Cranberry Jello Shots are the perfect party treat for the holiday season. Not only do they look festive and fun with their bright red color, but they also deliver a tasty combination of sweet and tart flavors.
Cranberry Jello Shots are an easy and delicious way to liven up your holiday party. With their beautiful color, fruity flavor and sugared cranberries, these jello shots will be a hit with party guests.
Along with these festive shots, browse all our Jello Shot Recipes for more fun ways to celebrate.
When to Serve
Cranberry Jello Shots are an easy and fun way to add a festive twist to the holidays or a special occasion.
- Perfect for Thanksgiving, these will look elegant and a bit fancy on the Thanksgiving table, just like these Apple pie Jello Shots.
- Serve them as a holiday Christmas Jello Shot. They look Christmas festive with the sugared cranberries on top. If you also want a red and green combo, these Crown Apple Jello Shots are great for Christmas.
- Ring in the New Year with this boozy treat! Add these Champagne Jello Shots to the mix too.
Why You’ll Love Cranberry Jello Shots
- They make a great presentation, especially with sugared cranberries and rosemary garnishes.
- Easy to make. This recipe calls for just a few simple ingredients.
- Deliciously sweet and tart.
- Perfect for holiday jello shots.
More Holiday Jello Shots
Need another fun jello shot recipe? Here are more holiday jello shots:
What is the Best Liquor for Cranberry Jello Shots?
Vodka is the best liquor for jello shots. You can make this recipe with regular vodka, be sure sure it is a good quality vodka that is smooth and doesn’t have a harsh bite.
We’re using flavored vodka in this jello shot recipe. One of our favorite secrets to tasty jello shots is to use a matching flavored vodka that adds more festive flavor.
A variety of flavored vodkas are widely available in liquor stores to match the jello shots you’re making.
Can I use a Different Liquor?
Absolutely! Cranberry jello shots will also work well with:
- Plain Vodka
- White Rum
- Tequila
- Whisky
Kitchen Equipment
- 2 oz plastic cups (here are the plastic cups I use)
- Medium Saucepan
- Baking Sheet
- Measuring Cup
- Whisk
- Slotted Spoon
Jello Shot Cups
The 2 ounce jello shot cups are standard and what I like to use most, but you can buy the 1 oz size if you want to make smaller jello shots to serve more guests.
Or you can purchase the 3 ounce plastic shot glasses to serve larger cranberry jello shots. In this case, you may want to double the recipe.
Ingredients
CRANBERRY JELLO: For a single batch, we’re using a 3oz box of cranberry jello.
HOT WATER: A cup of boiling water to dissolve the jello powder.
CRANBERRY VODKA: 1 cup of vodka, either a good plain vodka or a matching cranberry vodka.
FRESH CRANBERRIES: You’ll need 2-3 sugared cranberries per jello shot for garnish.
SUGAR: To sweeten the fresh cranberries. Cranberries are tart and making them sugared cranberries is a delicious combination.
FRESH ROSEMARY: A rosemary sprig as garnish for each jello shot.
How to Make Cranberry Jello Shots
Here are the step-by-step directions:
Bring one cup of water to a boil then remove from heat and add the cranberry jello. Whisk until completely dissolved.
Next, add in a cup of cranberry vodka and mix well.
Line up your plastic shot glasses on a baking sheet. This makes it easier to move them in and out of the refrigerator.
Pour the jello mixture into the condiment cups. Tip: Use a ladle with a pouring spout or pour the jello shot mixture into a large measuring cup to make it easier to pour into the plastic cups.
Chill in the refrigerator until set, approximately 2-4 hours.
Garnish Instructions
Once the jello has set up and you’re ready to serve, add a rosemary sprig for garnish.
Next, wash the fresh cranberries and place them in a bowl or plate of sugar. Use a slotted spoon and roll the cranberries until they are covered with sugar.
Add 2-3 sugared cranberries on top of the jello shot and serve them up!
Cranberry Jello Shot Tips
- Chilled vodka will help the cranberry jello shots set up quicker in the fridge.
- Make them the day before serving so they can set overnight, just to be on the safe side they’ll be ready in time to serve.
- You can mix everything in your saucepan, but if you need to free up your pot after boiling water, use a medium mixing bowl.
- Add a sugar rim! Use corn syrup or simple syrup to dip the rim of the jello cups and then roll the rim in sugar.
Can I Make Jello Shots Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Cranberry Jello Shots can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
You can make these up to 3 days before your event and simply add garnish just before serving.
How to Store
You can store these in the fridge with the condiment cup lids on top for up to 3 days before serving. Just before serving, add garnishes.
If you have leftover jello shots, remove the sprig of rosemary and place the lids on to of the plastic jello shots. Make sure to consume these within 3 days of making them.
Cranberry Jello Shots are the perfect way to add some extra fun and celebration to your holiday season. From their simple make-at-home recipe to their colorful presentation, these refreshing and delicious treats are sure to make your holiday parties even more special.
Cranberry Jello Shots

Cranberry Jello Shots are the perfect party treat for the holiday season. Not only do they look festive and fun with their bright red color, but they also deliver a tasty combination of sweet and tart flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Water
- 3oz box Cranberry Jello
- 1 cup Cranberry Vodka
- Fresh Cranberries
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- Fresh Rosemary Sprigs
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil then remove from heat.
- Add cranberry jello and stir until completely dissolved.
- Add cranberry vodka and stir well.
- Line up your plastic shot glasses on a baking sheet. This makes it easier to move them in and out of the refrigerator.
- Pour the jello mixture into the condiment cups.
- Chill in the refrigerator until set, approximately 2-4 hours.
Notes
See recipe article for tips and variations. Please Drink Responsibly.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 36Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 3mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 0gSugar: 6gProtein: 0g
Nutritional values are estimates and not exact.