Rum and Cherry Cola Jello Shots

Thank you so much for stopping by. It means a lot to share these playful, party-perfect recipes with you, especially ones that pack as much nostalgia and cheer as these Rum and Cherry Cola Jello Shots. Whether you’re gearing up for a backyard BBQ, celebrating a birthday, or just in need of a fun Friday night treat, this recipe is your new go-to. These shots are sweet, fizzy, and just the right kind of boozy—like your favorite childhood soda turned into a grown-up treat.

What Are Rum and Cherry Cola Jello Shots?

Jello shots are a beloved party treat, and this version gives a bold nod to the classic cherry cola soda we all grew up loving—but with an adult twist. These boozy bites are made with cherry-flavored gelatin, spiced or dark rum, and fizzy cola. The result is a jiggly, flavorful, and slightly boozy shot that’s easy to prep ahead and even easier to serve.

They’re a fantastic way to bring a touch of whimsy and nostalgia to your gatherings while still keeping things classy and delicious. Plus, they’re served in individual portions, making them ideal for entertaining crowds with minimal fuss.

Reasons to Love This Recipe

This recipe checks all the boxes: it’s simple, delicious, and designed for maximum fun. Here’s why you’ll come back to this one again and again:

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them a day or two ahead of time so you’re not scrambling on the day of your event.

Budget-Friendly: With just a few pantry and bar staples, you’ve got a dessert and drink all rolled into one.

Customizable: Whether you prefer spiced rum, dark rum, or even cherry-flavored rum, this recipe adapts to your tastes.

Perfect for Parties: Whether it’s a summer BBQ, tailgate, or birthday bash, these shots are easy to transport, store, and share.

Guaranteed Crowd Pleaser: They’re sweet, smooth, and just boozy enough to feel festive without being overpowering.

What Do They Taste Like?

These Jello shots taste exactly like what they sound like: a fizzy cherry cola with a splash of spiced rum. The cherry gelatin adds bold fruit flavor, while the cola delivers that signature soda fizz. The rum ties everything together with its warm, molasses-y notes. Every bite is soft and juicy, with a chewy maraschino cherry surprise waiting at the bottom. If you’re nostalgic for those childhood cherry cokes—but craving something with a little adult edge—this is your moment.

Ingredients

This recipe makes approximately 20–24 mini 2-ounce Jello shots. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 (3 oz) boxes cherry-flavored gelatin (such as Jell-O)
• 2 cups cola (divided: 1 cup boiling, 1 cup chilled)
• 1 cup rum (spiced, dark, or cherry-flavored all work beautifully)
• Maraschino cherries (for garnish; optional, but they elevate the look and flavor)
• 20–24 mini 2 oz condiment cups with lids

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cup with a pour spout (or use a liquid syringe for clean pouring)
• A tray or sheet pan (for transferring cups to the fridge)
• Refrigerator space for chilling
• Mixing bowl (optional for pouring and transferring)

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

One of the best things about Jello shots is how easily they can be customized. Here are some ways to make this recipe your own:

Change the Booze:
While spiced rum gives that classic cola-and-rum combo, feel free to get creative. Cherry rum will amplify the fruitiness, while dark rum brings a richer, deeper flavor. You could even try bourbon for a southern twist or go wild with coconut rum for a tropical edge.

Try Different Gelatin Flavors:
Want to experiment? Swap the cherry gelatin with strawberry or black cherry for a slightly different take. Even grape or cola-flavored gelatin (if you can find it) can work well here.

Swap the Soda:
Cola is the classic base, but Dr. Pepper, Cherry Pepsi, or even root beer can offer a different taste profile that pairs wonderfully with rum.

Enhance with Extracts or Citrus:
A splash of lime juice or a drop of vanilla extract can enhance the complexity and mimic the flavors of a cherry vanilla Coke.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Boil the Cola

In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of cola to a boil over medium-high heat. This is your base for dissolving the gelatin and getting that iconic fizzy flavor locked in.

2. Dissolve the Gelatin

Remove the boiling cola from heat. Immediately stir in the two packages of cherry-flavored gelatin. Whisk vigorously until the gelatin is completely dissolved—this should take about 2 minutes. You want a smooth, lump-free mixture.

3. Add the Rum and Cold Cola

Once the gelatin is fully dissolved, stir in 1 cup of cold cola and 1 cup of rum. Mixing in the cold ingredients now will help the mixture cool slightly, making it safer to pour into your plastic cups.

4. Pour Into Cups

Arrange your plastic shot cups on a tray or sheet pan. Using a spouted measuring cup or syringe, fill each one about three-quarters full. This gives enough room for garnishes and prevents messy overflows when chilling.

5. Add the Maraschino Cherries

Drop one maraschino cherry into each cup. Not only is this optional garnish visually fun, it adds a juicy, boozy bite at the bottom of each shot.

6. Chill and Set

Carefully transfer the tray of filled cups into your fridge. Let them chill for at least 3 to 4 hours, or until completely firm. If you’re prepping for a party, they can sit overnight just fine.

What to Serve With Rum and Cherry Cola Jello Shots

These Jello shots are an ideal addition to any party spread. But if you’re building a full snack table or buffet, try pairing them with:

• BBQ sliders or pulled pork sandwiches
• Bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers
• Mini tacos or nachos with all the fixings
• Loaded deviled eggs
• Popcorn with sweet and spicy seasoning blends

They’re also a natural pairing with a classic rum and cola cocktail, or a pitcher of spiked cherry limeade.

Tips for Success

Use Cold Rum and Soda: Starting with cold alcohol and soda helps the Jello set faster and more evenly.

Stick to Ratios: Don’t add too much alcohol or your Jello shots won’t firm up. Stick to the 1:1:1 ratio of boiling cola, cold cola, and rum.

Use a Tray for Easy Transport: Setting the cups on a tray makes it much easier to move them in and out of the fridge without spilling.

Lids Keep Them Fresh: If you’re storing them overnight or transporting to a party, lids help prevent drying out or absorbing fridge odors.

Label Them: Especially important if you’re making a batch of non-alcoholic shots too!

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store the Jello shots in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep them covered to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
• Do Not Freeze: Freezing gelatin changes its texture and ruins that signature jiggle. Always store in the fridge.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare these up to two days in advance. They hold beautifully and are even better when fully set.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these without alcohol?
Yes! Simply swap the rum for an additional cup of cola or cherry juice. They’ll still taste amazing and be safe for all ages.

Do I need to spray the cups with nonstick spray?
No, Jello doesn’t usually stick to plastic cups. They’re easy to slurp or spoon out as-is.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just scale up the ingredients accordingly and use a larger saucepan. Make sure you have enough fridge space for all the extra cups.

Can I use a different soda?
Yes. Dr. Pepper, root beer, and even cherry 7-Up will give you fun variations. Just keep the carbonation and flavor pairing in mind.

How strong are these Jello shots?
Each shot contains about 0.5 oz of alcohol. They’re fun and boozy, but not overly intense. That said, always serve responsibly.

Final Thoughts

These Rum and Cherry Cola Jello Shots are festive, nostalgic, and bursting with personality. From the first fizzy bite to the cherry surprise at the bottom, they’re guaranteed to be a hit at your next party. They’re easy to make, delightfully customizable, and honestly, way too fun not to try at least once. Whether you’re a seasoned home mixologist or just looking for something new to bring to your next get-together, this recipe is for you.

If you loved this recipe, you’ll definitely want to explore a few more playful shot recipes that bring big flavor and a touch of whimsy:

• Tequila Rose Pudding Shots
• Banana Rum Cream Pudding Shots
• Skittles Shots

Each of these adds its own fun twist to the party shot game, so be sure to check them out!

We Want to Hear From You

Have you made these Rum and Cherry Cola Jello Shots? We’d love to see your versions and hear how they turned out. Leave a review below and don’t forget to share your party photos on Pinterest—tag us so we can celebrate your creations right along with you.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per 1 shot)

• Calories: 55
• Total Carbs: 7g
• Sugars: 6g
• Alcohol Content: ~0.5 oz per shot
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

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