Santa Hat Jello Shots are fun cocktails for the holiday season! Strawberry jello and your choice of either vodka or tequila, topped with whipped cream and a strawberry to look like Santa’s hat.
These Christmas jello shots will absolutely delight your friends and family at your next Christmas party.

Santa Hat Jello Shots
Santa Hat Jello Shots are a cocktail and appetizer all in one! This Christmas jello shot mixes the delicious flavors of a fresh strawberry, whipped cream and boozy strawberry jello.
Have a few holiday parties coming up? Why bring Christmas cookies, when you could bring Santa Hat Jello Shots!
If you’re looking for something fun and dazzling for your upcoming Christmas parties, these Christmas jello shots are just the thing to get the party started.
What Liquor Should I Use?
There are several different liquors you can use to make these santa hat jello shots! So, it’s up to you.
These Christmas jello shots are made with strawberry jell-o, fresh strawberries and cool whip.
The top liquor choices are:
- Vodka
- Strawberry Vodka
- Tequila
All three of these liquors work well in strawberry jello shots.
More Christmas Jello Shots
Apple Whisky Green Jello Shots Topped with Cherries – these make great Christmas themed jello shots.
Gingerbread Jello Shots – gingerbread cookies in a jello shot are fun for holiday parties.
Champagne Jello Shots (2 Ways!) – perfect for any celebration!
Kitchen Tools for this Recipe
- Measuring Cup
- Saucepan
- Spatula
- Cookie Sheet
- Mini Plastic Shot Glasses (also known as souffle cups)
- Ladle (best with pouring spouts)
Ingredients:
All you need are 5 simple ingredients to make these jell-o shots for your next Christmas gathering:
- 1 cup Water
- 1 box Strawberry Jell-O (3 oz)
- 1 cup Vodka (or Tequila)
- Redi Whip (or Cool Whip)
- Fresh Strawberries
How to Make Santa Hat Jello Shots
Here are the easy step by step directions:
Step 1: Boil 1 cup of water in a pot on the stove.
Tip: You can heat the water in a microwave-safe measuring cup then pour it into the saucepan or a large bowl.
Step 2: Add in 1 strawberry jell-o packet to the hot water. Stir until all the powder is dissolved.
Step 3: Pour in 1 cup vodka (or your liquor of choice). Stir.
Note: If you are using the box of jello instructions, note that it calls for 1 cup cold water, in this recipe we are replacing the cold water with vodka.
Step 4: Use a ladle to fill the mini plastic jello shot cups.
I love my ladle because it has spouts on each side make it extra easy to fill jello shot cups. If you’re looking for one, here’s a similar ladle on Amazon that’s cheap.
Step 5: Place the filled plastic cups on a cookie sheet. The cookie sheet is a great way to move the jello shots in and out of the refrigerator.
Step 6: Chill for 4 hours or until the jello is set.
Note: Every refrigerator is different, it may take less or more time for the jello to set. I suggest making these a day ahead of time so you’re not rushed and can let them chill overnight without worrying if they will be ready in time.
How to Decorate Santa Hat Jello Shots
Whipped cream is so scrumptious, but it melts quickly. Make sure to decorate these Christmas jello shots just before you are ready to serve them.
Step 1: Clean your strawberries. Then cut off the green leaves and tops of your fresh strawberries. Try to cut the tops so that the strawberry has a flat surface. Set the strawberries aside.
Step 2: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of the jello shots. I’m using Redi Whip because it’s easier add the whipped cream to the jello shots.
Tip: If you are using a tub of cool whip, it might be easier to spoon some of the cool whip into a piping bag, cut off the bottom tip of one corner on the bag and then squeeze the cool whip on to the top of the jello shots. You can also simply use a spoon and add a dollop and spread it with the back of your spoon.
Step 3 Place a strawberry flat-side down on top of the whipped cream.
Step 4: Add a small ball of whipped cream to the tip of each strawberry to look like Santa’s hat.
How Many Shots in One Box of Jello?
Using the 2 oz jello shot cups, a 3 oz box of jello you will yield 12 Christmas jello shots.
As a quick reminder, as I mentioned above in some of the tips, whipped cream melts quickly. Wait to decorate these adorable Christmas jello shots just before you’re ready to serve them.
Christmas time is full of holiday parties and your Santa Hat Jello Shots will be a hit! These are a tasty and fun treat to celebrate the holiday season.
Cheers & Merry Christmas!
Santa Hat Jello Shots (Christmas Jello Shots)

Santa Hat Jello Shots are fun cocktails for the holiday season! Strawberry jello and your choice of either vodka or tequila, topped with whipped cream and a strawberry to look like Santa's hat.
These Christmas shots will absolutely delight your friends and family at your next Christmas party.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Water
- 1 box Strawberry Jell-O (3 oz)
- 1 cup Vodka (or Tequila)
- Redi Whip (or Cool Whip)
- Fresh Strawberries
Instructions
- Boil 1 1/4 cup of water.
- Add strawberry jell-o packet into the hot water. Stir until all the powder is dissolved.
- Pour in 3/4 cup vodka (or your liquor of choice). Stir.
- Fill the mini plastic jello shot cups with jello and vodka mixture.
- Chill for 4 hours or until jello is set.
- Clean and cut off the tops of the strawberries.
- Add whipped cream on top.
- Place a strawberry flat-side down on top of the whipped cream.
- Add a small ball of whipped cream to the tip of each strawberry to look like Santa's hat.
Notes
See post for additional tips and variations. Drink Responsibly.
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