Equipment
- 20 (2-ounce) plastic cups with lids
Instructions
Prepare the Cups:
- Spread the plastic cups out on a baking sheet for easy transport. Set aside.
Bloom the Gelatin:
- In a small mixing bowl, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over ½ cup cold water. Whisk to combine and let it sit for 2-3 minutes while you bring 1 cup of water to a simmer.
Dissolve the Gelatin:
- Pour the hot water into the gelatin mixture and whisk until the gelatin fully dissolves.
Add Sugar and Vodka:
- Whisk in ½ cup granulated sugar until dissolved, then stir in the vodka.
Divide the Jello Base:
- Pour half of the jello base into a separate bowl (you should have about 1 cup of liquid in each bowl).
Make the Lemonade Layer:
- In one bowl, stir in ¼ cup lemonade.
Make the Tea Layer:
- In the other bowl, stir in ¼ cup iced tea.
Create the Lemonade Layer:
- Pour 2 tablespoons of the lemonade jello into the bottom of each plastic cup. Transfer the baking sheet to the fridge and chill for about 30 minutes, or until the jello begins to set and the top is tacky.
Add the Tea Layer:
- Once the lemonade layer is set, remove the cups from the fridge and pour 2 tablespoons of the tea jello on top of the lemonade layer in each cup.
Chill and Set:
- Return the cups to the fridge and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the jello is fully set.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Cover each cup with a lid and store in the fridge until you’re ready to serve these refreshing Arnold Palmer Jello Shots.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The Arnold Palmer itself has a backstory with the golf legend, a simple mix he popularized. But turning it into a jello shot isn't exactly a page from a classic cocktail book. No one's quite sure who first decided to gelatinize a perfectly good drink, but it probably happened at a college party or a backyard BBQ where someone had a bit too much time on their hands and a box of gelatin.
This isn't a "cocktail family" in the traditional sense. It's firmly in the "party shot" category, a boozy, wobbly cousin to anything from a simple vodka-cran jello shot to those elaborate layered creations that take all afternoon. The genius here is taking a beloved non-alcoholic blend and spiking it, then making it portable and fun.
You're not ordering this at a swanky bar, unless that bar is hosting a particularly wild themed night. These are for backyard cookouts, pool parties, tailgates, or any gathering where you need something easy, shareable, and a little bit silly. They're a good way to get the party started without breaking out the shot glasses.
What it tastes like
Expect a sweet and tangy hit, just like the drink it's named after. The lemonade layer brings that bright, citrus pucker, while the iced tea layer offers a mellow, slightly earthy sweetness. The vodka here is mostly a silent partner, providing the kick without messing up the familiar Arnold Palmer flavor profile. It's a nostalgic taste, but with a grown-up twist.
Each one-ounce shot packs around 11 to 12% ABV, which means it's stronger than your average light beer but not going to knock you flat like a straight shot of whiskey. They go down easy, so don't let the innocent look fool you. Treat them with respect, or you'll find yourself reaching for another before you realize what hit you.
The technique
Building these is all about patience and precision, mostly with the chilling. You're dissolving gelatin, splitting the base, flavoring each half, then layering them into tiny cups. The key is getting that first layer firm enough to hold the second without melting it, but not so firm it takes forever. A baking sheet is your best friend for moving these fragile little guys in and out of the fridge.
The one trick that makes all the difference is ensuring your first layer is just tacky, not fully rock-solid, before pouring the second. If it's too liquid, they'll just mix. If it's too hard, the layers might separate easily when you eat them. Aim for that slight give, where it feels set but still a bit soft to the touch.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Unflavored Gelatin
- Use
- Knox or any standard unflavored gelatin. The stuff in envelopes works just fine.
- Skip
- Flavored jello. That's a whole different game and will mess with the Arnold Palmer flavor you're aiming for.
- Why
- This is what gives your shots their wobbly, edible form. No gelatin, no jello shot. It's the structural engineer of this whole operation.
Vodka
- Use
- Your go-to mid-shelf vodka. Regular unflavored is standard, but a good citrus vodka like lemon or even a subtle tea-flavored one could work if you're feeling adventurous.
- Skip
- Anything too cheap that tastes like rubbing alcohol. Also, skip dark spirits or anything with a strong flavor that will clash with the tea and lemonade.
- Why
- It's the booze. It provides the kick without overpowering the delicate balance of the Arnold Palmer flavors. It's meant to blend in, not take over.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Spiked Sweet Tea Shots
- Skip the lemon, keep it simple.
- Just make the tea layer, pour it all into cups, and chill. A straight-up boozy sweet tea experience.
Boozy Lemonade Shots
- Pure lemon pucker with a punch.
- Focus on the lemonade layer only. Great for when you want something bright and tart without the tea.
Fruity Jello Shots
- Mix it up with other juices.
- Swap the lemonade or iced tea for cranberry juice, pineapple juice, or even a fruit punch to create a different flavor profile. The layering still works the same.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
You're out of luck for jello shots. This is the one ingredient you absolutely cannot skip for this recipe.
White rum or even gin could work, but they'll definitely change the flavor profile. Rum will add sweetness, gin will add botanicals. Just know what you're getting into.
Fresh lemon juice mixed with simple syrup can work in a pinch. Adjust to taste.
Any black tea, brewed strong and chilled, will do the job. Or try a green tea for a different nuance.
Small shot glasses or even mini muffin tins lined with plastic wrap can work. Just make sure whatever you use is easy to unmold or serve directly from.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Arnold Palmer Jello Shots?
These shots contain unflavored gelatin, cold and hot water, sugar, vodka, lemonade, and iced tea. They're a boozy, wobbly take on the classic Arnold Palmer drink.
How long do Arnold Palmer Jello Shots take to set?
Each layer needs about 30 minutes to become tacky enough for the next layer. The final chill for both layers usually takes at least 2 hours to be fully set and ready to serve.
Can I make Arnold Palmer Jello Shots ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can make these up to 3-4 days in advance. Just keep them covered and refrigerated until you're ready to serve.
How should I store Arnold Palmer Jello Shots?
Store them in the refrigerator in their covered plastic cups. They'll stay good for a few days, but they're best within 48 hours.
Can I use flavored vodka?
Yes, a citrus-flavored vodka like lemon or even a subtle sweet tea vodka could work well here. Just make sure the flavor complements the tea and lemonade, not fights it.
Can I make these non-alcoholic?
Yes, simply omit the vodka. You'll still get a tasty, layered jello dessert, though it won't be quite the same party starter.
What's the best way to get clean layers?
Pour the second layer gently over the first, ideally over the back of a spoon to help diffuse the liquid. Make sure the first layer is set but still slightly tacky.
Are Arnold Palmer Jello Shots strong?
They're stronger than most beers, around 11-12% ABV per shot. They go down easy due to the sweetness, so pace yourself. They're not a straight liquor shot, but they're not weak either.
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