Thank you so much for stopping by—I’m genuinely thrilled to share one of my absolute favorite party creations with you today. Whether you’re planning a backyard luau, hosting a beach-themed birthday bash, or just craving something festive and fun to kick off the weekend, these Hawaiian Lava Flow Jello Shots are a guaranteed hit. Inspired by the classic cocktail of the same name, they bring all the tropical flavors you love—pineapple, coconut, and strawberry—into a vibrant, layered mini dessert that doubles as a playful boozy treat.

What Are Hawaiian Lava Flow Jello Shots?

Let’s start with what makes these jello shots so special. The Lava Flow cocktail itself is a frozen drink that combines strawberries, coconut cream, pineapple juice, and rum. It’s known for its striking presentation: the red strawberry purée is blended separately and then poured into the glass so it “flows” like molten lava through the creamy base.

These jello shots mimic that visual effect using a two-layered gelatin technique. The bottom layer is creamy and tropical—made with pineapple gelatin, coconut cream, and a splash of rum. Once that sets, the top layer—a sweet strawberry gelatin mixture—is added to create the flowing red “lava.” They look fancy, taste delicious, and are surprisingly simple to make.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

I promised you versatile, and here’s proof! These Hawaiian Lava Flow Jello Shots tick all the boxes for a perfect party treat. Here’s why you’ll want to make them again and again:

Visually Stunning: The layered colors replicate that lava flow look, creating a fun and festive shot that’ll have your guests reaching for seconds.
Incredibly Flavorful: Between the creamy coconut-pineapple base and the sweet strawberry top, each bite is an explosion of fruity goodness.
Customizable: You can make these with or without alcohol, tweak the fruit flavors, or even turn them into a full-size dessert in a glass.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare these the night before your event so all you have to do is garnish and serve.

The Taste Experience

Imagine sipping a creamy piña colada, and then suddenly a wave of fresh strawberry cuts through the richness with a sweet, slightly tart twist. That’s the sensation packed into each of these two-bite jello shots. The coconut and pineapple mix is mellow, velvety, and tropically smooth. The strawberry layer delivers a juicy, fruity kick that balances the whole experience. Anything but boring!!

The Benefits of Making These Shots

Easy to prepare with everyday kitchen tools
Impressive presentation with minimal effort
Scales easily for larger groups
Fun, colorful, and perfect for summer parties
Can be made alcohol-free for kids or non-drinkers

Ingredients for Hawaiian Lava Flow Jello Shots

Coconut Pineapple Base Layer

1 box (3 oz) pineapple gelatin
1 cup boiling water
½ cup pineapple juice
¼ cup white rum
¼ cup Malibu rum (or other coconut-flavored rum)
¼ cup coconut cream (not coconut milk)

Strawberry Lava Layer

1 box (3 oz) strawberry gelatin
1 cup boiling water
½ cup cold water
½ cup strawberry purée or strawberry syrup

Optional Garnish

Mini pineapple wedges
Fresh strawberry halves
Toothpicks or mini cocktail skewers

Tools You’ll Need

You likely already have everything required in your kitchen:

Heatproof mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk or mixing spoon
Plastic or disposable 2 oz shot cups (makes about 18–20 shots)
Baking tray (for moving the shots to the fridge easily)
Refrigerator space for chilling and setting

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

There’s room for creativity here, depending on what’s in your pantry or who you’re serving:

No alcohol? Swap both rums with additional pineapple juice and a dash of coconut extract for a mocktail version.
Want it sweeter? Add 1–2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk to the coconut-pineapple layer.
No coconut cream? Use full-fat canned coconut milk, but expect a slightly thinner texture.
Not into strawberry? Try mango, raspberry, or even passionfruit gelatin for your “lava” layer.
Need it vegan? Use agar-agar instead of gelatin and choose plant-based coconut cream.

How to Make Hawaiian Lava Flow Jello Shots – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Coconut Pineapple Layer

In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup boiling water with the pineapple gelatin. Stir for about 2 minutes until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Add the pineapple juice, white rum, Malibu rum, and coconut cream. Whisk well to blend the ingredients smoothly. Pour this mixture into 2 oz shot cups, filling each about halfway. Arrange the cups on a tray and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the layer is firm to the touch.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Lava Layer

In a clean bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 1 cup boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved. Add the cold water and strawberry purée (or syrup). Let this mixture cool to room temperature—about 15 to 20 minutes—so it won’t melt the base layer when poured.

Step 3: Add the Lava Layer

Once the bottom layer is completely set, gently pour the strawberry mixture over each shot. You can use a spoon or small measuring cup to help control the pour and prevent splashing. Return the tray to the fridge and chill for another 2 to 3 hours until fully set.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, garnish each shot with a pineapple wedge and a fresh strawberry half, secured with a cocktail pick. Keep the shots chilled until ready to enjoy.

What to Serve with These Shots

These jello shots were made for warm-weather gatherings and tropical themes. Here are some tasty ideas to build out your menu:

Grilled pineapple chicken skewers
Coconut shrimp with sweet chili sauce
Tropical fruit salad with lime and mint
Mini pulled pork sliders with pineapple slaw
Guava-glazed ribs or wings
Ice-cold coconut mojitos

Or, make them part of a whole lineup of boozy, fruity shot recipes! You’ll love pairing these with other fun treats like the Malibu Baddie Shot or the Strawberry Piña Colada Snow Cone Shots—a match made in tiki heaven. For something with a sunset vibe, check out this bold and citrusy Sunset Seduction Sipper Shot.

Tips for Jello Shot Success

Here are a few tricks I’ve picked up over many, many batches:

Let layers cool slightly before adding the next to avoid melting or mixing colors.
Use clear plastic cups for the best visual effect—those layers deserve to be seen!
Chill on a tray for easy transfer in and out of the fridge.
Don’t overfill—leave room for the garnish and for easy lifting.
Use a small funnel or pour from a measuring cup to avoid sticky spills.

How to Store Jello Shots

These shots can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to five days. If your cups have lids, great! If not, gently cover with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. Avoid garnishing them in advance, as fruit can release moisture and affect the texture of the gelatin. Do not freeze, as gelatin does not thaw well and can separate or become rubbery.

General Info About Layered Jello Shots

Layered jello shots might seem intimidating, but once you get the hang of it, they’re actually quite simple. The key is patience—each layer needs time to set before the next one is added. You can play with colors, flavors, and textures to match your party theme or flavor preferences. They’re great conversation starters, and when made with care, they look professional—even when they come from your home kitchen.

Also, a fun tip: jello shots like these can be a playful way to introduce new flavors to guests. If someone’s wary of coconut, for instance, the smooth balance with strawberry in this recipe might just win them over.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these in advance?
Yes! These are best made a day ahead. Just wait to garnish until right before serving.

What if I don’t have coconut cream?
You can substitute canned coconut milk, but the texture will be less rich. Alternatively, add a tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk for a creamier touch.

Can I double or triple this recipe?
Absolutely. Just multiply the ingredients as needed and prepare in batches.

Can I use flavored vodka instead of rum?
Yes, though it will change the flavor profile slightly. Coconut vodka or pineapple vodka can be great alternatives.

Are these very strong?
They’re on the milder side—boozy enough for fun, but not overwhelming. If you want them stronger, reduce the non-alcoholic liquids slightly and add more rum, but be careful not to disrupt the gelatin’s ability to set.

Conclusion: Let the Lava Flow!

There’s something magical about these Hawaiian Lava Flow Jello Shots—maybe it’s the tropical flavors, maybe it’s the eye-catching swirl, or maybe it’s how they instantly make any event feel like a vacation. However you slice it, they’re easy to make, incredibly fun to serve, and always a hit.

I hope you give these a try for your next party or summer get-together. Don’t forget to check out other delicious boozy bites like the Sunset Seduction Sipper Shot, the refreshingly bold Malibu Baddie Shot, or the icy, dreamy Strawberry Piña Colada Snow Cone Shots.

If you make these, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Leave a review, drop a comment, or tag your photos online so we can all share in the fun. Until next time—cheers to tropical vibes and jiggly, joy-filled treats!

Nutritional Information (Approx. per shot)

Calories: 70
Total Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0.8g
Sugar: 6g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 1g
Alcohol content: ~0.3 oz per shot (varies slightly based on pour size and chill time)

Hawaiian Lava Flow Jello Shots – A Tropical Party Treat with a Boozy Twist

Author: Sam

Print Recipe

Description

These Hawaiian Lava Flow Jello Shots bring all the beachy vibes to your party table! Inspired by the tropical cocktail, each layered shot features a creamy coconut-pineapple base and a flowing strawberry “lava” top. They’re colorful, boozy, and bursting with tropical flavor—perfect for luaus, summer BBQs, or anytime you want a vacation in a cup. Make them ahead, chill, garnish, and watch them disappear!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Coconut Pineapple Layer:

1 box (3 oz) pineapple gelatin
1 cup boiling water
½ cup pineapple juice
¼ cup white rum
¼ cup Malibu rum (coconut-flavored)
¼ cup coconut cream

For the Strawberry Lava Layer:

1 box (3 oz) strawberry gelatin
1 cup boiling water
½ cup cold water
½ cup strawberry purée or strawberry syrup

Optional Garnishes:

Mini pineapple wedges
Fresh strawberry halves
Toothpicks or mini cocktail skewers

Instructions

Make the Pineapple Coconut Layer:
In a mixing bowl, whisk pineapple gelatin with 1 cup boiling water until completely dissolved. Stir in pineapple juice, white rum, Malibu rum, and coconut cream until fully combined. Pour evenly into 2 oz plastic shot cups, filling halfway. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until set.
Prepare the Strawberry Layer:
In a clean bowl, dissolve strawberry gelatin in 1 cup boiling water. Add cold water and strawberry purée or syrup. Mix well and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before layering.
Add the Lava Layer:
Once the bottom layer is firm, gently pour or spoon the cooled strawberry mixture on top of each shot. Return to the fridge and chill for 2–3 more hours until fully set.
Garnish & Serve:
Right before serving, top each jello shot with a mini pineapple wedge and/or strawberry half secured with a cocktail skewer or toothpick. Keep chilled until ready to enjoy.

Notes

These can be made up to 2 days ahead—just wait to garnish until serving time.
Want a mocktail version? Swap the rum for extra pineapple juice and a dash of coconut extract.
For a swirl effect, drizzle strawberry syrup along the insides of the shot cups before pouring the gelatin.
Use clear cups to really show off the tropical layers—your guests will love the presentation!

Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. Do not freeze.