Jello shots are easy to prep, make a splash of color on the snack table, and free you up to mingle instead of tending bar. The fun multiplies when you lean into spooky flavors, bold layers, and creative garnishes. Below are sixty-five recipe ideas, each paired with a quick photo prompt so you can capture the vibe without revealing any brand logos.
Contents
- 1. Classic Creepy Crawlers
- 2. Candy Corn Layers
- 3. Poison Apple
- 4. Blood Red Sangria
- 5. Witch’s Brew Sour Grape
- 6. Glow-in-the-Dark Tonic
- 7. Pumpkin Spice Latte
- 8. Zombie Brain Cranberry Lime
- 9. Black Cat Blackberry Rum
- 10. Monster Mash Melon
- 11. Vampire Kiss Black Cherry
- 12. Ghostly Coconut Piña
- 13. Graveyard Mud Chocolate
- 14. Eye of Newt Lemon Drop
- 15. Haunted Margarita
- 16. Tombstone Tequila Sunrise
- 17. Spiced Pear Cider
- 18. Foggy London Gin & Tonic
- 19. Full Moon Blueberry
- 20. Rotten Pumpkin Orange Cream
- 21. Mad Scientist Matcha
- 22. Creeping Cola Whiskey
- 23. Cherry Bomb Detonator
- 24. Werewolf Whiskey Sour
- 25. Cauldron Bubble Blue Curaçao
- 26. Caramel Apple Cider
- 27. Trick-or-Treat Tropical Punch
- 28. Banshee Banana Cream
- 29. Screaming Sour Apple
- 30. Boo-zy Butterbeer
- 31. Sinister Cinnamon Fireball
- 32. Green Goblin Midori
- 33. Toxic Waste Lime Vodka
- 34. Midnight Espresso Martini
- 35. Raven’s Raspberry Dark Rum
- 36. S’mores Campfire
- 37. Bloody Orange Negroni
- 38. Frankenstein’s Kiwi
- 39. Day-Glo Peach Schnapps
- 40. Spooky Strawberry Daiquiri
- 41. Nightcrawler Blackberry Sage
- 42. Apparition Almond Amaretto
- 43. Jack-o’-Lantern Mango Chili
- 44. Ghoul-ade Grape Kool-Aid
- 45. Devil’s Chocolate Covered Cherry
- 46. Mummy’s Mojito Mint
- 47. Spiked Cider Cinnamon
- 48. Eerie Earl Grey Gin
- 49. Pumpkin Patch Creamsicle
- 50. Grave Digger Guinness Stout
- 51. Boo Berry Cheesecake
- 52. Cursed Cran-Orange Mimosa
- 53. Spirit Spritz Aperol
- 54. Pomegranate Possession
- 55. Ghastly Ginger Beer Moscow Mule
- 56. Cackling Carrot Cake
- 57. Phantom Pineapple Upside-Down
- 58. Necromancer Negra Modelo
- 59. Black Lagoon Coconut Rum & Blue Curaçao
- 60. Bat Wing Blackberry Cabernet
- 61. Dead Man’s Daiquiri
- 62. Specter Sour Cherry Cola
- 63. Spellbound Salted Caramel Bourbon
- 64. Dark Forest Matcha Chocolate
- 65. Eternally Elixir Elderflower Champagne
1. Classic Creepy Crawlers
Lime gelatin mixed with citrus vodka creates a neon base that screams slime. Let the cups set halfway, slide a gummy worm in at an angle, then finish filling. Kids at heart will love fishing out the candy before tossing back the shot.
2. Candy Corn Layers
Start with orange gelatin and bourbon, add a middle layer of pineapple gelatin with vanilla schnapps, then finish with sweetened condensed milk and unflavored gelatin for the white tip. Chill each layer until firm before pouring the next. The finished shot looks just like the classic Halloween candy.
3. Poison Apple
Sour apple schnapps meets cranberry gelatin for a tart yet sweet punch. A pinch of black edible glitter swirled in before the mixture sets gives a swirling, wicked look. Serve with thin apple slice garnishes perched on the rims.
4. Blood Red Sangria
Merlot, triple sec, and berry gelatin combine for rich color. Suspend bits of orange and blackberry in the mix to mimic floating “organs.” The fruit adds a burst of flavor that keeps the shot from being overly sweet.
5. Witch’s Brew Sour Grape
Black grape gelatin blended with lemon vodka results in a tangy twist. A green maraschino cherry looks like a bubbling ingredient scooped straight from the cauldron. Hand these out in mini cauldron cups for extra flair.
6. Glow-in-the-Dark Tonic
Quinine in tonic water fluoresces under blacklight, so swap water for tonic and use lemon gelatin with gin. Chill in clear cups to maximize the eerie glow. Set up a blacklight near the serving area to amaze guests.
7. Pumpkin Spice Latte
Blend pumpkin purée, coffee liqueur, and unflavored gelatin for the base. Sweeten with a touch of condensed milk and pumpkin pie spice. Finish each shot with a small dollop of whipped cream just before serving.
8. Zombie Brain Cranberry Lime
Pour lime gelatin with tequila halfway into the mold, then drizzle cranberry gelatin spiked with rum through the center. The colors swirl into gory patterns. Use brain molds for maximum shock value.
9. Black Cat Blackberry Rum
Activated charcoal powder darkens blackberry gelatin without changing flavor. Add dark rum for warmth and depth. Garnish with mini chocolate cat shapes for a playful nod to spooky felines.
10. Monster Mash Melon
Honeydew gelatin and coconut rum bring tropical notes to the Halloween table. Add a drop of neon green food coloring for a louder hue if needed. Press a candy eye on each shot the moment it firms up for quick monster faces.
11. Vampire Kiss Black Cherry
Black cherry gelatin and vodka form the base, while a dash of grenadine deepens the blood-like color. Dip the rims of the cups in corn syrup, then black sugar, for a gothic sparkle. Offer them with tiny plastic fangs as drink stirrers.
12. Ghostly Coconut Piña
Coconut milk, pineapple juice, and unflavored gelatin yield a silky, opaque shot. Rum adds the right kick without overpowering the tropical vibe. Chocolate chip eyes turn each cup into a friendly ghost.
13. Graveyard Mud Chocolate
Chocolate pudding mix, Irish cream, and gelatin make a velvety “mud.” Sprinkle crushed chocolate cookies on top to resemble fresh soil. A single gummy worm completes the tiny graveyard look.
14. Eye of Newt Lemon Drop
Classic lemon gelatin spiked with vodka is always a crowd-pleaser. Freeze green grapes beforehand, then drop one into each cup before the gelatin sets. The grape centers the shot and looks suspiciously like an eerie eyeball.
15. Haunted Margarita
Use lime gelatin, triple sec, and tequila for a balanced margarita flavor. Before serving, run a lime wedge around each rim and dip in salt crystals. A tiny slice of lime perched on top adds authenticity.
16. Tombstone Tequila Sunrise
Pour grenadine gelatin first, let it set, then top with orange gelatin mixed with tequila. The two layers mirror a glowing sunrise behind a silhouette of grave markers. Candy tombstones make it unmistakably Halloween.
17. Spiced Pear Cider
Pear nectar, cinnamon whiskey, and a hint of clove create a cozy fall flavor. Swap part of the water for sparkling cider to introduce gentle bubbles. A quick cinnamon sprinkle on top smells amazing as guests lift the cup.
18. Foggy London Gin & Tonic
Unflavored gelatin combined with tonic water and gin delivers familiar G&T notes. Stir in edible pearl dust before pouring; it floats like swirling fog. Serve in clear shot glasses for a ghostly, sophisticated look.
19. Full Moon Blueberry
Blueberry gelatin mixed with blueberry vodka forms a deep night sky hue. Chill white chocolate disks separately and place them atop each shot just before serving. The contrast creates a full moon rising over a dark landscape.
20. Rotten Pumpkin Orange Cream
Blend orange gelatin with vanilla vodka for the base, then swirl in a thin ribbon of chocolate pudding before it sets. The marbling hints at a “rotting” jack-o’-lantern. Despite the name, the flavor is all orange creamsicle.
21. Mad Scientist Matcha
Matcha powder brings earthy green tea notes and that sickly green glow. Vodka keeps the flavor neutral enough for the matcha to stand out. Serve in miniature lab beakers for extra chemistry vibes.
22. Creeping Cola Whiskey
Cola gelatin pairs naturally with a smooth American whiskey. A splash of cream soda whipped lightly and spooned on before serving mimics creeping foam. The combo tastes like a boozy soda float.
23. Cherry Bomb Detonator
Black cherry gelatin, spiced rum, and a touch of cinnamon make these shots pop. Insert a stub of black licorice rope as the fuse once the gelatin is almost set. They look ready to blow—right into your taste buds.
24. Werewolf Whiskey Sour
Lemon gelatin and bourbon echo a classic whiskey sour flavor. A maraschino cherry looks like a full moon turning crimson. For extra bite, brush the tops with a thin layer of sour mix concentrate before serving.
25. Cauldron Bubble Blue Curaçao
Blue raspberry gelatin spikes nicely with blue curaçao and vodka. Clear boba pearls dropped in before chilling create “bubbles.” Display the shots in black silicone cauldron cups for maximum witchy fun.
26. Caramel Apple Cider
Apple cider gelatin set with caramel vodka delivers festival vibes. Let the mixture firm halfway, then anchor a short craft stick upright. A thin caramel drizzle on serving mimics sticky caramel apples.
27. Trick-or-Treat Tropical Punch
Alternate layers of passionfruit, pineapple, and cherry gelatin, spiking each with coconut rum. The bold stripes resemble a bag full of mixed candy. Though labor-intensive, the final reveal is worth the patience.
28. Banshee Banana Cream
Banana pudding mix, Irish cream, and gelatin combine for silky sweetness. Chill until firm, then pipe whipped cream in a quick ghost shape on each. A mini chocolate chip for eyes turns them into tiny banshees.
29. Screaming Sour Apple
Green apple gelatin mixed with sour apple schnapps ups the pucker factor. Garnish with a sour gummy belt to deliver a second sour punch. The dangling candy looks like a screaming mouth mid-howl.
30. Boo-zy Butterbeer
Combine butterscotch pudding mix, vanilla vodka, and gelatin for a rich base. Whip cream soda with a splash of marshmallow fluff and spoon on top for a frothy head. Fans of wizarding worlds will approve.
31. Sinister Cinnamon Fireball
Cherry gelatin gets a fiery kick from cinnamon whiskey. Add a pinch of cayenne for brave souls. Present on a tray lined with dry ice chips for dramatic smoke effects.
32. Green Goblin Midori
Melon liqueur melds with lime gelatin for an otherworldly green. Black sanding sugar around the rim intensifies the comic-book aesthetic. They’re sweet, refreshing, and gone in two gulps.
33. Toxic Waste Lime Vodka
Lime gelatin plus citrus vodka offers bright flavor. Pour into plastic test tubes and rack them upright. Neon green liquid gel food coloring dripped into each shot produces swirling “waste.”
34. Midnight Espresso Martini
Unflavored gelatin, fresh espresso, coffee liqueur, and vodka bring the beloved cocktail to shot form. A splash of simple syrup keeps bitterness in check. Three coffee beans on top follow classic martini tradition.
35. Raven’s Raspberry Dark Rum
Black raspberry gelatin shines with a pour of dark rum. Edible black glitter dust elevates the silky color. Arrange the cups amid raven feathers for quick Edgar Allan Poe vibes.
36. S’mores Campfire
Chocolate pudding gelatin forms the bottom, marshmallow vodka gelatin crowns the top. Sprinkle with crushed grahams just before serving. Torch lightly for a toasted scent without melting the shot.
37. Bloody Orange Negroni
Orange gelatin gets depth from equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Use a dropper to inject raspberry syrup right down the center for a blood-red vein. The bittersweet balance mirrors an actual Negroni.
38. Frankenstein’s Kiwi
Kiwi purée, Midori, and unflavored gelatin create a fresh, bright green base. Drag a toothpick coated in chocolate syrup across the surface for stitch marks. Two mini chocolate chips serve as bolts on each side of the cup.
39. Day-Glo Peach Schnapps
Peach gelatin plus peach schnapps keeps flavor straightforward. A dash of vitamin B2 powder boosts fluorescent glow under blacklight. Chill in clear cups for a brilliant display.
40. Spooky Strawberry Daiquiri
Strawberry gelatin meets white rum and lime juice concentrate for true daiquiri taste. Blend half the strawberries and leave the rest diced for texture. A lime wheel perched on top suggests classic cocktail styling.
41. Nightcrawler Blackberry Sage
Blackberry gelatin and gin pair nicely with herbal sage. Gently press a small leaf against the side of each cup before the gelatin sets for a suspended garnish. The earthy aroma balances the sweet fruit.
42. Apparition Almond Amaretto
Sweetened almond milk combined with amaretto liqueur reads supple and ghostly white. Silver shimmer adds an ethereal glow. Toasted almond slices on top give subtle crunch.
43. Jack-o’-Lantern Mango Chili
Mango purée, unflavored gelatin, and tequila bring tropical heat. Rim each cup with tajín or chili-lime seasoning for zing. Carve mini jack-o’-lantern faces into baby bell peppers and perch on the tray as décor.
44. Ghoul-ade Grape Kool-Aid
Grape Kool-Aid provides nostalgic flavor, mixed with vodka for the adult twist. A drop of black food coloring deepens the hue. Serve alongside an old-school plastic ladle for playful ’90s vibes.
45. Devil’s Chocolate Covered Cherry
Chocolate milk, crème de cacao, and gelatin make a velvet base. Drop a maraschino cherry into each cup before chilling. Bite through and watch the “blood” cherry juice ooze out.
46. Mummy’s Mojito Mint
Lime gelatin spiked with white rum and fresh mint purée channels the Cuban classic. Once set, wrap each cup with thin strips of rolled fondant to mimic bandages. Two chocolate dots serve as eyes poking through.
47. Spiked Cider Cinnamon
Apple cider, spiced rum, and gelatin come together quickly. Bloom gelatin in hot cider to preserve flavor. Garnishing with a one-inch cinnamon stick makes each shot smell like mulling spices.
48. Eerie Earl Grey Gin
Steep strong Earl Grey tea, sweeten slightly, and blend with London dry gin. The bergamot notes feel refined yet haunting. Pour into demitasse cups for a Victorian séance vibe.
49. Pumpkin Patch Creamsicle
Mix orange gelatin and vanilla vodka, then swirl in a small amount of whipped topping as the mixture begins to set for a creamsicle effect. Tiny green candy melts on top suggest stems. Arrange the cups in rows like a mini pumpkin patch.
50. Grave Digger Guinness Stout
Use gelatin to set chilled Guinness for the main body. Separately whisk gelatin into sweetened condensed milk for a creamy head. Stack the two layers for a pint-glass illusion in miniature.
51. Boo Berry Cheesecake
Line cups with crushed graham crackers and butter, then top with blueberry gelatin blended with cream cheese and vodka. The texture sits between cheesecake and classic jello. A whipped cream ghost on top finishes the look.
52. Cursed Cran-Orange Mimosa
First layer orange gelatin mixed with prosecco, followed by cranberry gelatin with triple sec. The sparkling wine keeps a light fizz locked inside. Serve in tall slender flutes for brunch-meets-Halloween whimsy.
53. Spirit Spritz Aperol
Aperol, prosecco, and unflavored gelatin mingle for a bitter-sweet jello shot. Add just a splash of soda water before setting for subtle effervescence. The orange wedge hints at traditional spritz presentation.
54. Pomegranate Possession
Pomegranate juice, vodka, and gelatin produce a jewel-tone hue. Drop a handful of pomegranate arils in each cup to mimic suspended red pearls. The tangy juice balances the spirit’s warmth.
55. Ghastly Ginger Beer Moscow Mule
Combine ginger beer, lime juice, vodka, and gelatin for a bite-forward shot. Serve in metal or copper-look shot cups for the classic mule aesthetic. A tiny lime wedge perched on the rim seals the deal.
56. Cackling Carrot Cake
Use carrot juice, spiced rum, and unflavored gelatin to build flavor. Fold in a touch of pineapple juice for sweetness. Pipe cream cheese frosting on top and sprinkle with nutmeg for genuine cake vibes.
57. Phantom Pineapple Upside-Down
Layer pineapple gelatin with rum in lined molds, placing a cherry at the base. Invert to serve so the cherry appears on top, mimicking the classic cake. A drip of caramel syrup finishes the ode.
58. Necromancer Negra Modelo
Set Mexican dark lager with gelatin for malty depth. Combine gelatin with lime-salt mixture separately for a thin white cap. The duo looks like mini pints ready for a séance.
59. Black Lagoon Coconut Rum & Blue Curaçao
Blue curaçao gelatin forms a bright aqua layer, while activated charcoal-tinted coconut rum gelatin provides the inky whirlpool. Swirl with a skewer before full set to mimic murky water. The tropical flavor belies the ominous name.
60. Bat Wing Blackberry Cabernet
Blend blackberry juice, cabernet sauvignon, and gelatin for a fruit-forward, grown-up shot. Mold small chocolate pieces into wing shapes and rest them on the rim. The pairing of wine and dark fruit feels elegantly macabre.
61. Dead Man’s Daiquiri
Swap white rum for an aged dark rum to deepen flavor. Lime gelatin keeps the citrus bite intact. A raw sugar sprinkle on top mimics sandy grave dirt on a deserted island.
62. Specter Sour Cherry Cola
Cherry cola, vanilla vodka, and gelatin yield a soda shop favorite. Top with whipped cream for a float effect. The dark liquid under white foam resembles a ghost drifting upward.
63. Spellbound Salted Caramel Bourbon
Combine caramel sauce, bourbon, and gelatin for a silky treat. A drizzle of bittersweet chocolate contrasts the sweetness. Finish each with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt for complexity.
64. Dark Forest Matcha Chocolate
Set earthy matcha gelatin first, then top with rich chocolate gelatin laced with coffee liqueur. Crushed chocolate cookies on top create forest floor texture. Add a sprig of micro mint to represent new growth amid darkness.
65. Eternally Elixir Elderflower Champagne
Elderflower liqueur, brut champagne, and gelatin craft a delicate finale to your spooky lineup. Gold leaf flakes suspended inside shine like captured spirits. Serve in stemmed cordial glasses for a hauntingly classy toast.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.