adult, though, I've become an eggnog lover. To me, the good stuff tastes like rich spiced milk. It's custardy, but not eggy, delicious with rum or brandy or both. Still, I feel like it's fusty with tradition. The same old drink, year after year after year. Eggnog needs a change. A way to get your party guests excited again.

Making eggnog into jello shots gives the old-school drink some fun new clothes. These yuletide bites are still rich, spiced, and alcoholic, but they're a bit more entertaining than the old punch cup.

Eggnog Jello Shots Recipe (3)

You'll start by making a traditional eggnog. We like to use a stand mixer for perfectly blended results. And, while the classic eggnog recipe works beautifully, you can also get creative with your flavors: You've gotplenty of options.

Don't have time to make the eggnog from scratch? That's fine, too. Store-bought eggnog works just as well, and the shot-making method is pretty much the same.

Working with powdered gelatin may seem a little intimidating, but it's easy, I promise. You'll separate a portion of your eggnog and warm it gently, sprinkling the gelatin on top to bloom and then mixing it in so it can get completely hydrated by the warm liquid. You'll then mix it back into the rest of the eggnog and top it with nutmeg.

Eggnog Jello Shots Recipe (4)

While just about any container can be used to form the jello shots, silicone molds are a dream to work with. They're wonderfully flexible, allowing you to pop out your jello shots without causing cracks.

In a pinch, though, you could also make these in paper cups or mini muffin wrappers. Or, if you'd like to offer your guests a bit more of a wallop, you can double the size and serve your eggnog jello shots in cups, to be spooned and savored.

December 2015

Recipe Details

Eggnog Jello Shots Recipe

Prep30 mins

Cook10 mins

Active25 mins

Chilling Time8 hrs

Total8 hrs 40 mins

Makes48 jello shots

Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs, separated (see note)
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar (1.1 ounces; 28g), divided
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) whole milk
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • 2 packets unflavored powdered gelatin (1/2 ounce; 14g)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) dark rum, such as Gosling's, or spiced rum, such as Malahat Spiced Rum
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Directions

  1. Place egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk and beat at low speed until frothy, about 30 seconds. Increase speed to medium-high and beat until they are about the consistency of shaving cream, about 90 seconds. Reduce speed to medium. With mixer running, add half of sugar and beat until incorporated, about 30 seconds. Scrape whites into a large bowl. Do not wash stand mixer bowl.

  2. Add egg yolks and remaining sugar to stand mixer bowl and beat at medium-high speed until pale yellow and ribbony, shutting off machine and scraping down sides of bowl with a rubber spatula as necessary, about 2 minutes total. Add milk and cream and mix at low speed to combine.

  3. Pour half of the yolk mixture into a small saucepan and sprinkle gelatin over the surface. Let stand 5 minutes. Meanwhile, add rum to remaining yolk mixture in stand mixer bowl and mix at low speed for 30 seconds to combine. Set saucepan over low heat and bring to just below a simmer, whisking constantly, until gelatin is fully dissolved; do not let boil. Remove from heat and let stand until cooled slightly, about 2 minutes.

  4. With stand mixer running at low speed, slowly pour gelatin mixture into the yolk-rum mixture. Gently whisk in egg whites until smooth.

  5. Strain mixture into a large measuring cup with a spout. Sprinkle in nutmeg and stir gently to combine. Carefully fill your molds with the eggnog. Refrigerate until set, about 8 hours.

  6. To remove jello shots from semi-spherical molds, carefully run a small spoon around the edge and slowly invert the mold to pop out the shot. If using square or straight-sided molds, run a butter knife around the edge and slowly invert the mold to pop out the shot. For other shapes or non-flexible molds, dip the bottom of the mold in warm water for 15 seconds, invert mold onto a baking sheet, and gently tap the mold to release the jello shot. Eggnog jello shots can be refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Special Equipment

Small saucepan, stand mixer, large measuring cup with spout, molds for jello shots (we recommend semi-spherical silicone molds, see note)

Notes

If you want to use store-bought eggnog or any of our flavored variations—like butterscotch, maple bourbon, double nut, or nutella eggnog—start with 12 ounces of your chosen eggnog. Pour half of the eggnog into a heatproof bowl and half into a small saucepan. Whisk 1/2 cup dark or spiced rum into eggnog in the heatproof bowl. Sprinkle 2 packets unflavored powdered gelatin onto the surface of the eggnog in the saucepan and let stand 5 minutes. Set saucepan over low heat and bring to just under a simmer, whisking constantly, until gelatin is fully dissolved; do not let boil. Remove from heat and let stand 2 minutes to cool slightly. Pour eggnog-gelatin mixture into the eggnog-rum mixture and whisk to combine. Proceed with instructions in Step 5.

While just about any container can be used for making the jello shots, silicone molds are your best bet. These provide the right amount of flexibility to help you pop out your jello shots without cracking them.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Eggnog jello shots can be refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Read More

  • The Science of Jello Shots
  • Old Fashioned Jelly Shots
  • Eggnog Ice Cream
  • Boozy Eggnog Cake
  • Holiday Eggnog
  • Coquito (Puerto Rican Coconut Eggnog)
Eggnog Jello Shots Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Eggnog Jello Shots Recipe? ›

In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup cold water and 1/2 cup vodka, or other liquor. Place the mixture in the refrigerator to reach a consistent temperature. Place 1 (3-ounce) package any flavor gelatin in a separate bowl or glass measuring cup, and slowly add the remaining 1 cup boiling water.

What is the ratio of alcohol to water in jello shots? ›

In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup cold water and 1/2 cup vodka, or other liquor. Place the mixture in the refrigerator to reach a consistent temperature. Place 1 (3-ounce) package any flavor gelatin in a separate bowl or glass measuring cup, and slowly add the remaining 1 cup boiling water.

What is the best alcohol to put in eggnog? ›

Choose The Right Spirit

While brandy is the most traditional alcohol to pair with eggnog, according to traditional recipes, you can also use a mixture of dark rum and Cognac. If you like your eggnog with more of a kick you can also add bourbon, but we recommend sticking to rum and Cognac to preserve the 'nog's flavors.

Will my jello shots not solidify if I put too much liquor? ›

Jello shots won't set properly if you add too much alcohol. Generally, a basic batch of jello shots is made with one cup of juice or water, one packet of gelatin, 1/2 cup of cold water and 1/2 cup of alcohol. However, jello shots can be made with as much as 2/3 cup alcohol without changing their texture.

Why aren't my jello shots getting hard? ›

To help jello shots to set more quickly, make sure you mix VERY COLD ingredients into your mixture. That means put your alcohol in the freezer and have some ice cubes ready to go.

Is 1 cup of vodka too much for jello shots? ›

This jello shot recipe uses 1/2 cup vodka for 12 shots = 1/3 ounce vodka per shot. That's 4 jello shots to equal 1 regular shot of vodka. Even if you take out the cold water and use 1 cup vodka = that's still only 2/3 ounce vodka per shot. This is typical of jello shots.

Does eggnog curdle with alcohol? ›

Though rare, there is the potential that eggnog will curdle when it's mixed with alcohol. That's typically due to too much acid interacting with the dairy. This can come from high-proof liquor or milk that's either lower in fat or going sour. For the best eggnog, use fresh, preferably whole, milk.

Does alcohol make eggnog last longer? ›

How Long Does Aged Eggnog Last? Once the milk and cream have been mixed with the egg base, the amount of alcohol won't keep it shelf stable. Simply store it in the refrigerator in the glass jar for up to a week. Trust me; it won't make it long because it tastes so good!

What percentage of alcohol is in eggnog? ›

A concentration of at least 20% of alcohol (about the same amounts of alcoholic spirits and milk or cream), and refrigeration are recommended for safety.

Do jello shots get stronger the longer they sit? ›

Jello Shots, like life, are all about balance. That said, if you want a strong one, it is possible if you leave it in the fridge long enough. In a Supercall experiment, we found that the strongest Jello Shot that will set is three-to-one ratio of 80-proof alcohol to water, and it took a full day to become mostly solid.

Should alcohol be cold when making jello shots? ›

If you are in a hurry, you can set your jello faster by having your liquids as cold as possible when starting to make your shots. You can have your alcohol in the freezer to get it cold, and/or you can add some ice cubes in with your cold water and remove the ice that's left after 2-3 minutes.

Does it matter how much vodka you put in jello shots? ›

A standard recipe made with 3 ounces of Jell-O powder calls for 5 ounces of 80-proof vodka and 11 ounces of water, but this results in a shot that tastes watered-down. To make a stronger shot, use just 4 ounces of water and between 8 and 14 ounces of vodka (to taste)

How come my jello shots didn't set? ›

Jell-O shots have been an adult party favor for a long time, and many wonder if the alcohol is what ruined their gel set. In fact, you've probably just added the wrong amount of heat or liquid (via Serious Eats). Gelatin will not "bloom" unless heat helps the gelatin particles to hydrate and fully absorb liquid.

What alcohol is good in jello shots? ›

Vodka and white rum are both great options for your alcohol, although other spirits, like gin, whiskey, tequila and brandy all work.

How much water vs vodka on jello shots? ›

A standard recipe made with 3 ounces of Jell-O powder calls for 5 ounces of 80-proof vodka and 11 ounces of water, but this results in a shot that tastes watered-down. To make a stronger shot, use just 4 ounces of water and between 8 and 14 ounces of vodka (to taste)

Does alcohol replace water in jello shots? ›

Water: Water and alcohol will be the two liquids that you use for your jello shots.

What is the ratio for jello? ›

Use 1 envelope (1 tablespoon or 1/4 ounce) unflavored gelatin to 2 cups of water for standard firmness. Decrease or increase water or other liquid for your particular needs. One (3-ounce) package of flavored, sweetened gelatin needs 2 cups of water.

How much alcohol is too much for jello shots? ›

Technically, you should put 1/2 cup of liquor into your Jello Shots. However, you can use as much as 2/3 cup without changing the texture of the Jello Shots. If you add too much alcohol, it will cause the Jello Shots to not set properly.

References

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