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Holiday parties deserve a fun twist and pink peppermint jello shots are the ultimate festive treat. These layered shooters combine creamy white vodka-spiked gelatin with bold peppermint schnapps tinted pink for a gorgeous presentation. Each chilled glass delivers the flavor of whipped cream and mint while looking like a miniature dessert. The combination of sweetened condensed milk, candy cane garnish and sprinkles makes them as eye-catching as they are delicious.
Pink peppermint jello shots layer whipped cream vodka and peppermint schnapps in colorful gelatin with candy toppings for a festive holiday treat.
For more delicious festive treats, consider Grinch heart cookies, tiramisu cheesecake mini trifles or stained glass Christmas cookies.
Why You’ll Love It
Festive presentation: Layers of pink and white create a holiday-ready look.
Fun flavors: Peppermint and whipped cream combine for a sweet, minty taste.
Party perfect: These shots are a playful addition to holiday gatherings.
Easy layering: Simple steps give you professional-looking results.
Pink Candy Cane Jello Shots Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Unflavored gelatin: Provides the structure for each jello layer.
Water: Used to dissolve and bloom the gelatin.
Sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and a creamy texture to balance the alcohol.
Whipped cream vodka: Brings smooth, dessert-like flavor to the white layer.
Granulated sugar: Enhances the sweetness of the pink layer.
Peppermint schnapps: Adds bold mint flavor and a festive kick.
Red food coloring: Tints the schnapps layer a bright pink shade.
Garnishes: Whipped cream, sprinkles and crushed candy canes finish the shots with holiday flair.
How to Make Peppermint Pink Jello Shots
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Make white layer: Bloom gelatin in cold water, dissolve over heat, stir in condensed milk, then add whipped cream vodka and cool.
Make pink layer: Bloom gelatin in water with sugar, dissolve, stir in condensed milk, then add peppermint schnapps and food coloring and cool.
Layer shots: Pour pink gelatin into shot glasses, chill until set, then alternate with white layers until filled.
Finish: Chill fully, then top with whipped cream, sprinkles and crushed candy canes.
Substitutions and Variations
Different flavors: Swap peppermint schnapps for crème de menthe or flavored rum.
Non-alcoholic version: Replace liquor with peppermint extract and extra water or light colored juice.
Color swap: Use green food coloring instead of red for a different festive theme.
Vegetarian: Use agar or carageenan in place of gelatin.
Serving Suggestions
With savory bites: Enjoy Christmas tree puff pastry appetizers, Christmas tree antipasto and perhaps Christmas deviled eggs.
With sweet treats: Serve marshmallow pops and maybe some of these yummy Santa treats too.
How to Store Pink Peppermint Jello Shots
Store: Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Not recommended, as gelatin doesn’t freeze well.
Top Tips
Cool layers: Let each layer reach room temperature before pouring to prevent colors bleeding.
Quick set: Freeze for a few minutes to firm layers before adding the next.
Use a spout: Pour from a measuring cup for precise layering.
Chill longer: Allow at least an hour in the fridge for the flavors to meld.
Pink Peppermint Jello Shot FAQs
Disposable plastic shot glasses work best, but small glass cups are fine too.
Yes, they can be made a day in advance and garnished just before serving.
Yes, use gel food coloring, but blend well so the color distributes evenly.
Christmas Pink Peppermint Jello Shots Recipe
Pink Peppermint Jello Shots
Equipment
- Saucepan Small
- Shot Glasses 1 ½-Ounce
Ingredients
For the White Layers
- ⅔ Cup water, cold
- 1 Envelope gelatin, unflavored, ¼-Ounce, 7 Grams
- 5 Tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- ⅓ Cup whipped cream vodka, such as Smirnoff Whipped Cream
For the Pink Layers
- ⅔ Cup water, cold
- 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 Envelope gelatin, unflavored, ¼-Ounce, 7 Grams
- 1 Tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
- ⅓ Cup peppermint schnapps, I used 99-proof 99 Peppermint Schnapps
- 2 Drops food coloring, red
Optional Garnishes
- whipped cream
- sprinkles, pink, red and white
- candy canes, crushed
Instructions
Prepare the White Layer Mixture
- In a small saucepan, add cold water, sprinkling gelatin on its surface. Allow the gelatin to bloom for 3 to 5 minutes or until all of the gelatin granules have soaked-up liquid.
- Over medium heat, whisk until gelatin has completely dissolved. Add sweetened condensed milk and stir until incorporated. Remove from heat.
- Add whipped cream flavored vodka. Stir to mix. Transfer to a heatproof container with a pour spout such as a glass measuring cup. Set aside at room-temperature.
Prepare the Pink Layer Mixture
- In the same small saucepan, add cold water and sugar. Again, sprinkle the contents of one gelatin packet on the surface of the water. Allow it to bloom for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Over medium heat, whisk until gelatin and sugar have completely dissolved. Add sweetened condensed milk and stir until incorporated. Remove from heat.
- Add peppermint schnapps and food coloring. Stir to mix. Transfer into another heat-proof container with a pour spout. Set aside at room-temperature.
Assemble the Shots
- Beginning with the pink layer, add about 2 teaspoons to a 1 ½-ounce disposable shot glass. Place into the freezer for about 5 minutes or until the top of the gelatin is firm. You should be able to touch the top of the Jello with your finger and it should not stick.
- Before pouring your next layer, assure that the white liquid it is at room temperature, which prevents bleeding of the colors into the other layers. Add enough of the white liquid to match the width of the pink layer. Again, place in the freezer for 5 minutes.
- Continue this process for each layer until the gelatin reaches the top of the shot glass. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Top with whipped cream, crushed candy canes and sprinkles just before serving.
Notes
Quick set: Freeze for a few minutes to firm layers before adding the next.
Use a spout: Pour from a measuring cup for precise layering.
Chill longer: Allow at least an hour in the fridge for the flavors to meld.
Nutrition
Pink peppermint jello shots are a holiday favorite for good reason. With their creamy layers, minty flavor and candy cane garnish, they strike the perfect balance of flavor and fun. The process of layering these peppermint schnapps jello shots might seem fancy, but it’s straightforward and gives impressive results. This Christmas shooter brings cheer and creativity to your party spread while thrilling guests with both flavor and presentation – they’re definitely Insta-worthy!
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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.
These are absolutely adorable! I’ve never had peppermint vodka but this sounds so delicious!!!
Anything with a kick is always a good idea! Cheers!
This is the perfect little shot for a Holiday party
Such a cute drink! I bet it will be delicious too!
I really love peppermint It look so sweet and so amazing! I love this so much!
Oh my! This is too cute! It is so perfect I would love to try this!
This is what my dreams are made of. :O
These look amazing!! I honestly love anything peppermint, can’t wait to try these. Your photos make me want to jump in and take a shot!
What a pretty looking treat! I’d love to make these for my girlfriends.
Not only is this this a pretty drink, but I know it’ll be delicious. I love peppermint!
These are just so cute!