Jello shots are fun and easy to make. However, it is hard to discern how much alcohol is in each shot cup of jello. We can’t just look at it and know how many jello shots equal one shot of alcohol. Some would say that is part of the fun, while others want an actual answer.

Knowing how many jello shots equal one shot can help you plan the best party! We have easy jello shot recipes you can make as well! Alcohol has a taste, and some people like to walk around, claiming they love the taste of alcohol straight from the bottle.

However, most of us prefer to add some flavor so we don’t taste the alcohol itself. Jell-O shots or jello shots are simply small shot glasses of jello with alcohol added to the mixture. That means the taste of the alcohol is basically nonexistent.

Not tasting the alcohol can lead to a fun night, but it could also lead to a dangerous night, depending on the person. A cup of vodka would be hard to put down for some people.

But a cup of vodka jello shots is far easier to swallow, literally. Jello shots come in tiny jello shot cups, usually in different colors and with very few ingredients. You won’t need to break out the simple syrup, blue curacao, or anything else.

Instead, you only need a box of jello, vodka, white rum, and some boiling water. You can find an exciting jello shots recipe, maybe even find the best jello shots for your next party that way.

But there’s nothing wrong with just breaking out a mixing bowl and going with the classic jello shot recipe. The question is, how do you know how many jello shots equal one shot of alcohol?

The jello ingredients occupy some space in those little cups of liquid, meaning it’s not all alcohol. That said, we can rule out the 1 for 1 idea. Little plastic cups of jello shots do not equal one shot each.

But there is a method we can use to determine how much alcohol is roughly in each shot.

How Many Jello Shots Equal One Shot

We could dive into the science of what happens to alcohol content when you add a cup of vodka to a cup of water and run all of the numbers. However, going with a rough estimate is a fun way to keep gelatin shots exciting.

Still, jello shots have a bad rap because you simply can’t taste the alcohol. It is very easy to go overboard and get a little too drunk on jello shots without knowing how much alcohol you’re consuming.

This is why people want to know how much alcohol is in each shot. We may assume that the feeling we have after just a few is because they are strong jello shots.

However, you will definitely know if a jello shot is more potent than average, thanks to a few dead giveaways.

How Much Alcohol is in a Jello Shot?

We need to make a few assumptions when determining how many jello shots equal one shot, especially since we aren’t getting too exact. We have to assume that the cup of vodka you add has an average alcohol content of 40%.

Why vodka? If this is your first time, the general rule for making jello shots is to use vodka. However, you don’t have to; it just helps the flavor of jello stand out more than the taste of alcohol.

Another assumption is that the alcohol is evenly distributed when you pour the jello mixture into the disposable cups. It is a good idea to assume these things align; there is no good reason to assume they don’t.

So what’s the answer? Four. The basic jello shot recipe calls for ½ cup vodka, which is 4 ounces for one 3-ounce box of jello from the grocery store. This will provide you with 12 shots total.

One regular shot equals 1.5 ounces, so we can determine that it is roughly 4 jello shots for one standard alcohol shot.

Can You Make Stronger Jello Shots?

The idea of making jello shots stronger is a valiant one. However, it is a journey that most people wouldn’t want to take, and they’d be correct. The best part of a jello shot is the lack of alcohol taste.

That being said, it is possible to make stronger jello shots just by using less water. The problem is very scientific. For example, to go into detail, we would talk about the bloom of gelatin, which was discovered by a scientist named Oscar T. Bloom.

But it is easier to give the basics. Regular jello takes 2-4 hours to set; that’s the bloom. However, that is when you use hot water, a cup of cold water, or warm water.

But even the best alcohol can’t give us the same bloom strength. Removing water from the recipe will ruin the bloom strength, and it could take much longer for the jello shots to set.

But there is a more significant downside than just a lack of patience when using more alcohol. The flavor of gelatin you use will not be able to come out as much when using just alcohol; we need the water to dissolve the flavor powder.

You most likely have never tried unflavored gelatin; it is not fun. The fruity flavor is faint, allowing the alcohol flavor to come out more. So, flavor loss is a big part of using too much alcohol in jello mixtures.

Then there’s the texture. The texture of the jello will never be the same if you use alcohol instead of water. It will be more fluid-like with bits of gelatin that have been set correctly.

Think of it like orange juice with the pulp in a weird way. Ultimately, there’s no good reason to worry about the strength of the jello shots. Just make enough of them that you can get as drunk as you’d like.

The Perfect Jello Shot

What makes the best jello shot? You would think all you need is a cup of alcohol, some water, and some jello powder to make a jello shot. You could quickly fill a party tray with some standard jello shots and finish the job, especially now that we know how many jello shots equal one shot.

But the basics are never good enough, and even finding the best vodka or venturing off and using peach schnapps for your jello shots may not seem like good options.

There are a few jello shot recipes that you can try for different seasons or holidays, though. Those may be the best jello shots. Let’s face it: jello shots are basic but classic for a reason: they are fun.

What makes them fun is the flavors, colors, and even how they are displayed during an event. For example, maybe you want to use fireball jello shots during your next Halloween party.

Perfect, use red jello and display them on a glowing serving tray. Here are a few jello shots to try on during your next seasonal event:

• Valentine’s Day Jello Shots
• St. Patrick’s Day Jello Shot Recipe
• Easy Santa Hat Christmas Jello Shots Recipe
• How to Make Cranberry Jello Shots
• New Year’s Eve Champagne Jello Shot Recipe

Tips for Making Jello Shots

There are a few ways you can enhance your jello shot experience. Mostly, the goal is not to run into some common mistakes people make when making jello shots. For example, using a dark rum with a light-flavored jello mix is probably not a good idea.

Pay attention to the different flavors and how they will mix together when picking out your alcohol and jello box. Another tip is to not worry too much about the alcohol content of the alcohol you use.

You may think a higher proof will mean quicker results. But that’s simply not the case with jello shots. We already know how many jello shots equal one shot. People often make jello shots for parties, which means a shot count is necessary.

You can get 24 jello shots out of a 3 oz box. Lastly, something must be said about using unflavored gelatin for jello shots. You can add in your own flavoring, like lime juice or lemonade, which may provide a more robust flavor in the end.

However, the amounts will be different. Keep that in mind, and only use tried and true recipes that call for unflavored gelatin if that’s the route you’d like to take.

More On Jello Shots

How to Make Jello Shots QUICK | Want to make those jello shots quickly? Some methods could help.

How to Make Jello Shots Come Out Easier | Sticky shots are not the goal. Ensure your jello shots are easier to shoot and more fun to enjoy.

How Long Does it Take Jello Shots to Set? | Jello shots are often made for parties, which means we need to know how long they will take to make. 

Jello Shots with Rum Recipes for Every Party | Dark rums are not recommended, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use rum at all. 

Gin Jello Shots | Gin is another alcohol you can use in jello shots. You just need suitable recipes to get the right flavors together.