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These Pina colada jello shots are a twist on everyone’s favorite beach vacation cocktail! Made with two distinct layers of yellow and white, we’re bringing pineapple flavors and coconut flavors together in one tasty treat! These fun jello shots are always a good idea when hosting any kind of party as a great way to combine a dessert and cocktail in one!
Get the party started this summer with fun, refreshing, and boozy pina colada shots!
They’re a jello shot version of everyone’s favorite tropical drink, complete with a maraschino cherry and whipped cream on top. You can also add some coconut flakes and a small pineapple wedge for an even more festive treat.
Jello shots are part drink, part dessert, and completely fabulous!
I’ve got Valentine’s Day shots, Christmas Jello shots, layered Halloween shots, you name it! Something for every occasion.
In the summer though, I make these pina colada shots with pineapple and coconut rum, pineapple gelatin, coconut extract, and sweetened condensed milk.
This easy recipe is always a huge hit and these jelly shots are the perfect size to serve at your next party.
Why you’ll love Piña Colada Jello Shots
Fun Summer Treats – A fun twist on the tropical cocktail that brings you right back to summer days spent lounging on the beach or at a pool party.
Simple Ingredients – With or without rum, these tasty treats are perfect to serve at your next summer party because they easily serve a crowd.
Delicious Treats – The combination of pineapple and coconut flavors go hand in hand and the creamy sweetened condensed milk just adds another layer of yum.
Customizable – These can be made kid-friendly and suitable for those who would like to enjoy one without alcohol in it. See below for the easy swaps
Equipment you’ll need
- Disposable Cups – 1 oz or 2 oz plastic cups with lids are easiest.
- Baking Sheet – Either a lipped cookie sheet or a tray will be helpful for moving the shots in and out of the fridge while the layers are setting.
- Measuring Cup – I like to use a large measuring cup with a spout to whisk up the jello mixture.
Ingredients
Below is a list of the ingredients you’ll need to gather to make this recipe, why you need them, and possible substitutions. Scroll all the way down for the full recipe card with measurements.
- For the Pineapple Layer – Box of Island Pineapple Jello mix, cold pineapple juice, hot water, and pineapple Malibu. You’ll need to use boiling water to completely dissolve the jello powder and then add the pineapple rum for boozy flavor and real pineapple juice for added sweetness and even more pineapple goodness.
- For the White Coconut Later – Unflavored gelatin (packets of Knox gelatin), sweetened condensed milk, coconut extract, Malibu coconut rum, and hot water. There is no coconut-flavored Jello mixture that I know of, so we’re going to use unflavored gelatin dissolved in hot water. Then we’ll add coconut flavor with the coconut rum and optional coconut extract if you want yours with a stronger coconut flavor. The sweetened condensed milk helps to create the milky effect as well as adds the needed sweetness.
- For the Garnish – Whipped cream, maraschino cherries, fresh pineapple chunks, and coconut flakes are all fun and whimsical options you can use on top of the jello shots!
How to make Pina Colada Jello Shots
This section shows you how to make this recipe, with process photos showing the steps to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
- Step One: In a large liquid glass measuring cup, whisk the pineapple jello in boiling water until dissolved.
- Step Two: Then, whisk in the pineapple juice and pineapple malibu and carefully pour the mixture 2/3 of the way up the cups that have been set out on a lipped tray. Chill for 90 minutes in the fridge until set.
- Step Three: In the same (clean) large measuring cup, whisk the unflavored gelatin in the boiling water until dissolved. Next, add in the coconut rum, sweetened condensed milk, and coconut extract (if using) to the gelatin mixture.
- Step Four: Whisk until combined then carefully pour the white layer on top of the set yellow layer, leaving a bit of room on top. Chill once more for another 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Step Five: Once the pina colada jello shots are all ready to serve, top each one with a squirt of whipped cream, a sprinkling of coconut flakes, and chunks of pineapple, and finish with a cherry on top.
What to serve with them
Whether it’s a themed party, a luau, or a fun summer gathering with friends and family, you’re going to need a variety of fruit-flavored jello shooters!
More Jell-O Shots
Layered watermelon jello shots, strawberry shortcake jello shots, or fuzzy navel jello shots are a must. You’ll also need some appetizers to go with your drinks!
If you’re celebrating the Fourth of July, you’re also going to want to make these patriotic jello shots and a red white & blue fruit salad as well!
Dips
Put out a few dips like this easy taco dip, cowboy caviar, or homemade pico de gallo and a bowl of homemade tortilla chips for people to munch on.
Appetizers
We also love these easy slow cooker bacon-wrapped little smokies and air fryer buffalo chicken egg rolls for finger foods with a little more substance.
Tips & Suggestions 🍍🥥
- Garnish just before serving, no earlier.
- Jello shots can be made well in advance, as long as you don’t garnish them.
- If using 2 oz cups, this recipe yields 30 shots.
- To make them kid friendly/non-alcoholic, replace the rums with water. You can also add more pineapple juice and/or sweetened condensed milk.
- Using chilled rum will help your jello shots set faster.
- To go a little above and beyond, try toasting your coconut until lightly golden.
- Light white rum can be used in place of coconut Malibu if you can’t get your hands on any.
How to store them
You will want to store these easy jello shots in the fridge. If they get too warm, they can melt.
How long will jello shots last in the fridge?
These will last for about 1 week in the fridge. Don’t garnish them until you’re ready to serve them.
Can I freeze jello shots?
Nope. As they freeze, it will affect the texture of the jello dramatically so it will become a gooey texture.
Can jello shots be made ahead of time?
You can definitely make them ahead of time but they’re best enjoyed within 3-5 days so don’t make them too far in advance.
FAQs
What alcohol is good in jello shots?
Vodka and white rum are the best option for jello shots.
What kind of alcohol do you put in a Piña Colada?
White rum is traditionally used in pina coladas.
Can I make these without the plastic 2 oz cups?
You can! If you don’t have any plastic shot cups, or you’re being environmentally conscious, you can make the jello shots in a muffin pan sprayed with nonstick spray. Present them on a serving tray on their own without a cup.
Do Jello shots make you drunk?
Eventually, they can, yes. However, you’d need to overdo it for that to happen. 1 regular shot of booze equals about 4 jello shots.
The trouble is that pina colada jello shots taste so darn good that you may not pay attention to how many you’ve had.
So, please enjoy responsibly.
Do you eat or drink a Jello shot?
The answer is both! You’re not going to swallow it whole but you’re not exactly going to chew it either. Just like you normally would eat jello, you sort of swirl it around in your mouth until it because broken up and liquidy and then swallow.
Malibu Rum Jello Shots
Need more cocktail recipes? Try these:
Ranch Water Cocktail (with Tequila)
Skinny Pineapple Coconut Cocktail
Click here for my entire collection of drink recipes.
Pina Colada Jello Shots
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2.3 ounce pineapple gelatin Island Pineapple Jell-O
- 0.25 ounce gelatin unflavored, like Knox
- 8 ounce sweetened condensed milk
- 1-2 teaspoons coconut extract optional to enhance coconut flavor
- 2 cups pineapple Malibu
- ½ cup original coconut Malibu
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 ½ cup hot water divided
Optional toppings:
- whipped cream
- maraschino cherries
- pineapple chunks
- coconut flakes
Instructions
- On a lipped tray, set out 30 one ounce cups and set aside for later. Make sure you have room in the fridge to accommodate the tray.
Make the yellow pineapple layer
- In a large measuring cup with a spout or a mixing bowl, add 1 cup of boiling water and the pineapple jello. Whisk until dissolved.
- Next, add in 1 cup of pineapple juice and 2 cups of pineapple Malibu. Whisk again.
- Carefully pour the mixture into the cups about ⅔ way up.
- Carefully place the tray in the refrigerator for about 90 minutes or until that layer is set.
Make the white coconut layer
- In a large measuring cup with a spout or a mixing bowl, add ½ cup of boiling water and the unflavored gelatin. Whisk until dissolved.
- Next, add in ½ cup of coconut Malibu, sweetened condensed milk, and coconut extract. Whisk again.
- Once the yellow layer is set, carefully pour the white layer on top, leaving a little room at the top.
- Place them back in the fridge for an additional 1.5 hours or until they are fully set.
To serve
- When ready to serve, top each jello shot with a squirt of whipped cream, cherries, coconut flakes, and a piece of pineapple.
Notes
- Do not garnish until ready to serve.
- Store covered in the fridge for up to a week.
- Use 2 oz cups (makes approximately 30 shots).
- If you want to make them non-alcoholic/kid-friendly, replace the Malibu rum with water, additional pineapple juice, and/or sweetened condensed milk.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
