This Watermelon Jolly Rancher Jello Shots Recipe combines candy shop nostalgia with beach-party fun. Sweet, tart, and dangerously easy to pop, these boozy bites are made with vibrant Jolly Rancher watermelon-flavored gelatin and spiked with Malibu Watermelon Rum. Served in mini condiment cups and topped with gummy candies, they’re the perfect adult treat for summer parties, poolside snacks, or any night that calls for a splash of chaos and color. One shot tastes like watermelon candy. Three? That’s a whole vibe.
Ingredients (Makes ~12 shots)
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1 (3 oz) box Jolly Rancher Watermelon Jello
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1 cup boiling water
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1 cup Malibu Watermelon Rum (or any fruity white rum)
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Gummy Jolly Rancher candies (for garnish)
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Mini 2 oz condiment cups with lids
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Whipped cream (optional topping for fun)
Preparation
Step 1: Boil your water
Bring 1 cup of water to a boil using a kettle or saucepan.
Step 2: Dissolve the Jello
Empty the Jolly Rancher Watermelon gelatin powder into a heat-safe mixing bowl. Pour in the boiling water and stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved—about 2 full minutes.
Step 3: Add the alcohol
Stir in 1 cup of chilled Malibu Watermelon Rum. Mix thoroughly to blend everything evenly and cool down the liquid slightly.
Step 4: Pour into cups
Carefully pour the mixture into mini condiment cups, filling each about ¾ of the way. Place lids on if storing or transporting.
Step 5: Chill until set
Place the filled cups in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or until the Jello is firm to the touch.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
Right before serving, top with a gummy Jolly Rancher candy or add a swirl of whipped cream for extra sweetness. Serve cold, and let the fruity fun begin.
Variation
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Sour Patch Twist: Use sour watermelon gummies for a tangy topping
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Boozier Bites: Use 1¼ cups alcohol and ¾ cup water for a stronger set
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Candy Shop Shot: Mix half Malibu and half watermelon schnapps
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Mocktail Version: Replace rum with lemon-lime soda or flavored water
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Rainbow Style: Layer with other Jolly Rancher Jello flavors and let each layer set before adding the next
Cooking Note
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Don’t use more than 1½ cups alcohol total or the Jello won’t set properly
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Stir for the full 2 minutes to fully dissolve the gelatin
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Use a pourable measuring cup or funnel for mess-free filling
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Let them chill completely before serving—overnight is best for firm texture
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Keep refrigerated until just before serving to maintain shape and freshness
Tips
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Use clear cups so the bright color can shine through
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Add a splash of lime juice to balance the sweetness with some citrus zip
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Chill your rum beforehand to speed up the setting process
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Make a large batch in advance for holidays, tailgates, or bachelorette parties
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Label the lids if you’re making multiple flavors for variety
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (per shot, approx 2 oz)
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Calories: 90
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Protein: 1g
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Fat: 0g
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Carbohydrates: 9g
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Sugar: 8g
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Sodium: 40mg
Note: May vary depending on candy garnish and alcohol used
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of Jello?
Yes! Strawberry, cherry, or lime also work well, but watermelon keeps it on-theme.
Will it still set with that much alcohol?
Yes—1 cup of alcohol to 1 cup of boiling water is the ideal ratio for a firm, boozy Jello shot.
How far in advance can I make these?
They’re best within 3–5 days if stored in the fridge with lids on.
Can I freeze them to set faster?
No—freezing changes the texture. Chill in the fridge only.
Are these shots strong?
They’re sweet and easy to eat, but they pack a punch. The Malibu rum is smooth but still alcoholic, so pace yourself!
Conclusion
This Watermelon Jolly Rancher Jello Shots Recipe is the perfect mix of sweet nostalgia and playful grown-up fun. With its vibrant color, juicy flavor, and candy toppings, it’s made to impress—and disappear fast. Whether you’re throwing a summer bash, planning a girls’ night, or just love anything watermelon, these shots bring the candy shop chaos and beach party vibes in one fun, jiggly bite. Chill ‘em, top ‘em, pop ‘em—and enjoy the buzz.
Print
Watermelon Jolly Rancher Jello Shots Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients (Makes ~12 shots)
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1 (3 oz) box Jolly Rancher Watermelon Jello
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1 cup boiling water
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1 cup Malibu Watermelon Rum (or any fruity white rum)
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Gummy Jolly Rancher candies (for garnish)
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Mini 2 oz condiment cups with lids
-
Whipped cream (optional topping for fun)
Instructions
Step 1: Boil your water
Bring 1 cup of water to a boil using a kettle or saucepan.
Step 2: Dissolve the Jello
Empty the Jolly Rancher Watermelon gelatin powder into a heat-safe mixing bowl. Pour in the boiling water and stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved—about 2 full minutes.
Step 3: Add the alcohol
Stir in 1 cup of chilled Malibu Watermelon Rum. Mix thoroughly to blend everything evenly and cool down the liquid slightly.
Step 4: Pour into cups
Carefully pour the mixture into mini condiment cups, filling each about ¾ of the way. Place lids on if storing or transporting.
Step 5: Chill until set
Place the filled cups in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or until the Jello is firm to the touch.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
Right before serving, top with a gummy Jolly Rancher candy or add a swirl of whipped cream for extra sweetness. Serve cold, and let the fruity fun begin.
Notes
-
Don’t use more than 1½ cups alcohol total or the Jello won’t set properly
-
Stir for the full 2 minutes to fully dissolve the gelatin
-
Use a pourable measuring cup or funnel for mess-free filling
-
Let them chill completely before serving—overnight is best for firm texture
-
Keep refrigerated until just before serving to maintain shape and freshness
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Chill Time: 4 hours
- Cook Time: 0 min
Nutrition
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 1g