Eggnog Jello Shots Recipe (2024)

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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)
  • Rum
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Heavy Cream
  • Christmas
Eggnog Jello Shots Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What alcohol goes best with eggnog? ›

While you may typically reach for a bottle of rum or whiskey for eggnog, amaro and tequila are also good options. Some people who use reposado tequila in their eggnog like to complement it with an Amontillado sherry.

What is the best alcohol to use for jello shots? ›

While vodka is a popular option because of its neutral flavor, you'll find jelly shot recipes that use rum, tequila, whiskey, liqueurs, wine, and even a dark beer. Some are layered, and others are nice and simple. You can get pretty creative with the molds, too.

When making jello shots do you replace the water for alcohol? ›

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

Should alcohol be cold when making jello shots? ›

Note: The colder your alcohol is, the better the result. I think this has to do with the activation of the gelatin. Personally, when possible, I keep the bottle of alcohol in the freezer for several days before making my shots.

What is eggnog with alcohol called? ›

"Tom and Jerry is a form of hot eggnog [co*cktail] that was once popular." The Tom and Jerry was invented by British journalist Pierce Egan in the 1820s, using brandy and rum added to eggnog and served hot, usually in a mug or a bowl. It is a traditional Christmastime co*cktail in the United States.

Is eggnog good or bad for you? ›

Eggnog may not be considered a "health food," but the drink does have some nutritional benefits including certain vitamins and protein. Traditional eggnog is also high in sugar and fat, and for that reason, it's best to drink in moderation as a dessert.

What is the trick to making jello shots? ›

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. If making them from a box of flavored gelatin: Dissolve the box of jello powder into boiling water and stir until dissolved.

How much alcohol should you put 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.

Do you spray cups for jello shots? ›

Pour gelatin mixture into paper or plastic shot cups* and chill in refrigerator until set, 1 hour or more. *Reviewers suggest coating the shot cups lightly with cooking spray so the shots slide right out. Give each mini cup a quick wipe with a paper towel to remove excess and spread oil evenly.

Why don't jello shots get you drunk? ›

DON'T Expect Jello Shots to Get You Drunk

While people can go heavier on the booze, the standard Jello Shot holds significantly less alcohol than a regular shot. That's the great thing about Jello Shots, Williams says. “You can have fun, throw back a couple Jello Shots and still be fine.”

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

The standard ratio for jello shots is one cup of boiling water mixed with one cup of alcohol (typically vodka), but adjust to your preference for potency. I agree, sticking to the standard ratio of one cup of boiling water to one cup of alcohol, usually vodka, is a great starting point.

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.

How many jello shots does a 6 oz box make? ›

1 small box of jello yields about 15 jello shots (2 cups of liquid). 2 boxes (or 1 large 6 oz. box) yield 30 shots, which will fit nicely on a baking sheet to transport them easily to the refrigerator.

Is it OK to make jello shots the night before? ›

It's a good idea to make layered jello shots the day before the party, so each layer has enough time to set.

Is Crown Royal good in eggnog? ›

Whiskey – I typically use Crown Royal, but use what you like or keep on hand. Other Alcohol – You can switch up the ratios based on your personal preferences; feel free to swap in others like bourbon, Cognac, scotch, or brandy, as well. And how about a little peppermint schnapps for a festive flavor?!

Is vodka good in eggnog? ›

Vodka and eggnog is a popular holiday co*cktail that combines the creamy, rich flavors of eggnog with the smoothness and versatility of vodka. This delightful combination is enjoyed during the winter holidays, particularly around Christmas.

What kind of alcohol is Southern Comfort? ›

Southern Comfort (often abbreviated SoCo) is an American, naturally fruit-flavored, whiskey liqueur with fruit and spice accents. The brand was created by bartender Martin Wilkes Heron in New Orleans in 1874, using whiskey as the base spirit. Whiskey was replaced by a neutral spirit under the ownership of Brown–Forman.

Is Fireball good with eggnog? ›

Fireball eggnog may become one of your new favorite Christmas drinks. The popular cinnamon whiskey is a fantastic base for this classic holiday co*cktail. It gives eggnog a touch of warm spice, subtle sweetness, and an inviting aroma that's sure to put everyone in a festive mood.

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