Easy Champagne Jello Shots with sparkling wine, gin, lemon juice, and a glamorous gold topping based on our favorite French 75 cocktail recipe.
Anyone else have terrible memories of the ever-present “jello shot” from their college years?
No?!? Then, we’ll assume you’ve repressed them!
Not to worry, this easy champagne jello shots recipe is quite the step up from the college plastic cups!
No matter how nasty those technicolor shot glasses from the good old days tasted, you have to admit they were very efficient for entertaining.
Having attempted to make things “to order” for house guests one too many times, we’re now ALL about recipes that you can make ahead of time.
You know how it is. Things are never ready when we want them to be.
Serving temps get way out of whack, and frankly I, Colleen, end up looking less “effortless hostess” than “very hot mess”.
This easy jello shot recipe fits the bill perfectly for an easy grab and go option as a customizable holiday drink, wedding, bachelorette party, New Year’s Eve, or even just an impromptu weekend party.
Easy Jello Shots | Champagne Jello Shots Recipe
Enter the grown-up, glam version of everyone’s (least!) favorite frat cocktail — the classic jello shot.
Even a punch bowl (and we LOVE a good punch bowl) can get watered down over time and presents a challenge in terms of consistency.
The first few drinks from a punch bowl might be too strong. And the few last few might be too weak.
These jello shots are so easy to make ahead of time. And then, pull out of the fridge when you’re ready to serve.
Everyone will get the same perfectly-balanced cocktail in a super fun form. This recipe is the edible version of a French 75, a refreshing champagne cocktail with gin and lemon.
Customizing Jello Shots
While we’re a big fan of using champagne or vodka for jell-o shots, you can easily customize these to your liking using a different liquor.
You can also make these for the kids with a mocktail version of ginger ale, sparkling cider, and lemon juice!
How to Store Jello Shots
When it comes to how to store jello shots, you can keep them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 7 to 10 days.
It’s still best to serve them sooner for optimal freshness.
How to Garnish Champagne Jello Shots
A lot of people opt for making jello shots in disposable cups. But you can also make a batch recipe in a single loaf pan or mini muffin dishes for a non-disposable option.
We like the rustic look of hand-sliced squares from there. However, you could definitely get a more finished look with a square ice cube tray for this recipe.
These would also be fun to make in silicone candy molds. Don’t you think?!
If you opt for a silicone mold, be sure to use a light cooking spray to make it easier to remove your jello shots neatly once they’ve chilled.
You could just add another packet of gelatin to the recipe for a firmer texture, then pick out basically any shape under the sun.
We loved topping these with flakes of edible gold leaf for a fancier vibe that would be perfect for a wedding, New Years, or engagement party.
If you don’t want to track down edible gold, you could just garnish with lemon zest or colorful sanding sugar for an impromptu decoration that you already have in the kitchen.
French 75 Jell-o Shots
This recipe is the edible version of a French 75, a refreshing champagne cocktail with gin and lemon.
French 75’s have become incredibly popular over the years.
They’re still one of my favorite cocktails because they are so refreshing and don’t have an overpowering alcohol flavor.
They are light and crisp, and pair well with a wide variety of foods.
(Have you ever noticed champagne seems to pair well with anything you’re serving?
These jello shots will too!)
French 75’s taste best when they are incredibly cold, making it a perfect cocktail to turn into chilly jell-o shots!
Be sure to check out one of my favorite French 75 recipes.
It is quick to mix up and so delicious!
Do you have a silicone or jello mold at home you’d like to try these in?
We’re definitely going to play around with different versions!
We also had fun making a red, white and blue jello shot recipe for the 4th of July, too!
If you’re looking for a hostess hack that makes consistent, easy-to-serve cocktails an absolute breeze, these edible cocktails are definitely for you!
Champagne Jello Shots Recipe
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Loaf pan
- Parchment paper
- Paint brush only use one dedicated for food use
- Knife a thin knife like a boning knife works best
Ingredients
- 8 oz champagne or cava
- 4 oz gin or vodka
- 2 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 2 oz simple syrup
- 2 tbsp gelatin 2 packets
- Edible gold leaf optional for garnishing
Nutrition
Notes
- Gold leaf crumbles and sticks to things (like fingers) easily so be gentle. Just pull off tiny corners with the brush. (They will stick). Then, place them gently on top of the gelée squares.
- You can also make these for the kids with a mocktail version of ginger ale, sparkling cider, and lemon juice!
- Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 7 to 10 days, but they're best served fresh!
Instructions
- Combine the simple syrup and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well. Then, pour the mixture into a medium saucepan.
- Sprinkle in the gelatin. Allow the gelatin to soak for 2 minutes. Then, heat over medium low heat, stirring constantly, until the gelatin is completely dissolved (about 2-5 minutes).
- Remove from heat and add the gin and champagne, stirring well to blend. Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a loaf pan in plastic wrap. Then, pour the jello mixture in the loaf pan. Chill until fully set and firm for several hours (minimum of 2) or overnight.
- Turn out the firm gelatin onto parchment paper. Then, slice carefully into rectangles or squares.
- Garnish with edible gold leaf using a paintbrush.
Don’t forget to share your champagne jello shots with us on Instagram using the hashtag #sugarandclothloves. We always love seeing all of your creations! Looking for more quick and delicious recipes? You can find them all right here with a few desserts to go along with them.
Hello,
What is the substitute to simple syrup? Can pure cane sugar sugar works?
Thankssss
Hi Yseult. We only advise substituting the simple syrup for a flavored simple syrup like mint simple syrup. Simple syrup is quite easy to make at home. It’s simply water and sugar boiled together. We have a recipe post here: https://sugarandcloth.com/mint-simple-syrup-recipe/ for regular simple syrup. If you only use cane sugar, you’ll still need more liquid for the jello shots to set correctly. Hope this helps!
Hello,
How do you grease the loaf pan or ice cube tray? Olive oil is ok? And just with a little brush?
Thanks
Hi Yseult! Great question. We actually updated the instructions just in case someone else was wondering the same. We recommend greasing the pan with any non-stick cooking spray. Olive oil should be ok but it does have a bit of flavoring to it. Olive oil has a really mild flavor but it does have a bit of a fruitier aroma and more distinct taste. It also doesn’t stick as well. If you do opt to use olive oil, a brush would be the best method to get an even and light coat. You can also line the pan with plastic wrap. Hope this helps!
Hi there! I would like to try this with agar agar. Do you have any tips?
Hi! We have not tried subbing the gelatin with agar agar yet so we don’t know how it will turn out. We did read that 1 teaspoon of agar powder (or 1 tablespoon of agar flakes) mixed with 1 cup of liquid will have the same binding effect compared to 8 teaspoons of gelatin to 1 cup. Hope this helps! Please let us know how it turns out. We are really interested!
I just made a batch, but used a lemon jello mix, They have been in the fridge over night and are still a little wet.
I’m making more and am now using knox jell. I have 4 packages to a box, Do I still use two packages of knox jello? That seems like a small amount especially as my first batch is still pretty wet.
Hi Dana! When you used a flavored JELLO mix, there’s additional additives and sugar so it sets differently. If you’re using the Knox unflavored gelatin, you still use 2 packets (each packet is 2 ounces which would be 4 tablespoons.) Hope this helps!
Once plated how long can they stay out? do they start to melt after a bit of time? And do they taste better cold? Thanks so much. Mary
Hi Mary! Jello shots (like regular jello) are best served cold. We recommend serving them immediately. We think that in about an hour, they’ll start to melt. If you want them out all night for a party, try chilling your plate that it sits on or keeping them in the container. Hope this helps!
How far in advance can these be prepared? Want to make them for a holiday party, but need to prep in advance. Thanks!
Hi Treena! Jello shots are best in the fridge for about 3-5 days. Any longer and they start to lose their consistency and taste. We recommended making them 1-2 days in advance though just so they are at their best state. Hope this helps!
Can I sub the Lemon juice for fruit juice or margarita mix?
Hi Mars! The shots are a take on the French 75 cocktail which typically calls for lemon juice. And the lemon juice is more to give the cocktail an acidic citrus balance to the simple syrup.
We don’t think there will be any issues if you opt for fruit juice or margarita mix instead of lemon juice. Just keep in mind that the taste will be altered and the shots won’t taste like a true French 75.
Depending on the type that you use, we would recommend sticking with a neutral color mix. For instance, if you use orange juice, the color of the shots will turn out different.
Margarita mix does typically have lime juice in it and lime and lemon juice are so similar!
We are all about experimenting so let us know how it turns out!
How many squares does this make? 9-inch loaf pan seems like it wouldn’t produce enough for a crowd
Hi Maddi! Our recipe makes about 12 servings. It really depends on how thick/tall you want them to be. We definitely would double or triple this recipe for a crowd. Hope this helps.
Hi I plan on making these for New Years but double the recipe. What size of loaf pan do you use? I’d like to purchase one as I do not own a loaf pan currently.
We used a 9 inch loaf pan, so you may just want to use a single loaf pan but make two batches!
Does this mean 2 packages of Knox as in all 8 packets (2 oz). Or 2 packets (.5 oz.)? Thanks!
Hi Jordan! Just two packets will do!
Hi,
This looks & sounds fantastical. Do you know have ideas on how to make it vegetarian-no gelatin?
Thank you xoxo
Yes, you’re welcome to sub for a vegan-friendly gelatine using the same recipe for the remaining ingredients!
wow this was really intresting to read. ive heard of jello shots but never with champagne . I’m gonna do this at my next party!!! passing it on
Woo hoo! Have fun! :)
doesn’t it look beautiful?!
Hello, I want to make these this weekend – I’m in England and don’t think I can get Knox gelatin, would you please let me know the quantity required so I can buy an alternative please? various brands seem to sell different weights! Many thanks
You can easily replace the knox brand with any other single packet version of gelatin!
Love this recipe! They are so beautiful and were a huge hit at my farewell party this past weekend (made about 50)!!! Thank you for this recipe!
Just as a side note: I combined this recipe with another and used vodka instead of gin (I hate gin), added a little sugar, and a little extra lemon. Fantastic! Thanks again!
Love the spin you put the on the recipe & so glad it was a hit! xo
Beautiful a d fun!
Can you use vodka instead of gin? I have a lot of leftover vodka in the house from christmas :)
Don’t use gin! I made these last night and am throwing them away today. They taste so strongly of gin that I can’t imagine anyone wanting a second one. Trying again with vodka, hoping I have enough time for them to set for NYE!
I made these with gin and loved them! Yes they were a little strong in terms of unexpectedly knocking us oFf our feet, but i imagine you cOuld Simply decrease the amount of liquor (or not have as many of them as we did!)
Hahah, noted!! Thank you for the feedback Kathleen!
Hi–love the idea of this recipe but i’m curious if there is a right or wrong Way to grease the pan? Donyou use cooking spray? Can you Taste it on the squares? Thanks!
Bumping as I have the same question. I haven’t made jello shots before, but these look delish and I’d love to make them for the champagne bar at my sister’s bridal shower!
wonderful for new years!
Good idea! I’ll definitely have to make some this year..
Love these. Just beautiful. Can’t wait to make.
Just curious–if you are serving these at an event, how do you serve them? Do people just pick them up and shove them in their face? Recommend serving them on a spoon? other vessel?
Haha, Kj! Great question. I’d most likely have guests use their hands, but serve them on a pretty plate like the one above.
I admit i still make jello shots…these sound delectable. I use my jello bean molds to make bowls full of bite sized cocktails. Scavenge ebay to find them!
Hahah, nothing to be ashamed of ;) Thanks for the Ebay tip!
Fantastic love it! ????
Totally love them! I plan on making these this weekend for some pre-st. patty’s weekend fun!
us too! ;)
These champagne jello shots sounds so yummy and look so fancy! I’ll definitely be giving this recipe a try next time I’m hosting a fun event. :D
-Helen
http://www.sweethelengrace.com
Glad you love them, Helen!