Summer is just getting started and that means barbecues and pool parties and lots of mixed drinks. Jello shots are definitely an adult favorite and we decided to experiment with two different ways of making watermelon jello shots.

Both were a hit, though the jello shots in the lime rinds definitely had a tart kick at the end, while the shots made in a real watermelon rind had a nice sweet finish. So pick your poison and let’s get started!

Why these particular jello shots are so fun!

Jello shots are usually served in shot glasses or small plastic containers. However, if you’re having a backyard party, making watermelon jello shots that look like watermelon slices is fun and always a hit!

How to Make Watermelon Jello Shots – 2 Ways

NOTE: I used watermelon flavored gelatin which is pink. If you want your shots to be red, use strawberry gelatin instead.

To make watermelon slice jello shots in a watermelon you need:

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. Please scroll down to simply print out the recipe!

6 pound watermelon, halved with fruit removed (leave about 1/4-inch of fruit in the shell)
3 (3-ounce) boxes watermelon flavored gelatin
6 envelopes unflavored gelatin
3 cups boiling water
3 cups vodka

After your gelatin has set, remove the watermelon half from the fridge and place it on a cutting board.

Use a sharp knife to cut 1-inch slices. The gelatin will be nice and firm because of the added unflavored gelatin in the recipe. Remember Jell-O Jigglers from when you were a kid?

Even though you filled the watermelon rind with liquid gelatin, when it solidified, it shrank too. You can trim the excess tips off of each slice.

Cut each watermelon slice into three triangles.

Now all you have to do is serve them. Get ready for the compliments!

Expert Tips

Just for the record, I made the shots inside the watermelon rind two different ways. In one-half I scooped out ALL of the watermelon, leaving a clean rind. The other I left about 1/4-inch of the fruit inside the rind.
Leaving a small layer of fruit gives your guest a little sweet after-nibble. Seriously. They are still good without the fruit left in the shell, and honestly, they’re prettier. But I did prefer the jello shots with the fruit after-nibble. You’ll probably notice both types in the photos.

Watermelon Jello Shots in Lime Rind

Next, we tried using limes as our jello shot vessel. These definitely had the cute factor, and they were delicious. However, there’s a noticeable tart lime after taste, so that may or may not be your thing.

To make watermelon lime jello shots in lime rinds you need:

6 limes, halved with fruit and pith removed (see video for demonstration)
1 (3-ounce) box watermelon flavored gelatin
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
1 cup boiling water
1 cup cold vodka

I didn’t take any step by step photos but I did shoot a video for you (below)! The process is basically the same as the larger wedge shaped shots, just on a smaller scale. These watermelon jello shots are made inside little lime shells instead of a big watermelon.

Basically, with these cut your limes in half and scoop out the fruit. The easiest way to do this is to pull at the pith and fruit near the top of the lime half. It’s fairly easy to pull out once you loosen it. Watch the video below to see how it’s done.

Dang! They’re cute, no? I love how adorable they are. They remind me of these adorable Watermelon Cookies I made long ago. We also love our watermelon poke cupcakes!

It doesn’t matter which version of these watermelon jello shots you choose to make, you will be the star of the party. Guaranteed.

Having a BBQ? These Raspberry Mango Vodka Popsicles or this Refreshing Watermelon Smoothie would make another perfect addition to your party!

More Jello Shots

We’ve also just added these Orange Jello Shots to the blog, another jello shot recipe where you use the rind of a fruit instead of wasting plastic or purchasing shot glasses. These are a summer favorite!
And for those of you looking for the perfect game day idea- these football jello shots are made in the colors of your favorite team! What better way to celebrate?
Try these Arnold Palmer Jello Shots, perfect for summer! You might also want to save these Champagne Jello Shots, great for New Year’s Eve! And let’s not forget about these Green Jello Shots for your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Candy corn jello shots are a fun way to serve up a festive boozy shot at your Halloween parties.

If you’re looking for more awesome summer drink ideas, you’ll definitely want to check out these Blue Mixed Drinks which are fun mermaid inspired cocktails that your guests will love. This Pina Colada recipe is delicious and perfect for summer. And of course, last but certainly not least, this party favorite drink is a popular choice for potlucks or gatherings of all types, Rum Punch!

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Amanda Davis

President at Amanda's Creative Studio, Inc.

Amanda Davis is the entrepreneurial mom of four grown children and four step children. She and her husband, Chef Antoine, love to cook together creating recipes for this blog. Amanda also make kid's crafts and creates decorative items for her home. She is a crafting expert and guru in the kitchen and has appeared online and in print publications many times over the years. She is also a craft book author five times over and product developer as well as the owner of FunFamilyCrafts.com. You can find her on social media by using the buttons to the left!