This post may contain affiliate links, please see the privacy policy for details.
These apple pie jello shots bring all the flavors of a warm slice of pie into a fun, boozy party treat. Apple cider infused with vanilla and lemon meets apple‑flavored and cinnamon‑flavored whiskey before it sets into jiggly shooters topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pie spice. They look festive and taste exactly like cozy fall dessert in a cup. These apple pie jello shots are easy to make ahead, colorful to serve and always a guaranteed crowd‑pleaser.
These apple pie jello shots taste like fall in a cup with apple cider, apple whiskey, cinnamon whiskey, lemon and vanilla. They are festive, boozy and easy to make.
If you love these shots, you might also like rainbow sherbet mimosas, maple apple whiskey sours or perhaps some strawberry jello pie.
Why You’ll Love It
Full of flavor: If you want a drinkable version of delicious apple pie, apple pie jello shots should appeal to your palate. Fall flavors of apples, cinnamon and whiskey are featured, along with hints of lemon and vanilla for the perfect flavour balance.
Easy to make: As long as you have all the ingredients and shot glasses ready, you can rustle these up in a matter of minutes, and they’re a great option if you want something you can prepare ahead of time.
Ideal for special occasions: These aren’t the kind of treats you make or enjoy on a daily basis, but they’re perfect if you’re planning a special event such as a birthday party or Christmas party. Apple pie jello shots are a nice recipe for the fall or winter because of the flavors but they’re tasty enough to make any time!
Apple Pie Jello Shots Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Apple cider: Provides rich, fresh apple flavor and warm color. Choose unfiltered apple cider for the best flavor and color.
Unflavored gelatin: Helps the shots set up firm yet jiggly.
Apple‑flavored whiskey: Adds sweet apple warmth and boozy depth.
Cinnamon‑flavored whiskey: Introduces spice that complements the cider.
Lemon juice: Brightens and balances the sweetness.
Vanilla extract: Smooths and rounds out the flavor profile.
Optional toppings: Whipped cream, pie crust cut‑outs and a sprinkle of apple pie spice or cinnamon.
How to Make Autumn Jello Shots
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Combine the apple cider and gelatin: Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over the apple cider in a pan and leave for a few minutes, then heat it up and whisk until the gelatin has dissolved.
Add the other ingredients: Now stir in both types of whiskey, along with the lemon juice and vanilla extract, and put the gelatin mixture in a measuring cup.
Pour the shooters: Divide the jello mixture between 2-ounce shot glasses (here) and chill for several hours until set.
Finish them off: Add the optional garnishes, if liked, before serving – whipped cream, pie crust cutouts and apple pie spice, or your preferred finishing touches.
Substitutions and Variations
Gluten free: Use gluten‑free pie crust or skip the crust toppers altogether.
Non‑whisky option: Swap whiskey for apple vodka or rum for a different twist.
Spice swap: Use nutmeg or ginger in place of pie spice if desired.
Dry garnish: Skip the whipped cream and top with a cinnamon sugar rim instead.
Serving Suggestions
At a party: These are great for any kind of party or event, especially since they can be prepared ahead of time. Offer them as an aperitif, perhaps with some finger food like Cajun shrimp deviled eggs, air fryer crab cakes or your favorite easy appetizers.
With dessert: Enjoy a slice of apple slab pie with bourbon peach ice cream on the side.
How to Store Apple Whiskey Jello Shots
Store: As with most jello powder based recipes, this one can be prepared ahead. Make your apple pie jello shots up to 3 days ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator, but don’t add the whipped cream topping until you’re ready to serve them.
Freeze: Apple pie jello shots tend to separate if frozen and thawed, so either make them ahead and then add the cream topping just before your guests arrive, or make the drinks fresh when they do.
Top Tips
Don’t skip blooming the jello: It prevents clumps and ensures smooth texture.
Heat gently: Don’t boil the cider or jello or it may lose its set.
Use unfiltered cider: It gives deeper flavor and better color.
Chill well: Make sure shots are fully set before adding toppings.
Apple Jello Shots FAQs
This process is called “blooming” and it allows the gelatin to soak into the apple cider evenly instead of getting clumpy, so make sure you let it sit for a while before gently warming it up. If you don’t, your whisky jello shots will come out lumpy!
This optional garnish looks pretty on the finished apple pie jello shots. You can use mini cookie cutters and canned Pillsbury refrigerated pie crust to make little ones which you can then bake. You can also use a different garnish for jello shot recipes if you prefer.
Apple Pie Jello Shots Recipe
Apple Pie Jello Shots
Equipment
- Saucepan Small
- Shot Glasses 2-Ounce
Ingredients
- 1 Cup apple cider, unfiltered, at room-temperature or chilled. I used Riveridge Honeycrisp Blend Apple Cider
- 1 Envelope gelatin, unflavored, I used Knox gelatin
- ½ Cup apple flavor whiskey, I used Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple
- ¼ Cup cinnamon whiskey, I used Fireball
- 1 Teaspoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- ½ Teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Garnishes
- whipped cream
- pie crust cut-outs
- apple pie spice or ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Pour unfiltered apple cider into a small saucepan. Sprinkle unflavored gelatin evenly over top of the cider. Allow the gelatin to “bloom” for 5 minutes.
- Warm apple cider over medium heat for about 5 minutes, whisking until gelatin is completely dissolved. Don't let it boil. Remove from heat.
- Stir in apple-flavored whiskey, cinnamon whiskey, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Transfer into a heat-proof container with a spout, such as a glass measuring cup, for easy pouring.
- Pour gelatin mixture into disposable 2-ounce shot glasses.
- Refrigerate for 4 hours, or until set. Top with whipped cream, pie crust cut-outs, and apple pie spice, if desired.
Notes
Heat gently: Don’t boil the cider or jello or it may lose its set.
Use unfiltered cider: It gives deeper flavor and better color.
Chill well: Make sure shots are fully set before adding toppings.
Nutrition
Apple pie whiskey jello shots always get the party started on the right note! These wonderful jello shots are made with apple cider, apple whiskey and cinnamon whiskey, and vanilla and lemon flavors, and they have a fluffy whipped cream topping. If you love apple pie, you must try these apple pie pudding shots.
Other Recipes to Try
- These Cherries and Cream Layered Jello Shots are a playful take on a classic.
- Strawberry Lemonade Vodka Jello Shots will be a hit at your next party.
- Get ready to fall in love with crunchy, sweet Caramel Apple Dip!
- These S’mores Brownies are the perfect hybrid of s’mores and brownies.
- You’re going to love this amazing (and super-easy) Apple Sheet Cake.
- Banana Cream Pie Rum Pudding Shots are just as good as the classic dessert!
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
Too good! I love apple pie so this won me over easily.
These are perfect for Thanksgiving. They taste exactly like apple pie!