Dirty Shirley Jello Shots are the perfect way to combine childhood nostalgia with an adult boozy beverage in this grown-up version of the traditional Shirley Temple. This simple party food recipe can be prepared in 5 minutes using cherry jello, lemon-lime soda, and vodka to give this cocktail a kick!
Dirty Shirley Jello Shots – Adult Shirley Temple Cocktail
This Dirty Shirley Jello Shots recipe is the perfect way to transform a traditional Shirley Temple into fun party food for the over-21 crowd (Have you tried my Dirty Shirley Float yet?).
This adult version of the kiddie cocktail can be prepared in mere minutes, simply by mixing a box of red jello with lemon-lime soda, vodka, and water, pouring the liquid into shot cups, and setting them in the fridge to fuse and form into spiked shots that jiggle and wiggle.
Everything you need to know on how to make the best Jello Shots.
Why We Love This Dirty Shirley Jello Shots Recipe
- Quick and easy to make in 5 minutes.
- Only uses 3 ingredients plus water.
- Make-ahead recipe is the ideal time-saver for party prep.
- Delicious boozy twist on the traditional Shirley Temple.
- Fun way to serve a mocktail to the kids as a sweet summer treat.
- Perfect for any party, holiday, celebration, and group get-together.
Other Jell-O Shots Recipe
Ingredients
- Box Red Jello (we prefer Cherry jello or Strawberry Jell-O)
- Lemon-lime soda
- Water
- Vodka
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Lime (optional)
Substitutions and Additions
- Soda Swaps: I suggest using the name brand lemon-lime soda as it turns out with a better flavor. However, any lemon-lime soda will do the trick. Sprite, 7-Up, ginger ale, flavored sparkling water, lemon (Limonata) San Pellegrino, or a combination of ginger ale and lemon-lime soda will taste great in this recipe.
- Tasty Toppings and Garnishes: Whipped cream, maraschino cherries, and slices of lime are terrific toppings and garnishes.
- Fruit Flavors: I used strawberry jello for this recipe, but you can use any red flavor you prefer. Some ideas include cherry, black cherry, raspberry, and cranberry.
Recommended Tools
- 15 2-Ounce Shot Cups with Lids
- Medium Mixing Bowl
- Stirring Utensil
- Injector or Pourable Measuring Cup
See Full Recipe Card Below
Jump to RecipeHow to Make Dirty Shirley Jello Shots
This Dirty Shirley Jello Shots recipe is a quick and easy way to transform a classic kiddie mocktail into a spiked alcohol-infused shot for adults only. These delicious boozy bites are the perfect party food and a fun way to slurp a sip!
- Dissolve: Mix together the jello and boiling water until the powder has dissolved.
- Stir: Add the lemon-lime soda and vodka to the liquid jello and stir.
- Fill: Fill each shot cup about ¾ of the way full.
Pro Tip: You can use an injector or pourable measuring cup, but do not fill to the top. - Chill: Place in the fridge to chill for 2 hours or until set.
- Serve: Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and a lime chunk, if desired. Enjoy!
Tips From Our Recipe Developer
- If you decide to add the garnishes, do not add them until you’re ready to serve the shots.
- I use an injector to fill my shot cups because it’s just quicker and less messy. However, a pourable measuring cup works as well.
- If you place all your empty cups onto a small rimmed tray before filling them with the liquid it will be easier to transfer your jello shots to the refrigerator to chill.
- I would definitely suggest using a higher quality vodka. If not, the cheaper vodkas taste almost like chemicals and I don’t prefer it.
Storage Tips
- To Store: These shots can last up to 2 weeks in the fridge if stored properly. Don’t store them without lids or they will dry up and get leathery.
- To Freeze: I do not recommend freezing these jello shots.
Other Easy Summer Cocktail Recipes
- Boozy Dole Whip
- Pineapple Rum Punch
- Pool Party Jello Shots
- The Best Rainbow Sangria Recipe
- Lemon Drop Martini
- Mimosa Jello Shots
- Strawberry Lemonade Jello Shots
- Dirty Shirley Popsicle
Dirty Shirley Jello Shots
Serves — 15
Dirty Shirley Jello Shots are a quick and easy twist on the traditional Shirley Temple. A grown up version of the classic mocktail.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 ounces (1 Box) Red Jello
- ¾ cup Lemon Lime Soda
- ½ cup Boiling Water
- ½ cup Vodka
- Whipped Cream optional
- Lime Chunks optional
Instructions
- Add the jello and boiling water to a medium mixing bowl
- Mix until the jello has dissolved.
- Add the lemon lime soda and vodka. Give a slight stir.
- Line your shot cups up on a baking sheet or flat surface that you can easily move.
- Using an injector or pourable measuring cup, fill each shot cup about ¾ of the way full. Do not fill to the top.
- Place in the fridge to chill for 2 hours or until set.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a lime chunk, if desired. Enjoy!
Jenn’s Notes
Storage :
- To Store: These shots can last up to 2 weeks in the fridge if stored properly. Don’t store them without lids or they will dry up and get leathery.
- To Freeze: I do not recommend freezing these jello shots.
- If you decide to add the garnishes, do not add them until you’re ready to serve the shots.
- I use an injector to fill my shot cups because it’s just quicker and less messy. However, a pourable measuring cup works as well.
- If you place all your empty cups onto a small rimmed tray before filling them with the liquid it will be easier to transfer your jello shots to the refrigerator to chill.
- I would definitely suggest using a higher quality vodka. If not, the cheaper vodkas taste almost like chemicals and I don’t prefer it.
Nutrition Info
Calories: 45kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: 28mg | Potassium: 1mg | Sugar: 6g | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg
I left these in the fridge overnight and they never set. I also only filled them up halfway to get the total serving size. They tasted fine except I couldnโt really taste the soda.