Thank you so much for visiting today. I’m beyond excited to share this playful, fruity, and festive recipe with you. If you’re planning a backyard summer party, beach-themed celebration, or just want something fun and boozy to impress your friends, these Miami Vice Jello Shots are about to become your new go-to. They bring all the flavor and flair of the iconic Miami Vice cocktail — that dreamy swirl of strawberry daiquiri and piña colada — into one colorful, two-layer gelatin shot.
These are more than just a novelty. They’re creamy, fruity, and dangerously easy to eat. Think rich pineapple-coconut on the bottom and vibrant strawberry on top. They look like little cups of sunset and taste like vacation. I truly can’t wait for you to try them.
What Are Miami Vice Jello Shots?
Inspired by the classic Miami Vice cocktail — a frozen mashup of piña colada and strawberry daiquiri — these jello shots deliver a two-tone tropical explosion. Each shot is layered with a creamy coconut-pineapple base and a fruity strawberry top, making them visually stunning and absolutely delicious.
They’re made using flavored gelatin (piña colada or pineapple for the base and strawberry for the top), spiked with rum and balanced with fresh fruit juices and coconut cream. The best part is how the two layers set beautifully into their own distinct flavors, giving you that classic Miami Vice swirl in every bite.
These shots are fun, flirty, and surprisingly easy to make. And trust me, they don’t just look pretty—they’re bursting with bold, beachy flavor that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s so much to adore about these Miami Vice Jello Shots. Here are just a few reasons why they’re a must-make for your next get-together:
Beautiful Layers
That perfect separation between the creamy white piña colada base and the vibrant red strawberry top makes these shots look straight out of a tropical drink commercial. They’re absolutely party-ready and totally Instagram-worthy.
Tropical Flavor Fusion
Each bite delivers the tangy sweetness of strawberries followed by the lush, smooth creaminess of coconut and pineapple. The combination is both refreshing and indulgent.
Perfect for Parties
This recipe yields 20 to 24 mini shots, which makes it ideal for sharing. They’re bite-sized, fun, and easy to serve at big gatherings.
Customizable
Want it sweeter? Boozier? Dairy-free? These shots can easily be tweaked to suit your preferences or dietary needs. And they work just as well with or without alcohol, so everyone can enjoy.
Make-Ahead Friendly
They keep well in the fridge for several days, so you can prepare them in advance and focus on hosting when it counts.
What Do Miami Vice Jello Shots Taste Like?
If you’ve ever had a Miami Vice cocktail, then you already know the general flavor profile — but the jello shot format brings something special to the experience.
The piña colada layer is rich and smooth with the tropical essence of pineapple and coconut. It’s subtly sweet with a creamy mouthfeel, especially if you add a touch of sweetened condensed milk. The strawberry layer offers a bright, juicy contrast, with a slightly tangy edge and just enough kick from the rum.
Together, they’re refreshing, indulgent, and loaded with summery flavor. It’s like a mini vacation in every bite.
Ingredients
Piña Colada Layer
- 1 box (3 oz) piña colada-flavored gelatin, or substitute pineapple gelatin if unavailable
- ¾ cup boiling water
- ½ cup coconut rum
- ¼ cup cream of coconut (Coco Lopez is ideal)
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Optional: 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk for extra creaminess
Strawberry Layer
- 1 box (3 oz) strawberry gelatin
- ¾ cup boiling water
- ½ cup light rum
- ¼ cup strawberry syrup or purée
- Optional: 1 tablespoon lime juice for added brightness
Optional Garnish
- Whipped cream (added just before serving)
- Fresh strawberry slices or pineapple chunks
Tools You’ll Need
To make these jello shots, you’ll need:
- 20–24 mini shot cups (1 oz capacity, preferably clear plastic)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A small ladle or squeeze bottle for pouring
- A tray or baking sheet to carry the filled cups to the refrigerator
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
Don’t have piña colada gelatin? No problem. Use pineapple gelatin instead and add a few drops of coconut extract or an extra spoonful of cream of coconut for that signature flavor.
No cream of coconut on hand? Full-fat canned coconut milk can work, but it’s less sweet, so you may want to mix in a little sugar or condensed milk.
Prefer a stronger shot? You can swap up to ¼ cup of the water in either layer for more rum. Just keep in mind that too much alcohol can prevent the gelatin from setting properly.
Dairy-free option: Skip the condensed milk and use additional juice or water. The creaminess from the coconut will still shine through.
Lower sugar version: Use sugar-free gelatin and substitute syrup with unsweetened purée. Adjust sweetness to taste with stevia or agave.
How to Make Miami Vice Jello Shots
Step 1: Make the Piña Colada Layer
In a mixing bowl, combine the piña colada or pineapple gelatin with ¾ cup of boiling water. Whisk continuously for about 2 minutes until the gelatin is fully dissolved.
Add the coconut rum, cream of coconut, pineapple juice, lime juice, and sweetened condensed milk if using. Stir until smooth.
Let the mixture cool for about 10–15 minutes at room temperature. This helps prevent the cups from becoming cloudy when chilled.
Divide the mixture evenly among the shot cups, filling each about halfway. Place them on a tray and refrigerate for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until fully set.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Layer
While the bottom layer is setting, prepare the strawberry topping.
In a separate bowl, whisk the strawberry gelatin with ¾ cup of boiling water until dissolved. Add the light rum, strawberry syrup or purée, and lime juice if using. Stir until combined.
Let the mixture cool completely to room temperature — this is crucial. Pouring hot liquid on the set bottom layer could melt it and ruin the layered effect.
Once cool, gently spoon or squeeze the strawberry mixture over the set piña colada layer, filling the cups to the top.
Return to the fridge and chill for another 2 hours or until completely firm.
Step 3: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, top each jello shot with a small swirl of whipped cream. Add a slice of fresh strawberry or a chunk of pineapple for visual appeal and extra tropical flavor.
These are best served cold and eaten with a spoon or in one bold bite.
What to Serve With Miami Vice Jello Shots
Looking to build a complete menu for your tropical-themed party? These shots pair beautifully with:
- Spicy jerk chicken sliders or skewers
- Grilled shrimp with pineapple salsa
- Coconut rice and beans
- Fresh fruit salad or skewers with mango, kiwi, and watermelon
- Other tropical cocktails like frozen daiquiris or pina coladas
And if you’re in the mood for more dessert-inspired or creative shot recipes, try one of these:
- Jolly Rancher Vodka Jello Shots: Bursting with sweet and sour fruit flavor, these are always a hit at colorful parties.
- Twix Shooters Dessert Shot Recipe: A candy bar in a glass, this one is rich, chocolatey, and oh-so-decadent.
- Raspberry Margarita Jello Shots: Perfect if you want something tangy, refreshing, and tequila-forward.
Tips for Making Perfect Jello Shots
- Cool layers before pouring: Let each layer cool to room temp before pouring over the other to keep them distinct and clean.
- Use a squeeze bottle for precision: It makes layering easy and mess-free.
- Don’t rush the chill time: Each layer needs time to fully set before adding the next.
- Keep them cold until serving: They’ll stay firm and taste best when well chilled.
Storage Instructions
These shots store well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just keep them covered with plastic wrap or lids to prevent drying out or absorbing fridge odors. If adding whipped cream, do so just before serving to maintain its texture and look.
Do not freeze jello shots — gelatin doesn’t freeze well and will separate once thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make them alcohol-free?
Yes! Simply replace the alcohol in each layer with an equal amount of juice or coconut water for a delicious, family-friendly version.
Can I make a large batch ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can double or triple the recipe with no issues. Just scale up each ingredient and ensure your fridge has space to chill all the cups flat.
Can I serve these in a different type of container?
Yes. You can use mini dessert glasses for a fancier look or silicone molds for fun shapes. Just make sure whatever you use is food-safe and easy to remove the shots from.
What’s the alcohol content?
Each shot contains about 0.25 ounces of alcohol, depending on your pour and modifications. They’re mild enough for casual sipping but strong enough to feel festive.
Conclusion
Miami Vice Jello Shots are the ultimate summer party treat — fruity, fun, and irresistibly photogenic. They combine two classic tropical flavors into a beautiful two-tone shot that’s sure to impress guests. Whether you’re hosting a pool party, beach bash, or holiday BBQ, these jello shots bring sunshine and smiles with every bite.
The best part? You can prep them days in advance, customize them to your liking, and pair them with your favorite tropical bites and drinks. They’re the kind of recipe that turns any event into a celebration.
If you give this recipe a try, don’t forget to leave a review and share your creations. I’d love to see your photos and hear how they turned out. Feel free to pin the recipe and spread the jello joy!
Nutritional Information (Approx. per 1 oz shot)
- Calories: 55
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Alcohol: ~0.25 oz
Miami Vice Jello Shots – A Tropical Beach Party in Every Bite
Description
Miami Vice Jello Shots bring the iconic beach cocktail to party-perfect form! These layered tropical mini shots combine creamy piña colada and fruity strawberry for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing treat. They’re colorful, flavorful, and make-ahead friendly — just what you need for your next summer bash or beach-themed gathering!
Ingredients
Piña Colada Layer:
1 box (3 oz) piña colada gelatin or pineapple gelatin
¾ cup boiling water
½ cup coconut rum
¼ cup cream of coconut (like Coco Lopez)
¼ cup pineapple juice
1 tbsp lime juice
Optional: 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk for added creaminess
Strawberry Layer:
1 box (3 oz) strawberry gelatin
¾ cup boiling water
½ cup light rum
¼ cup strawberry syrup or purée
Optional: 1 tbsp lime juice for a tangy kick
Optional Garnish (add just before serving):
Whipped cream
Fresh strawberry slices or pineapple chunks
Instructions
Prepare the Piña Colada Layer:
In a bowl, whisk together the piña colada gelatin and boiling water until completely dissolved (about 2 minutes). Stir in the coconut rum, cream of coconut, pineapple juice, lime juice, and sweetened condensed milk if using. Let the mixture cool for 10–15 minutes at room temperature.Pour and Set:
Divide the mixture evenly into 1 oz mini shot cups, filling each about halfway. Place cups on a tray and refrigerate for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until fully set.Prepare the Strawberry Layer:
In a separate bowl, whisk the strawberry gelatin with boiling water until dissolved. Add light rum, strawberry syrup or purée, and lime juice (if using). Let cool completely to room temperature.Layer and Chill Again:
Once the piña colada layer is firm and the strawberry mix is cool, carefully spoon or pour the strawberry layer on top of each shot. Refrigerate again for 2 hours or until completely set.
Garnish and Serve:
Just before serving, top each shot with whipped cream and a slice of strawberry or pineapple if desired. Serve cold and enjoy!
Notes
Can’t find piña colada gelatin? Substitute pineapple gelatin and add a few drops of coconut extract or a bit more cream of coconut.
Want a stronger shot? Replace up to ¼ cup of water with more rum — just don’t exceed the liquid ratio or the gelatin may not set.
To make these non-alcoholic, simply replace the rum with juice or flavored coconut water.
Use a squeeze bottle or small measuring cup for easier, cleaner pouring between layers.
Make them 1–2 days ahead for stress-free party prep. Store covered in the fridge and add garnishes just before serving.