This post may contain affiliate links, please see the privacy policy for details.
Making ghost jello shots is a simple way to add spooky fun to your Halloween spread. These cute shooters are easy to prepare with flavored jello, a touch of your preferred kind of liquor and just a little creativity. With their ghostly shapes and sweet boozy kick, they’re sure to stand out on the drink or dessert table. Plus you can customize the colors and flavors to match your party theme, making them the perfect addition to any Halloween celebration.
Spook-tacular ghost jello shots combine fun Halloween vibes with fruity flavors and a grown-up twist. They’re simple to make and always get rave reviews.
You might also like Nutter Butter ghost cookies, haunted pretzel snacks, a Halloween veggie platter, jello rollups, and spooky Halloween pasta.
Why You’ll Love It
Simple recipe: You only need a few basic ingredients and molds to make these Halloween treats.
Customizable flavors: Pick your favorite jello flavors and experiment with different liquors or colors.
Spooky and fun: Their ghost shapes and edible faces make them perfect for any Halloween party.
Make ahead: Prepare them in advance so you can focus on enjoying the party.
Ghost Jello Shot Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Jello: Any flavor or color works well, from fruity berry blends to tropical favorites.
Vodka or liquor: Use your favorite spirit for a grown-up version or swap with juice for a kid-friendly option.
Unflavored gelatin: Gives the ghosts their firm shape so they hold well after chilling.
Food marker: Optional for drawing spooky faces on each ghost before serving.
How to Make Halloween Jello Shots
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Prep the molds: Lightly grease the ghost molds and set them on a baking sheet.
Mix jello base: Combine the jello powder with boiling water and stir until dissolved.
Add liquor: Stir in vodka or your preferred liquor until combined.
Prepare gelatin: Mix unflavored gelatin with cold water and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Melt gelatin: Microwave the gelatin paste briefly until fully melted.
Combine mixtures: Stir the melted gelatin into the jello mixture until smooth.
Fill molds: Pour the mixture into the molds and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Add faces: Once set, draw on eyes and mouths using an edible food marker, if liked.
Substitutions and Variations
Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your liquor and jello brand are certified gluten-free.
Non-alcoholic: Use lemon-lime soda or fruit juice instead of liquor for a family-friendly version.
Themed colors: Try red jello for a bloody ghost look or lime for a margarita twist.
Different liquors: Rum or tequila bring a fun flavor change to match your party theme.
Serving Suggestions
With spooky snacks: Enjoy some Halloween mini charcuterie boards or mummy hand pies.
With a creepy cocktail: Anything goes with shots, such as a black magic cocktail or Halloween ice cream float.
With a demonic dessert: Pair your ghost shots with candy corn cupcakes.
Dry ice: If liked, you can add dry ice behind your serving platter for a fun, spooky effect.
How to Store Ghost Jello Shots
Store: Store the ghosts inside the molds or remove and store in a container lined with wax paper for easy removal. They will keep for up to 3 days.
Freeze: I don’t recommend freezing, as that would change the texture. Also, alcohol doesn’t freeze well.
Top Tips
Grease lightly: Don’t skip the greasing, as the ghosts tend to fall apart if you don’t grease the molds.
Let it rest: Don’t skip letting the gelatin rest for 5 minutes; this will give the ghosts their firm shape.
Chill overnight: Longer chilling ensures firm easy-to-remove ghosts.
Use two colors: Divide the mixture for a fun multicolor batch with different flavors.
Draw faces last: Add eyes and mouths right before serving so they stay sharp and don’t smudge. The oil used in the mold can make the faces smudge, so I recommend gently blotting the eyes/mouth area with a paper towel before drawing the features on.
Ghost Jello Shooters FAQs
Vodka is classic but rum or tequila also work well with fruity jello flavors. A light-colored liquor keeps the ghost colors bright, while a darker one can make them a bit murky.
It makes 12 standard ghost jello shots, but you can easily double or triple the recipe if expecting a crowd.
Yes, make them a day ahead and keep them chilled until serving.
Any flavor/color of jello will work. One package of jello makes 6 ghosts. I recommend making 2 fun colors (green, purple or orange maybe). If you use 2 different colors, you’ll need a separate bowl for each color, plus ½ cup boiling water, and ½ cup vodka. Then you’ll need to pour half of the dissolved unflavored gelatin into each bowl. Stir to combine and pour one color into one mold and the other color into the other mold.
Ghost Jello Shot Recipe
Ghost Jello Shots
Equipment
- Edible Marker Optional
Ingredients
- 2 Boxes jello, 3-Ounce boxes, any flavor/color
- 1 Cup boiling water
- 1 Cup vodka, or liquor of choice
- 4 Packets gelatin, unflavored, ¼-Ounce packets
- ½ Cup water
- nonstick cooking spray, for greasing molds
Instructions
- Lightly grease your ghost molds. Place molds on a baking sheet and set aside.
- Add jello and boiling water to a medium-sized mixing bowl.
- Whisk until combined.
- Add vodka or liquor of choice to the same bowl and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine unflavored gelatin and cold water.
- Stir until you reach a paste consistency. Let rest for 5 minutes.
- Microwave gelatin paste for 10 seconds or until completely melted.
- Pour into jello mixture and whisk to combine.
- Pour mixture into ghost molds.
- Refrigerate overnight or for at least 2 hours.
- Remove ghosts and use a food marker to add eyes and mouth, if liked.
Notes
Let it rest: Don’t skip letting the gelatin rest for 5 minutes; this will give the ghosts their firm shape.
Chill overnight: Longer chilling ensures firm easy-to-remove ghosts.
Use two colors: Divide the mixture for a fun multicolor batch with different flavors.
Draw faces last: Add eyes and mouths right before serving so they stay sharp and don’t smudge. The oil used in the mold can make the faces smudge, so I recommend gently blotting the eyes/mouth area with a paper towel before drawing the features on.
Nutrition
Ghost jello shots are a playful way to celebrate Halloween with minimal effort and maximum flavor. You can prepare them the night before so they’re ready when guests arrive. Their cute ghost shapes and customizable flavors guarantee they’ll disappear quickly from the dessert table at any Halloween event.
Other Recipes to Try
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.
Cutest shots everrrr!!!
Aren’t they just! So easy too.