Description
Banana Mama Jello Shots are creamy, tropical layered treats made with pineapple juice, coconut rum, and banana. These colorful, party-ready shots are smooth, fruity, and anything but boring! Swirled with optional grenadine and topped with whipped cream and banana slices, they’re perfect for your next summer bash or tropical-themed gathering.
Ingredients
Pineapple-Coconut Layer:
1 cup pineapple juice
½ cup coconut rum (like Malibu)
1 envelope unflavored gelatin (e.g., Knox)
1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk (optional, for creamier texture)
Banana-Rum Layer:
½ cup banana purée or banana liqueur
½ cup light rum
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
2 tablespoons simple syrup (only if using purée)
¼ cup water
Optional Grenadine Swirl:
¼ cup grenadine syrup
A few drops red food coloring (optional, for added visual contrast)
Toppings:
Whipped cream
Fresh banana slices
Sprinkles or cocktail umbrellas (optional)
Instructions
Make Pineapple-Coconut Layer:
In a small saucepan, heat ½ cup of pineapple juice until warm (not boiling). Sprinkle 1 packet of gelatin over it and let sit for 1 minute. Stir constantly until the gelatin fully dissolves. Remove from heat, stir in remaining ½ cup pineapple juice, coconut rum, and sweetened condensed milk (if using). Pour into shot cups, filling halfway. Chill until set (45–60 minutes).Make Banana-Rum Layer:
In another saucepan, heat ¼ cup water and sprinkle in the second gelatin packet. Stir until dissolved, then remove from heat. Stir in banana purée (or banana liqueur), light rum, and simple syrup (if using purée). Let cool slightly before pouring gently over the set coconut layer. Chill again until fully set (about 1 hour).Add Optional Grenadine Swirl:
Once the shots are set, drizzle grenadine down the insides of the cups for a “lava lamp” effect or layer it before the banana mixture for a vibrant stripe.Garnish and Serve:
Just before serving, top each shot with whipped cream and a banana slice. Add sprinkles or cocktail umbrellas for extra flair. Serve cold with mini spoons or let guests enjoy them straight from the cup.
Notes
Use banana liqueur for a bolder, boozier flavor or banana purée for a creamy, more natural texture.
Let layers cool before pouring to avoid melting the set layer underneath.
Make up to 3 days ahead and store in the fridge—just garnish right before serving.
Skip the alcohol and swap in banana nectar, pineapple juice, and coconut milk for a fun mocktail version!
Yields 12–16 shots depending on the size of your cups (1–2 oz each).