Another fun jello shot made in fruit rinds, our orange jello shots recipe is fun, colorful, and tasty! They make for a great take-along to any BBQ or party this summer.
Why this recipe works
Jello shots are a party classic, but they do involve a lot of shot glasses – and either you go the disposable route (which is a lot of waste) or invest in several dozen glass shot glasses (which is a lot of money).
Today, we’re sharing with you a fun and fruity third option – serving jello shots in fruit peels! Orange rinds, to be precise. This orange creamsicle jello shot recipe is placed inside of hollowed-out orange rinds and then set to perfection. The rinds are sliced further into bite-sized, individual slices for the perfect party treat!
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
Orange Jello, boiling water, vanilla vodka, and fresh oranges, that’s it. Of course, if orange creamsicle isn’t your flavor of choice, you can mix it up with your preferred Jell-O and flavored vodka to create your own unique flavor blend. Maybe Watermelon Lime? Or Cherry Vanilla? There are literally dozens of possible flavor mixes to choose from.
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
JELLO – As mentioned above, you can realistically use whatever flavor of gelatin you want here. A standard 3-ounce box will do the trick.
VODKA – Vanilla vodka adds a subtle hint of creaminess, but whipped cream vodka is also a great option!
ORANGES – Large oranges, such as navels, are ideal here because they make slicing easier. After preparing the orange shots, you will have a lot of leftover oranges – perfect for our orange rolls or our Orange Moscow Mules. (Or just save them for day-after fresh squeezed orange juice.)
How to Make Orange Jello Shots
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Boil the kettle for the boiling water as you prepare the oranges.
- Cut oranges in half and use a spoon to remove the flesh (fruit). You can use a knife but you risk cutting into the rind.
- Set the orange fruit aside for another recipe.
- Place all empty orange halves in a muffin tray for steady balance.
- When the kettle is boiled, place the Orange Jell-O in a small bowl or large measuring cup and dissolve with 1 cup boiling water.
- Stir well until Jell-O is completely dissolved.
- Add 1 cup vodka of choice and stir well.
- Pour the orange Jell-O mixture into the orange rinds, filling to the brim.
- Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
- When Jell-O is set and ready to serve, slice each half into 4 slices. Do this carefully and with a sharp knife – too much rocking back and forth will pull the Jell-O from the sides of the orange and ruin that slice.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
Nope! You can easily pour your jello shots into small 2 ounce plastic cups or into regular shot glasses if preferred.
Yes, you’ll actually want to prepare your jello shots at a minimum of 4 hours in advance so they have enough time to properly set. I typically make mine the night before, but they can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead of time if needed!
If your shots are not setting, it’s likely due to overmeasuring the amount of liquid. Otherwise, it could be due to not giving them enough time to chill. It’s important to give them at least 4 hours to set in the fridge. You may find it easier to reduce the vodka in this recipe by 1/4 cup if you need a quicker turnaround. Ours took a few hours to set, and less liquid would allow a faster setting time.
Leftover jello shots are best within 2-3 days, but will keep well for up to 5 days if stored, covered, in the refrigerator.
Serving Suggestions
Orange jello shots are great all on their own, but they’re extra good with a little whipped cream. Serve chilled and enjoy!
More Jello Shot Recipes
- Blue Hawaiian Jello Shots
- Watermelon Jello Shots
- Green Jello Shots
- 4th of July Jello Shots
- Candy Cane Jello Shots
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Orange Jell-O Shots
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Pin It Rate ItIngredients
- 1 package Orange Jell-O regular 3 ounce box
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup vanilla vodka
- 5 orange rinds
Things You’ll Need
- Tea kettle or saucepan for boiling water
Before You Begin
- You can use either vanilla vodka, whipped cream vodka, or plain vodka.
- Medium to large oranges are the best “vehicles” for this recipe, such as navel.
Instructions
- Boil the kettle for the boiling water as you prepare the oranges.1 cup boiling water
- Cut oranges in half and use a spoon to remove the flesh (fruit). You can use a knife but you risk cutting into the rind.5 orange rinds
- Set the orange fruit aside for another recipe.
- Place all empty orange halves in a muffin tray for steady balance.
- When the kettle is boiled, place the Orange Jell-O in a small bowl or large measuring cup and dissolve with 1 cup boiling water.1 package Orange Jell-O
- Stir well until Jell-O is completely dissolved.
- Add 1 cup vodka of choice and stir well.1 cup vanilla vodka
- Pour the orange Jell-O mixture into the orange rinds, filling to the brim.
- Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
- When Jell-O is set and ready to serve, slice each half into 4 slices. Do this carefully and with a sharp knife – too much rocking back and forth will pull the Jell-O from the sides of the orange and ruin that slice.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- I like to prepare mine the night before I plan on serving them to give them ample time to set in the refrigerator. Otherwise, plan to prep them the morning of, or at minimum 4 hours in advance.
- Leftover jello shots are best within 2-3 days but will keep well for up to 5 days if stored, covered, in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
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