Is there anything more nostalgic and party-perfect than a Jello shot? These Ocean Water Jello Shots bring together the sweet tropical vibes of summer with a splash of fun that’s just right for beach-themed parties, poolside gatherings, or your next Shark Week binge night. Made with berry blue gelatin, Malibu rum, and topped with gummy sharks, these are an eye-catching treat that looks like it swam right off a beach bar menu.
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let me just say—thank you. Seriously. I’m so glad you’re here! Sharing recipes like this one brings me joy, and knowing that someone out there might be making these jiggly, blue beauties for their next celebration just lights me up. I hope these Ocean Water Jello Shots become a go-to for your summer parties, birthday bashes, and everything in between.
What Are Ocean Water Jello Shots?
Ocean Water Jello Shots are a fun, gelatin-based cocktail served in individual plastic shot cups. They’re inspired by the Sonic Ocean Water drink, which is flavored with coconut and citrus soda. This jello shot version uses bright blue berry-flavored gelatin, Malibu rum (or any coconut-flavored rum), and a garnish of gummy sharks or fish to create a seaside illusion. They’re lighthearted, easy to make, and irresistibly fun to eat. Think of them as edible cocktails that double as table décor.
They’re ideal for summer events, birthdays, pool parties, or anytime you want to make a splash. Plus, the prep is simple and forgiving—just dissolve, mix, pour, chill, and top.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are dozens of reasons to love these Ocean Water Jello Shots, but here are the ones that keep them on heavy rotation in my party-planning playbook:
They’re incredibly easy to make. Five ingredients, no baking, and only about five minutes of active prep time.
They’re vibrant and fun to look at, so they double as décor. Imagine a tray of bright blue shots lined up with gummy sharks diving in—it’s a conversation starter.
They’re customizable. Don’t like coconut? Switch the rum. Want them sweeter? Add a dash of flavored vodka. Prefer non-alcoholic? Skip the booze altogether and still have something adorable to serve.
They’re make-ahead friendly, which makes hosting less stressful. These need time to chill anyway, so you can prep them a day or two before the party.
What Do They Taste Like?
Ocean Water Jello Shots taste like a beach vacation in a cup. The blue raspberry or berry blue gelatin gives a nostalgic, sweet-and-sour tang, while the coconut rum smooths things out with a mellow, tropical warmth. That little gummy shark on top adds a chewy, candy-like surprise—and if you rim the cup with sugar, you get a crunchy-sweet first impression.
Imagine sipping a coconut cocktail while watching the waves roll in—except it’s jiggly and served in plastic.
Benefits of Making Ocean Water Jello Shots
Besides being a hit at parties, these jello shots offer a few standout advantages:
They’re budget-friendly. A single box of gelatin and a few ounces of rum stretch to make a dozen or more shots.
They offer portion control. Each shot is about two bites, which makes them great for casual grazing at events.
They’re safe for outdoor events. No ice, no melting—just chill until ready to serve.
They’re easily scalable. Whether you need a dozen or fifty, you can scale the recipe up without hassle.
Ingredients (Makes 12–16 Shots)
- 1 (3 oz) box berry blue or blue raspberry gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup Malibu rum (or any coconut rum)
- ½ cup cold water
- Light corn syrup (for rimming, optional)
- Blue sanding sugar or coarse white sugar (for rim, optional)
- Gummy sharks or blue gummy fish (for garnish)
- 12–16 2 oz plastic shot cups
Tools You’ll Need
- Heatproof mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon for stirring
- Measuring cups
- Shallow plate for rimming
- Small pouring pitcher or measuring cup with spout
- Fridge space with a tray or flat surface
- Toothpicks or tweezers (optional for placing gummies neatly)
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
This recipe is built to be flexible. Want to make it your own? Here are some ideas to experiment with:
Swap the rum: Pineapple rum, white rum, or even vanilla vodka can replace the Malibu for a different flavor profile.
Change the gelatin: Can’t find blue raspberry? Try any blue-tinted gelatin, or mix unflavored gelatin with blue sports drink and a little sugar.
Make it non-alcoholic: Use coconut water or lemon-lime soda in place of the rum for a kid-friendly version.
Add layers: Create a white coconut milk gelatin layer to mimic ocean foam, or add a splash of lemon gelatin on top for a sunset vibe.
Switch up the candy: Instead of sharks, try blue Swedish fish, sour gummy worms, or mini fruit slices for a tropical look.
How to Make Ocean Water Jello Shots
Step 1: Prepare Your Shot Cups
This is optional but highly recommended if you want the full festive effect.
Pour a bit of light corn syrup into a shallow dish. Dip the rim of each plastic shot cup into the syrup, then into a shallow plate of blue or white sanding sugar. Set the cups aside to let the rims dry.
Step 2: Dissolve the Gelatin
In a heatproof bowl, pour one cup of boiling water over the gelatin powder. Whisk for at least two full minutes to ensure it dissolves completely. You want a smooth, lump-free liquid.
Step 3: Add the Alcohol and Cold Water
Once the gelatin is dissolved, add half a cup of Malibu rum and half a cup of cold water. Stir well to combine. At this point, you’ll start to smell that tropical coconut note, which means you’re doing everything right.
Step 4: Pour the Mixture Into the Cups
Use a pourable container or measuring cup to carefully fill each shot cup about ¾ full. You want to leave a little room at the top so you can add your garnish later without overflow.
Step 5: Chill to Set
Place the cups on a tray or in a baking dish and carefully transfer to the fridge. Chill for at least two to three hours, or until completely firm. If you’re prepping ahead, these can chill overnight.
Step 6: Garnish Before Serving
Just before serving, gently press one gummy shark into each shot. If they don’t stand upright, try inserting them at an angle—it gives the effect of the shark diving into the water.
What to Serve With Ocean Water Jello Shots
Build a full-on beach bash menu around these fun shots. Here are some pairing ideas that keep the tropical theme rolling:
Grilled pineapple skewers with honey glaze
Mini shrimp tacos with mango salsa
Frozen piña coladas or coconut margaritas
Coconut chicken tenders with sweet chili sauce
Fruit salad served in a hollowed-out pineapple
Tips for Making Perfect Jello Shots
Chill your alcohol. If it’s too warm, it can interfere with setting.
Don’t overdo the booze. More than half a cup of alcohol per 3 oz box of gelatin can result in a soft set or no set at all.
Use a tray or baking sheet to move the shots to the fridge without spilling.
Add garnishes last. Gummies can get soggy or weird if added too early.
Use the pour spout. It makes filling the cups way easier and less messy.
If your gelatin sets too quickly while pouring, microwave it in short bursts to liquefy again.
How to Store Jello Shots
Ocean Water Jello Shots can be made up to three days in advance. Store them in the refrigerator with lids or loosely covered with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out or absorbing fridge odors.
Do not freeze them. Gelatin doesn’t hold up well in the freezer—it can separate and turn icy or grainy.
If transporting, place them in a cooler with an ice pack, but make sure they don’t sit in direct ice water or tip over.
General Information
The original Sonic Ocean Water is a blue coconut drink made with Sprite, coconut extract, and blue food coloring. These Jello shots riff off that idea and turn it into a boozy, bite-sized treat.
You can find berry blue gelatin at most grocery stores, but it’s not always in stock. Consider buying an extra box or two when you see it.
These shots can be made in silicone molds or mini muffin tins for fancier shapes, though plastic shot cups are the most practical for parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these alcohol-free?
Yes, just substitute the rum with coconut water, lemon-lime soda, or flavored sparkling water. They’ll still be tasty and adorable.
How long do they take to set?
Typically 2 to 3 hours in the refrigerator, though overnight is ideal if you’re prepping ahead.
How do I keep the sharks from sinking?
Place them just before serving. If needed, cut the base of the gummy to create a flat surface, or press them in at an angle to give the appearance of motion.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just double each ingredient and use additional shot cups. You’ll get 24–32 shots depending on how full you pour them.
Do they need to be refrigerated?
Yes. Keep them chilled until you’re ready to serve. They’ll hold their shape best in a cold environment.
Conclusion
These Ocean Water Jello Shots are the ultimate party treat—vibrant, flavorful, and just cheeky enough to steal the show at your next gathering. They’re easy to prep, wildly customizable, and guaranteed to get compliments from guests. Whether you’re hosting a beach bash, a birthday soirée, or just want something fun for Friday night, these blue gems deserve a spot on your table.
If you loved this recipe, there’s more where that came from! Dive into these other colorful, boozy jello shot recipes to keep the party going:
Each one brings its own unique flavor profile and personality to the table—why not make a full flight and let your guests pick their favorite?
Nutritional Information (Per Shot, Approximate)
- Calories: 55
- Total Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 0g
- Alcohol: ~0.5 oz per shot
Ocean Water Jello Shots Recipe
Description
Ocean Water Jello Shots are a fun and vibrant party treat made with berry blue gelatin, coconut rum, and topped with gummy sharks. They’re tropical, playful, and perfect for beach parties, birthdays, or just a fun summer gathering. Easy to prep ahead, with a nostalgic candy twist—these shots are sure to make a splash at your next event!
Ingredients
1 (3 oz) box berry blue or blue raspberry Jello
1 cup boiling water
½ cup Malibu rum (or any coconut rum)
½ cup cold water
Light corn syrup (optional, for rimming cups)
Blue sanding sugar or coarse white sugar (optional, for rimming cups)
Gummy sharks or blue gummy fish (for garnish)
12–16 2 oz plastic shot cups
Instructions
Prepare the rims (optional):
Pour light corn syrup into a shallow plate. Dip the rims of each shot cup into the syrup, then into sanding sugar to coat. Set aside.Dissolve the gelatin:
In a heatproof bowl, combine the Jello powder with 1 cup boiling water. Whisk for 2 minutes, until fully dissolved.Add booze and water:
Stir in ½ cup Malibu rum and ½ cup cold water. Mix well to combine.Pour into cups:
Carefully pour the mixture into the prepared shot cups, filling each about ¾ full.Chill to set:
Transfer cups to the fridge and chill for 2–3 hours, or until fully set.
Garnish and serve:
Just before serving, gently press a gummy shark or fish into each shot. Angle them slightly for a diving effect.
Notes
For a kid-friendly version, replace the rum with coconut water or lemon-lime soda.
Chill your alcohol before mixing to help the gelatin set properly.
Only add the gummy garnish right before serving to keep it from getting soggy.
These can be made up to 3 days ahead—just cover and store in the fridge.
Want to impress your guests even more? Try layering with a coconut cream gelatin for an “ocean wave” effect!