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Cotton Candy Jello ShotsCotton Candy Jello Shots
July 12, 2023 | Laura
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These delicious shots are the adult version of every kid's favorite treat. They are made with real cotton candy to make them taste like the real deal plus some flavored vodka to make them boozy. These sweet jello shots are perfect for anybody that is still a kid at heart.
The must-try shot for all cotton candy fans.
There's nothing quite like eating a handful of cotton candy. The sweet flavor, instant sugar rush, melt-in-your-mouth goodness, and fun colors are just something I can't turn down. It makes me feel like a kid again. And honestly, all of us adults could use more of those carefree feelings. And now you can with these fun jello shots that taste and look like cotton candy but also have booze. It's like being a kid again but with the adult perks of alcohol. Win-win!
These boozy treats are made with real cotton candy so the authentic cotton candy flavor is there. They super easy to make, you just need a little patience while they set in the fridge. Cotton candy shots are perfect for all types of parties!
Cotton Candy Jello Shot: Ingredients
*Some of these ingredient links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.*
✽ Water: Water is the base of this recipe. Don't worry- we will be adding cotton candy to the warm water so these shots will be anything but bland.
✽ Unflavored Gelatin: In order to be in control of the flavors and make sure these shots taste like actual cotton candy, unflavored gelatin powder is used for this recipe.
✽ Blue Cotton Candy: Blue cotton candy is usually flavored as blue raspberry. Be sure to save some extra to use as a garnish for the shot glasses!
✽ Pink Cotton Candy: Pink cotton candy usually comes in the flavors of either pink vanilla or strawberry.
✽ Berry Vodka: To increase the blue raspberry flavor, I opted to use a berry vodka for the blue layer. You can use plain vodka, but you will end up with shots that taste more like vodka rather than fruity. Some good brands include Smirnoff Red White & Berry, Au Blue Raspberry Vodka, and UV Blue Vodka.
✽ Vanilla Vodka: I really wanted to capture the traditional pink vanilla flavor for the pink layer so vanilla vodka was the way to go. Good brands include Smirnoff Vanilla, Absolut Vanilla, and Veil Vanilla Vodka. You could also use Whipped Cream Vodka for the pink layer as well.
How to Make Cotton Candy Jello Shots
➊ Make Blue Layer: In a medium mixing bowl or large measuring cup, pour in 1/4 cup water. Sprinkle 1 packet (~2 1/2 teaspoons) unflavored gelatin on top of the water. Let sit for about 5 minutes.
In a small saucepan, bring 3/4 cup water to a boil. Stir 5 cups (2 ounces) blue cotton candy into the hot water. Whisk hot mixture into the set gelatin. Continue whisking until gelatin dissolves, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in 1 cup berry vodka.
Pour blue jello mixture into 20 2-ounce plastic cups until each shot is halfway full. I like to put all the shots onto a cookie sheet or baking sheet so it is easier to carry them to and from the fridge. Place shots in the fridge to chill for 3-4 hours or until set.
➋ Make Pink Layer: In a medium mixing bowl or large measuring cup, pour in 1/4 cup water. Sprinkle 1 packet (~2 1/2) teaspoons unflavored gelatin on top of the water. Let sit for about 5 minutes.
In a small saucepan, bring 3/4 cup water to a boil. Stir in 5 cups (2 ounces) pink cotton candy. Whisk hot mixture into the set gelatin. Continue whisking until gelatin dissolves, about 1-2 minutes. Then stir in 1 cup vanilla vodka.
Pour gelatin mixture on top of each set blue layer in all the shot cups until full. Place into the fridge to chill for 3-4 hours or until set.
➌ If desired, top each shot (or rim of each glass) with cotton candy right before serving. For best results, do not garnish with cotton candy too far in advance. It will begin melt fairly quickly. Cheers!
Cotton Candy Jello Shot Recipe: Questions
✽ Can I use plain vodka for cotton candy jello shots?
You can, but I personally do not recommend it. For these shots, you really want that fun and fruity flavor to shine through. When using regular vodka, the cotton candy flavors will be somewhat masked by the strong taste of alcohol.
If you do not have vanilla vodka, you can use whipped cream vodka instead.
You can also use vanilla vodka for both the pink and blue layers.
✽ Can I use only one flavor of cotton candy?
Yep! You can choose to make all pink cotton candy shots or all blue cotton candy shots. If only using one color, use all vanilla vodka for best flavor.
Just remember- to make 20 shots, you will need 2 cups of water, 2 packets of unflavored gelatin, 10 cups (4 ounces) pink or blue cotton candy, and 2 cups of vanilla vodka.
✽ Can I add more liquor to these shots?
I do not recommend adding more liquor than what the recipe calls for. By adjusting the liquid amounts, the jello shots may not firm up as they should.
Looking for more great recipes for jello shots?
→ Check out all of my favorite regular shots, jello shots, and cocktail recipes!
Cotton Candy Jello Shots
By Laura | Laura The Gastronaut
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Chill Time: 6-8 hours | Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 20 shots
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These great tasting jello shots are the adult version of every kid's favorite treat. They are made with actual cotton candy to make them taste like the real deal plus some flavored vodka to make them boozy. These jello shots are perfect for any adult that loves the sweet taste of fresh cotton candy and is still a kid at heart.
*Some of these ingredient links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.*
Ingredients
• 2 cups water, divided
• 2 packets (~5 teaspoons) unflavored gelatin, divided
• 5 cups (2 ounces) blue cotton candy, plus some for garnish
• 1 cup berry vodka
• 5 cups (2 ounces) pink cotton candy, plus some for garnish
• 1 cup vanilla vodka
Instructions
➊ Make Blue Layer: In a medium bowl, sprinkle 1 packet (2 1/2 teaspoons) of unflavored gelatin over 1/4 cup water. Let sit 5 minutes.
➋ In a small saucepan, heat 3/4 cup water over medium-high heat. As soon as it begins to boil, remove from heat and stir in blue cotton candy. Whisk hot mixture into set gelatin. Continue whisking until gelatin is dissolved, about 1-2 minutes.
➌ Whisk in berry vodka. Pour gelatin mixture into 20 2-ounce jello shot cups so each cup is halfway full. Put into fridge to chill for 3-4 hours or until set.
➍ Make Pink Layer: In a medium bowl, sprinkle remaining packet (2 1/2 teaspoons) of unflavored gelatin over 1/4 cup water. Let sit 5 minutes.
➎ In a small saucepan, heat remaining 3/4 cup water over medium-high heat. As soon as it begins to boil, remove from heat and stir in pink cotton candy. Whisk hot mixture into set gelatin. Continue whisking until gelatin is dissolved, about 1-2 minutes.
➏ Whisk in vanilla vodka. Pour gelatin mixture on top of set blue gelatin until all 20 shot cups are full. Put into fridge to chill for 3-4 hours or until set.
➐ Garnish: If desired, top each set jello shot with a bit of cotton candy right before serving. Cheers!
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✽ Did you make this recipe?
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Category: Alcoholic Shots Cuisine: American
Keywords: vanilla vodka jello shots, blue and pink jello shots, cotton candy shot recipe, pink and blue jello shots, cotton candy jelly shots
More Recipes for Jello Shots:
✽ Pickle Jello Shots (the perfect recipe for any pickle fan- made with pickle juice and your favorite vodka)
✽ Kool-Aid Jello Shots (another childhood favorite turned into a jello shot- great for a summer party)
✽ Strawberry Lemon Jello Shots (a fun and fruity jello shot made with strawberry-flavored vodka)
→ Check out all of my alcoholic shot recipes!
Bon appétit!
July 12, 2023 by Laura Ehlers
*This Cotton Candy Jell-o Shots blog post and recipe may contain some Amazon affiliate links. These link to products that I personally use and recommend. If you purchase anything using my links, it will not cost you anything. It will though give laurathegastronaut.com some financial support which helps me keep this blog running. Thank you for reading my blogs and your continued support.