When Mardi Gras rolls around, it’s all about vibrant colors, lively parades, and unforgettable flavors—and what better way to celebrate than with Mardi Gras Jello Shots? These colorful, layered treats are not only eye-catching but also bursting with flavor, making them the perfect addition to any Fat Tuesday gathering.

Learn how to make Mardi Gras jello shots topped with whipped cream and sprinkles, surrounded by vibrant purple, green, and gold beads.

Why You’ll Love These Mardi Gras Jello Shots

These Mardi Gras Jello Shots are the ultimate party starter. Here’s why you’ll love making them:

Vibrant and Festive: The signature Mardi Gras colors, purple, green, and gold, come together beautifully in these layered shots.
Easy to Make: With a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll create a show-stopping treat.
Perfect for Celebrations: Ideal for parties, potlucks, or a night of fun with friends.
Customizable Flavors: You can switch up the flavors or colors to suit your taste.

Four colorful Mardi Gras Jello Shot cups topped with whipped cream and purple, green, and yellow sprinkles, surrounded by Mardi Gras beads.

In this post, you’ll get everything you need to whip up the perfect batch of Mardi Gras Jello Shots, from step-by-step instructions to tips and tricks that will guarantee success. Whether you’re throwing a big bash or enjoying a small get-together, these festive shots will be a hit!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Collage of ingredients for Mardi Gras Jello Shots: Cane Run rum, Knox gelatine, Jell-O pineapple mix, and food coloring bottles, all ready to inspire your Mardi Gras jello shots recipe with a hint of mystery in the blurred additional item.

Before diving into the layering, gather all your ingredients:

Clear gelatin (Knox)
Island pineapple Jello
Water
Purple food gel
Lime green food gel
Purple sanding sugar
Green sanding sugar
Gold sanding sugar
Sweetened condensed milk
Whipped topping (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Mardi Gras Jello Shots

1. Prepare the Yellow Layer (Gold)

A stainless steel pot filled with milk on a stove burner, perhaps awaiting transformation into the creamy base for your next culinary adventure, just like perfecting how to make Mardi Gras jello shots adds festivity to the occasion.

Boil 1 cup of water and stir in 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk.

A whisk stirs a creamy yellow batter in a metal bowl on a speckled countertop, evoking the festive hues of Mardi Gras Jello Shots.

Add the island pineapple gelatin, mix, and whisk until fully dissolved.

Add 1 cup of cold water and whisk again.

Several small plastic containers filled with a yellow liquid for Mardi Gras Jello Shots are placed on a granite countertop.

Pour this mixture into shot cups, filling them about one-third of the way.

Cover and chill in the fridge for 2 hours or until set.

2. Prepare the Green Layer

On a speckled countertop sits a metal bowl brimming with bright green, frothy liquid—an enticing start for your Mardi Gras jello shots recipe adventure.

Boil 1 cup of water with 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk.

Stir in 1 envelope of clear gelatin and whisk until dissolved.

Add 4 drops of lime green food gel and 1 cup of cold water.

Plastic cups filled with a festive, layered green and yellow dessert on a granite surface, perfect for those experimenting with how to make Mardi Gras jello shots.

Whisk thoroughly and pour over the set yellow layer, filling the cup another third.

Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours until firm.

3. Prepare the Purple Layer

A stainless steel pot containing a frothy, purple liquid, perfect for whipping up those festive Mardi Gras Jello Shots, sits on a speckled countertop.

Boil 1 cup of water with 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk.

Add 1 envelope of clear gelatin and whisk until dissolved.

Mix 2 drops of purple food gel and 1 cup of cold water.

On a granite countertop sit small plastic cups filled with layers of purple, green, and beige gelatin, looking like festive Mardi Gras Jello Shots.

Pour the purple mixture over the green layer, filling the cups to the top.

Cover and refrigerate for another 2 hours until set.

4. Finishing Touches

Once all the layers have set, it’s time for the fun part, decorating!

Top each Jello shot with a dollop of whipped topping.

Sprinkle on purple, green, and gold sanding sugars for that authentic Mardi Gras sparkle.

Serve chilled and enjoy!

Four layered desserts in clear cups with purple, green, and yellow layers mimic festive Mardi Gras jello shot recipes. Topped with whipped cream and colored sugar, these treats are perfect alongside vibrant beads in the foreground.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Use Clear Cups: To showcase those vibrant layers, use clear plastic shot cups.
Even Layers: Let each layer be fully set before adding the next to prevent colors from blending.
Quick Setting Tip: Pop the shots into the freezer for 15 minutes if you’re short on time, but don’t let them freeze!
Make Ahead: You can prepare these a day ahead and keep them refrigerated until party time.

Recipe Variations, Additions, and Substitutions

Different Flavors: Swap the island pineapple for lemon, lime, or grape to experiment with flavors.
Alcoholic Version: Add ½ cup of vodka to each layer (just reduce the cold water by ½ cup).
Non-Dairy: Replace sweetened condensed milk with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Sugar-Free: Use sugar-free gelatin mixes and skip the sanding sugar for a lighter treat.

Four layered dessert cups topped with whipped cream and purple, green, and gold sprinkles capture the festive spirit. Surrounded by Mardi Gras beads, they're a nod to classic Mardi Gras jello shot recipes in taste and style.

FAQs About Mardi Gras Jello Shots

Can I make these Jello shots ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them a day or two before your event. Just keep them covered in the fridge until serving time.

How long do Mardi Gras Jello Shots last?
They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, but they’re best enjoyed within 2 days for the freshest texture.

Can I make these without alcohol?
Absolutely! This recipe is alcohol-free, but you can easily add your favorite spirit if you want a boozy twist.

What’s the best way to serve these shots?
Serve them chilled, and provide small spoons for guests who want to enjoy every last bit without getting messy.

Four layered desserts in clear cups topped with whipped cream and colored sugar, reminiscent of Mardi Gras Jello Shots, placed on a wooden surface with purple, green, and gold beaded necklaces.

Bring the Party Vibes with Mardi Gras Jello Shots

Get ready to bring serious fun and color to your Mardi Gras celebration with these Mardi Gras Jello Shots! They’re playful, easy to make, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any festive gathering. Whether you’re hosting a big bash or having a cozy night with friends, these vibrant shots will add the perfect pop of color and joy to your party table.

So, grab your ingredients, let those colors shine, and get the party started with this unforgettable treat. Happy Mardi Gras!

More Simple St. Patrick’s Day Treats

If you enjoyed this St. Patrick’s Day dessert, you’ll definitely want to try these other quick and easy recipes!

Colorful and festive, these layered desserts resemble Mardi Gras Jello Shots with vibrant purple, green, and yellow layers, topped with whipped cream and colored sprinkles. Surrounding the cups are scattered Mardi Gras beads in purple, green, and gold.

Mardi Gras Jello Shots Recipe

Yield: 7 - 5.5 oz size

Mardi Gras Jello Shots

When Mardi Gras rolls around, it’s all about vibrant colors, lively parades, and unforgettable flavors, and what better way to celebrate than with Mardi Gras Jello Shots? These colorful, layered treats are not only eye-catching but also bursting with flavor, making them the perfect addition to any Fat Tuesday gathering.

Prep Time 1 hour

Additional Time 8 hours

Total Time 9 hours

Ingredients

2 envelopes clear gelatin (knox)
3 oz. box island pineapple jello
6 cups water
2 drops purple food gel
4 drops lime green food gel
1 tablespoon purple sanding sugar
1 tablespoon green sanding sugar
1 tablespoon gold sanding sugar
6 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
whipped topping for topping

Instructions

For the first yellow layer. Boil one cup of water with two tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk. Mix the island pineapple gelatin into the boiling water. Whisk well. Add one cup of cold water. Whisk well.
Pour the yellow layer into 1/3 of the cup. Place a lid on the jello shot cups and pop into the fridge for two hours or until set.
For the second green layer. Boil one cup of water with two tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk. Mix one envelope of clear gelatin Knox into the hot water and whisk well. Add 4 drops of lime green food gel and one cup of cold water. Whisk well.
Pour the green layer into the next 1/3 of the jello shot cup on top of the yellow layer. Pop into the fridge for two hours or until set.
For the last purple layer. Boil one cup of water with two tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk. Mix one envelope of clear gelatin Knox into the hot water and whisk well. Add 2 drops of purple food gel and one cup of cold water. Whisk well.
Pour the purple layer into the last 1/3 of the jello shot cup on top of the green layer. Pop into the fridge for two hours or until set.
When ready to serve, top with whipped topping and purple, green, and gold sanding sugars.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 101Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 34mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 1gSugar: 16gProtein: 3g

Nutritional information is automatically calculated with ingredients and serving size and may not be accurate. Please always double check with your own nutritional apps as well.