Drunken Papa Smurf Jello Shots (A Vibrant Party Treat That’s Anything But Boring)

Thanks so much for being here—it truly means a lot. If you’ve landed on this page, you’re probably planning a get-together and want to serve something unforgettable. You’re in the right place. These Drunken Papa Smurf Jello Shots are not only fun to make, but they’re also layered with vibrant color, loaded with fruity flavor, and just the right amount of party-starting booze.

Whether it’s for a birthday bash, Fourth of July barbecue, or a late-night gathering with friends, these jello shots are pure fun. Sweet, playful, and totally Instagram-worthy, they’re an easy win for your party table.

What Are Drunken Papa Smurf Jello Shots?

Drunken Papa Smurf Jello Shots are a layered, boozy dessert made with cherry (or strawberry) gelatin and blue raspberry gelatin, combined with tequila, peach schnapps, blue curaçao, and either sloe gin or coconut rum. Each shot is served in a mini plastic cup, topped with whipped cream and candy for extra flair. They’re colorful, whimsical, and inspired by the blue-and-red contrast of everyone’s favorite cartoon character—Papa Smurf.

The real magic here is in the layers. The bold red layer is spiked with tequila and blue curaçao, while the vibrant blue layer is a playful mix of peach schnapps and sloe gin. Once set, these two layers create a visually stunning treat that tastes just as fun as it looks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are plenty of reasons to love these boozy little treats:

• They’re visually stunning. The red and blue layers make these a natural centerpiece for any party spread.
• They taste like fruity cocktails. Think of your favorite mixed drinks, turned into a wiggly, bite-sized treat.
• They’re easy to customize. You can make them sweeter, stronger, or even non-alcoholic if needed.
• They’re make-ahead friendly. Jello shots require time to set, so you can prepare them in advance and spend more time enjoying the party.
• They’re perfect for themed parties. The Smurf-inspired color scheme fits everything from 80s throwback nights to superhero parties or patriotic holidays.

What Do Drunken Papa Smurf Jello Shots Taste Like?

These jello shots deliver a full-on fruity cocktail flavor in a fun, gelatinous texture. The red layer, made with cherry or strawberry gelatin, is sweet and slightly tart, with a bold hit of tequila balanced by the orange-forward citrus notes of blue curaçao. The blue layer is where things get tropical—blue raspberry gelatin mixed with peach schnapps and either sloe gin or coconut rum gives this layer a candy-like, tropical fruit punch flavor. Top it off with whipped cream and gummy candies, and the whole experience feels like a cross between a cocktail and a carnival.

Benefits of Making These Jello Shots

Beyond the visual and taste appeal, these jello shots are incredibly practical:

• They’re individually portioned. Easy for guests to grab and enjoy without utensils.
• No bartending skills required. Once they’re made, there’s no need to mix or pour drinks during the party.
• They scale easily. Whether you’re making 12 or 48, the process is the same.
• They’re adaptable. You can change the spirits, adjust the sweetness, or swap colors to match your party theme.

Ingredients

Red Layer (Bottom)

• 1 box (3 oz) cherry or strawberry flavored gelatin
• 1 cup boiling water
• ¼ cup tequila
• ¼ cup blue curaçao
• ½ cup cold water

Blue Layer (Top)

• 1 box (3 oz) blue raspberry flavored gelatin
• 1 cup boiling water
• ¼ cup peach schnapps
• ¼ cup sloe gin (or coconut rum for a sweeter variation)
• ½ cup cold water

Optional Toppings

• Whipped cream
• Gummy bears or gummy Smurf candies
• Decorative party picks or skewers

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Whisk or spoon
• Mini plastic condiment cups (2 oz size is ideal)
• Baking sheet or tray for transporting cups to the fridge
• Piping bag or plastic zip-top bag for whipped cream (optional)

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

• Don’t have blue curaçao? Use triple sec or orange liqueur and add a drop of blue food coloring for a similar effect.
• Prefer a non-alcoholic version? Replace the alcohol with flavored juices like cherry juice and blue sports drink to mimic the color and flavor.
• Want it stronger? You can increase the alcohol by slightly reducing the cold water, but be careful—too much alcohol will prevent the gelatin from setting.
• Looking for a different flavor twist? Use pineapple or raspberry gelatin for a tropical spin.

How to Make Drunken Papa Smurf Jello Shots

Step 1: Prepare the Red Layer

Start by dissolving the red gelatin in one cup of boiling water. Stir until the powder is completely dissolved. Next, add in ¼ cup of tequila, ¼ cup of blue curaçao, and ½ cup cold water. Mix well until everything is combined.

Pour the red mixture into your plastic condiment cups, filling each one about halfway. Place the cups on a baking tray or flat surface and refrigerate for one to two hours, or until the gelatin is fully set.

Step 2: Prepare the Blue Layer

While the red layer sets, dissolve the blue raspberry gelatin in one cup of boiling water. Stir thoroughly. Add in ¼ cup of peach schnapps and ¼ cup of sloe gin (or coconut rum), followed by ½ cup of cold water. Stir until fully blended.

Once the red layer is completely firm, gently pour the blue mixture over it, filling each cup to the top. Return the cups to the refrigerator and chill for another two to four hours, or until fully set.

Step 3: Add Toppings and Serve

Just before serving, top each jello shot with a swirl of whipped cream. Garnish with gummy bears or themed candies, and insert a decorative pick or mini skewer for fun presentation. Keep them chilled until ready to serve.

What to Serve with Jello Shots

While these jello shots can easily stand on their own as the star of your dessert table, they also pair well with:

• Sliders or mini burgers for a savory balance
• Fruit skewers for a fresh and colorful touch
• Spicy snacks like jalapeño poppers or buffalo wings
• A nacho or taco bar for a full-on fiesta feel

Tips for Making Perfect Jello Shots

• Use a measuring cup with a spout for easy, mess-free pouring into small cups.
• Let each layer set completely before adding the next to keep your colors clean and distinct.
• Chill them on a tray to make transferring them to the fridge easier and more stable.
• Top just before serving so the whipped cream stays fresh and fluffy.
• Want them extra festive? Sprinkle edible glitter on top of the whipped cream for a magical touch.

How to Store Jello Shots

Once made, cover the jello shots with lids or plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for up to five days. If you’re using whipped cream, wait to add it until just before serving to prevent it from deflating or melting.

Avoid freezing jello shots—freezing changes the texture and may cause them to become watery when thawed.

Common Questions About Jello Shots

Can I make these in a large pan instead of individual cups?
Yes, you can layer the gelatin mixtures in a 9×13 inch pan and cut them into squares once set. Keep in mind that this might make them a bit messier to serve.

Can I make them alcohol-free?
Absolutely. Just swap the liquor for juice, soda, or even flavored water for a kid-friendly or sober-friendly version.

Can I increase the alcohol?
You can slightly increase the alcohol content by decreasing the cold water, but too much alcohol will prevent the gelatin from setting properly. A general rule is to keep total liquid per box of gelatin at around two cups.

Do I need to grease the cups?
Nope! The gelatin doesn’t stick to plastic cups, and they’re designed to be disposable. If you use silicone molds, you might need a quick spray of non-stick cooking spray.

Related Boozy Treats You’ll Love

If you enjoyed these Drunken Papa Smurf Jello Shots, don’t miss these other show-stopping recipes that are perfect for parties:

• Banana Rum Cream Pudding Shots: Creamy, tropical, and dangerously delicious.
• Rum Cherry Cola Jello Shots: A nostalgic soda-shop flavor with an adult twist.
• Tequila Rose Pudding Shots: Sweet, pink, and perfect for girls’ nights or Valentine’s Day.

These recipes, just like the Papa Smurf Jello Shots, strike the perfect balance between dessert and cocktail. You’ll want to make them all.

Final Thoughts

Drunken Papa Smurf Jello Shots are one of those recipes that’s guaranteed to make your party unforgettable. With their vivid colors, fruity cocktail flavors, and fun presentation, they’re a conversation starter and a sweet treat all in one. They’re also super easy to make ahead of time, freeing you up to actually enjoy your own event.

Don’t be surprised when your guests ask for the recipe—or when they come back for seconds (or thirds). These little cups of joy pack a punch in the best way.

If you make them, I’d love to see your version. Share your creations on Pinterest or Instagram and tag me. And don’t forget to leave a review. Your feedback helps me create even better recipes for the next party.

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Shot)

• Calories: 80
• Sugar: 9 grams
• Carbohydrates: 10 grams
• Protein: 1 gram
• Alcohol content: ~0.4 oz per serving
• Fat: 0 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams

Print