Bring festive fun to your next holiday party with these Santa Hat Christmas Jello Shots! Adorably decorated to look like Santa's hat, these jello shots are a playful and delicious way to add some cheer to your celebration. Perfect for impressing your guests and spreading holiday joy, they’ll be the hit of your Christmas bash!
I absolutely adore the holiday season, and hosting Christmas parties is one of my favorite things to do each year. There’s something so special about bringing friends and family together, and I love adding a unique touch to make the festivities even more memorable. One of my go-to tricks for kicking off the fun is having a signature drink that gets everyone excited, and this year, I’ve found the perfect twist: Santa Hat Jello Shots.
These Christmas jello hats are not just any holiday treat—they’re a playful and merry take on your traditional party drink. I love how they bring a smile to everyone’s face with their charming Santa hat design, complete with a dollop of whipped cream and a mini marshmallow for that extra touch of whimsy. They’re a festive twist on a classic party favorite and are sure to be the conversation starter of the night.
Not only do these jello shots taste fantastic, but they also look incredible on the holiday buffet. Place them right beside these Santa Brownie Hats. Their vibrant colors and cute presentation make them a standout addition to any spread, turning an ordinary dessert table into a festive wonderland. If you’re looking to impress your guests and add a bit of holiday magic to your party, these Santa Hat Jello Shots are the way to go!
If you love these, try my Orange Creamsicle Jello Shots.
Jump to:
Ingredients needed for Santa Hat Jello Shots
- Water – Be sure to use boiling hot water.
- Strawberry Gelatin – Flavorful and vibrant red to make these jello shots festive and fruity.
- Peppermint Vodka – Adds a refreshing minty twist, enhancing the holiday spirit with its cool flavor.
- Strawberries – Fresh strawberries are used as a decorative topping, cut to resemble Santa's hat.
- Whipped Cream or Cool Whip – Used to create the snowy white brim of Santa's hat and adds a creamy texture.
- Mini Marshmallows – Placed on top of the strawberries to represent the fluffy pom-pom of Santa's hat.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Christmas Jello Shots
- Step 1: Bring one cup of water to a boil. Stir in the jello mix and add the vodka. Mix well.
- Step 2: Pour the mixture into 12 condiment cups and refrigerate until solid and ready to serve.
- Step 3: Remove from refrigerator and top each cup with whipped cream. Cut off the stem part of the strawberries and place them on the jello cups to create a hat.
- Step 4: Add a little whipped cream to each of the mini marshmallows & place them on top of the strawberries to create a Santa hat ball. Serve immediately.
Variations
- Jello – Substitute strawberry gelatin with cherry or berry flavor for a different fruity flavor while maintaining a vibrant red color. Replace the red layer with green jello for Grinch jello shots.
- Swap the Vodka – Replace peppermint vodka with regular vodka for a more neutral taste. Experiment with other flavored vodkas like vanilla or chocolate for a unique twist.
- Lemon Whipped Cream: Add a hint of lemon zest or lemon extract to the whipped cream for a tangy contrast.
- Alcohol-Free Version – Use flavored syrups or extracts and replace vodka with sparkling water or fruit juice for a non-alcoholic option.
Equipment
For a hassle-free way to prepare your Santa Hat Jello Shots, consider buying small condiment cups for serving. These cups are perfect for portioning out your jello shots and make for easy cleanup. To keep everything organized and ensure the shots set evenly, refrigerate the cups on a half sheet pan. This setup not only prevents spills but also makes it simple to transport them from the fridge to your party table.
Storage
Jello shots should be stored in the fridge until serving. Use plastic wrap or lids to cover the jello shots to prevent them from absorbing any odors from the fridge and to keep them fresh. If you’re making a large batch, place the covered jello shots in an airtight container. Christmas jello shots can be made in advance but add the whipped cream, strawberries and marshmallows right before serving. Do not store for more than 4 days.
Top tips
- To help the gelatin dissolve completely, make sure the water you use is at a rolling boil when you mix it with the gelatin.
- Stir the gelatin and water mixture until it’s completely dissolved before adding the vodka.
- Place the cups on a flat surface like a half sheet pan when refrigerating. This prevents the jello shots from tilting or spilling while they set.
- Wait until the jello shots are fully set before adding the whipped cream, strawberries, and mini marshmallows.
- Make the jello shots a day or two before your event to give them ample time to set and to reduce last-minute preparation stress.
FAQ
They typically need about 2 to 4 hours to set in the refrigerator. For best results, let them chill overnight.
You can use small plastic or paper cups, shot glasses, or any small, individual-serving containers that can go in the refrigerator.
Replace the vodka with flavored syrups or fruit juices for a fun, non-alcoholic version. Just be sure to use a similar amount to ensure the right consistency.
Serving Ideas
I love to serve these Christmas Jello Hats as part of a holiday buffet along with festive treats like Christmas Crunch Popcorn, Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board, Easy White Chocolate Fudge, and Soft Sugar Cookie with Sprinkles.
Related
Looking for more cocktail recipes? Try these:
If you like this Christmas Jello Shots recipe, please leave a 5-star rating.
RECIPE
Santa Hat Christmas Jello Hats
Equipment
- 12 condiment cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 3 ounce package strawberry gelatin
- ½ Cup Peppermint Vodka
- 12 Strawberries
- 1 can Whipped Cream or tub of cool whip
- 12 Mini Marshmallows
Instructions
- Bring one cup of water to a boil. Stir in the jello mix and add the vodka. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture into 12 condiment cups and refrigerate until solid and ready to serve.
- Remove from refrigerator and top each cup with whipped cream. Cut off the stem part of the strawberries and place them on the jello cups to create a hat.
- Add a little whipped cream to each of the mini marshmallows & place them on top of the strawberries to create a Santa hat ball. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Thanks for stopping by! Subscribe to Jersey Girl Cooks if you would like more recipes and cooking tips sent to your email. You can also order my Super Easy Cookbook for Beginners and follow me on social media - Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.
Leave a Reply