Irish Jello Shots Recipes that Bring the Fun in Every Sip

I love when a party starts with something fun and tasty. Irish Jello shots do just that. They’re bright, boozy, and packed with flavor.

These little treats are perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any night that needs a pop of color and cheer.

I don’t need fancy tools or skills to make them, just a few simple ingredients and a little time to let them chill. What I like most is how creative I can get.

They’re fun to serve and even more fun to eat. Whether I go with whiskey, Baileys, or something sweet, these shots always bring smiles.

Ready to turn the party up a notch? I’m sharing my favorite Irish Jello shot recipes that are super easy and totally crowd-pleasing.

Let’s make something fun together.

What are Irish Jello Shots?

Let me tell you, Irish Jello Shots are hands-down one of my favorite party treats to make.

They’re playful little gelatin-based bites infused with classic Irish spirit: smooth Jameson whiskey, rich Baileys Irish Cream, and even a splash of Guinness for that bold twist.

They take everything you love about a good drink and turn it into a fun, wiggly shot that’s almost too pretty to eat… almost.

I started making them for St. Patrick’s Day parties, but now they’re a go-to whenever I want to bring a little Irish flair to the table.

Trust me, once you make a batch, everyone will be asking for your “secret recipe.”

Ingredients Needed

To make a batch of festive Irish Jello Shots, gather the following:

Liquors:

½ cup Irish Whiskey
(Jameson is smooth, classic, and perfect for that signature Irish kick)
½ cup Baileys Irish Cream
(Creamy and rich—it makes a dreamy middle layer)
½ cup Guinness Stout
(Optional, but great for deeper flavor in Irish Car Bomb-style shots)

Gelatin Options:

1 box lime or orange flavored gelatin
(Gives vibrant color and fruity taste—perfect for themed layers)
1–2 packets unflavored gelatin
(For mixing with Baileys or Guinness without changing flavor)

Additional Ingredients:

¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
(Creates a silky, sweet white layer in layered shots)
Green and orange food coloring
(Just a few drops go a long way for that festive Irish flag vibe)
Whipped cream and sprinkles
(Fun toppings for flair—add just before serving for best look)

Below is a simple nutrition facts table for one classic Irish Jello shot (about 1.5 oz or 45 ml), made with Irish whiskey, flavored gelatin, and sugar. Actual values may change depending

Nutrition Facts (Per 1 Jello Shot)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	70–90 kcal
Total Fat	0–2 g
Saturated Fat	0–1 g
Cholesterol	0–5 mg
Sodium	35–55 mg
Total Carbohydrates	6–9 g
Sugars	5–8 g
Protein	0–1 g
Alcohol Content	~8–12% ABV

Step-by-Step Recipes

These are my go-to Irish Jello Shot recipes, easy to make, fun to serve, and guaranteed to get people talking (and snacking). Here’s how I bring them to life:

1. Classic Irish Flag Jello Shots

This layered beauty is the best crowd-pleaser. Bright green, creamy white, and vivid orange, just like the Irish flag, but tastier.

Layers I Use:

Green Layer: Lime Jello mixed with Irish whiskey
White Layer: Sweetened condensed milk with unflavored gelatin
Orange Layer: Orange Jello mixed with Irish whiskey

How I Make It:

I prep the green layer first, dissolve the lime Jello in hot water, stir in the whiskey, and pour it into my shot cups.

I chill that layer until firm before making the white one by mixing sweetened condensed milk with dissolved unflavored gelatin.

Once that sets, I finish with the orange layer (same process as the green), then refrigerate the whole tray until firm and sliceable.

Tip: Don’t rush the layers. I always give each one at least 30 minutes to set before pouring the next to avoid messy blends.

Inspired by: Fun Money Mom, Planning Inspired, Cocktails With Class, and more.

2. Irish Car Bomb Jello Shots

Rich, bold, and a little cheeky, just like the cocktail it’s inspired by. These shots have that creamy-meets-stout vibe that always surprises guests.

What I Use:

Guinness Stout
Irish Whiskey
Baileys Irish Cream
Unflavored Gelatin

How I Make It:

I heat the Guinness and dissolve unflavored gelatin into it, then stir in a splash of whiskey. That layer goes into the cups and sets up in the fridge.

Then I create the Baileys layer with a little more unflavored gelatin and pour that gently on top once the first layer is firm. Chill again until fully set and ready to serve.

Tip: I like to use a spoon to help layer the Baileys mixture gently—pouring directly on the stout layer can cause it to mix or sink.

Inspired by: Cooking With Janica, The Spruce Eats, Bread Booze Bacon, and more.

3. Bailey’s Irish Cream Jello Shots

Creamy, smooth, and super simple—these shots are like little dessert bites with a kick. Perfect for when I want something rich without fuss.

What I Use:

Baileys Irish Cream
Unflavored Gelatin
Hot Water

How I Make It:

I start by dissolving unflavored gelatin in hot water, stirring until smooth.

Once that’s cooled slightly (so it doesn’t curdle the Baileys), I whisk in the Baileys and pour the mix into mini shot glasses. After a good chill in the fridge, they’re ready to top with whipped cream and serve.

Tip: Always let the gelatin mixture cool before adding Baileys, if it’s too hot, the cream can curdle or separate.

Inspired by: My Incredible Recipes and some trial-and-error in my own kitchen.

Shake Up Your Shots with Creative Variations

I love experimenting with jello shots, and honestly, there are so many ways to make them your own.

Vegetarian Options

Sometimes I have guests who don’t eat gelatin, so I swap it out with agar-agar. It works great and sets faster, too!

You just have to boil it to activate, unlike gelatin, but the results are firm and glossy—perfect for shots.

Non-Alcoholic Versions

Making these for a family event or a younger crowd?

No problem. I replace the alcohol with flavored syrups or juices. Think green apple syrup with lime Jello or orange juice for that citrusy punch. They still look super festive and taste amazing without the buzz.

Flavor Twists I Can’t Resist

Mint Chocolate: I mix in a little crème de menthe with the Baileys layer for a cool, minty kick.
Coffee Infusion: A splash of cold brew in the Baileys layer adds a smooth mocha flavor—perfect for dessert lovers.

Wrapping It Up with a Shot of Fun

Irish Jello shots always get people talking. They’re playful, simple to make, and full of flavor. I like how they bring everyone together with just a little cup of joy.

Some are smooth and creamy. Others pack a bold punch. No matter the style, they always feel like a good time waiting to happen.

When I want to keep things easy but still fun, these shots are my go-to. I can layer them, top them, or add a twist to make them my own.

The best part? They don’t need to be perfect. Just chilled, tasty, and made with good vibes. So go ahead, try one of the recipes above.

Mix them up and get ready for smiles. Got a cool flavor combo or fun garnish idea? I’d love to hear it. Drop a comment below and let’s keep the party going.

Gloria Scott

Hi, I’m Gloria. I’m a mom, a wife, and a woman who drinks her coffee cold more often than hot. I love writing about real life—the messy, funny, tiring, and good parts of it. Before I became the editor here, I was just a reader. This blog helped me feel understood when I was in a tough season. Now, I’m here to keep that feeling going for others. I believe in quiet mornings, handwritten lists, and meals that don’t take three hours to make. I write the way I talk: simple, honest, and with heart. If my words help even one person feel less alone, then I’m doing what I came here to do. You’ll find me in the kitchen trying out a new recipe, sneaking in a moment of calm during nap time, or typing with one hand while holding a baby with the other. Thanks for being here with me.