Thank you so much for stopping by! Whether you’re here looking for a crowd-pleasing party snack or a playful layered dessert shot to spice up your summer gathering, you’ve landed in the right place. These Watermelon Jello Shots are the kind of recipe that make people stop, stare, and then smile with that “Wait… are those actually watermelon slices?” face. Spoiler: they are even more delicious than they look.

Made with bright, fruity layers of watermelon, coconut cream, and green apple gelatin, topped with a handful of mini chocolate chips to mimic watermelon seeds, these shots are easy to prep, fun to serve, and guaranteed to be the talk of your next event. I’ve made these for backyard barbecues, birthday parties, and even a bridal shower. Every time, they disappear within minutes. I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!

What Are Watermelon Jello Shots?

Watermelon Jello Shots are a creative spin on classic gelatin treats, made by stacking three distinct layers in shot cups: a pink watermelon-flavored base, a creamy white coconut middle, and a tangy green apple top layer. Mini chocolate chips sprinkled on the green layer resemble seeds, turning these into realistic, mini watermelon slices in edible shot form.

They can be made alcohol-free for family-friendly events or turned into delightful cocktail shots with a splash of vodka or rum. They’re part dessert, part drink, and completely addictive.

These shots fall perfectly into the category of layered Jello treats, just like the Sugar Lips Shot, which brings a luscious, creamy finish to your party drink table. If you’re into gorgeous, colorful layers that taste as amazing as they look, you’re going to love this one.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe checks all the boxes—eye-catching, refreshing, easy to prepare ahead of time, and suitable for all ages when made alcohol-free. It’s:

Visually Stunning – The pink, white, and green layers are bright and festive, perfect for summer.
Customizable – Add or skip alcohol, swap flavors, or garnish with your own spin.
Party-Ready – Each batch makes 18–20 mini cups, ideal for large gatherings.
Deliciously Balanced – Sweet fruit layers, creamy middle, and a bit of tang to finish.
Fun to Make and Share – Involve kids (with non-alcoholic version), or use it as a party DIY bar.

If you enjoy fun and fruity party drinks like these, be sure to check out the Peachy Quickie Shot—a peach-forward, juicy shooter with tropical vibes that pairs perfectly with summer party themes.

What Do Watermelon Jello Shots Taste Like?

Let’s break down the flavor layer by layer.

The bottom watermelon layer brings a bold, candy-sweet watermelon flavor that instantly screams summer. It’s juicy, sweet, and nostalgic.
The middle coconut cream layer is creamy and lightly sweetened with condensed milk. It balances the sweetness of the watermelon and green apple, almost like a coconut panna cotta in texture.
The top green apple layer adds just the right tartness and pop of color to contrast the richer middle.

The mini chocolate chips sprinkled on top aren’t just for looks—they offer a slight texture contrast and really sell the watermelon “illusion.” All together, this is a treat that’s as much fun to eat as it is to admire.

The Benefits of Making This Recipe

Watermelon Jello Shots offer more than just flavor—they bring fun, nostalgia, and a ton of visual impact to the table.

Perfect Portions – Each shot cup is just enough for one serving. No mess, no fuss.

Great Make-Ahead Option – You can prepare these up to two days in advance and store them in the fridge.
No Baking Required – Ideal for hot summer days when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
Crowd Favorite – Great for birthday parties, barbecues, tailgates, or girls’ nights in.

If you’re a fan of dessert-inspired shots, you might also love the Pineapple Upside Down Cake Shot. That one tastes just like your favorite cake in liquid form and would be perfect to pair with these watermelon gems at any party.

Ingredients (Makes 18–20 Shots)

Watermelon Layer (Bottom)

1 (3 oz) box watermelon-flavored Jell-O
1 cup boiling water

½ cup cold water
½ cup vodka (optional for boozy version)

Coconut Cream Layer (Middle)

1 (3 oz) box unflavored gelatin
½ cup cold water (for blooming gelatin)
½ cup boiling water
1 cup full-fat coconut milk
2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
½ cup cold water or coconut rum (optional)

Green Apple Layer (Top)

1 (3 oz) box green apple Jell-O
1 cup boiling water
½ cup cold water
½ cup vodka (optional)

Garnish

Mini chocolate chips (to mimic watermelon seeds)

Tools You’ll Need

18–20 plastic shot cups (2 oz size)
Whisk or spoon
Mixing bowls (preferably with pour spouts)
Measuring cups
Saucepan or kettle (for boiling water)
Tray (for easy transfer in and out of fridge)

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

Jell-O Flavor Swaps – Can’t find watermelon? Try strawberry or cherry and add a drop of watermelon extract if desired.
Coconut-Free Version – Use plain unflavored gelatin with vanilla almond milk and a bit of sugar instead of coconut milk.
Vegan Option – Use agar agar instead of gelatin, and swap condensed milk for coconut cream with maple syrup.
Boozy Variations – Add flavored vodka like watermelon or green apple for an extra flavor kick.
Add Texture – A small basil leaf or mint sprig on top adds color and aroma.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Red Watermelon Layer

In a medium mixing bowl, dissolve one package of watermelon-flavored Jell-O in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved—about 2 minutes.

Add ½ cup cold water and ½ cup vodka if you’re making the alcoholic version. Stir well.

Carefully pour the mixture into shot cups, filling each about one-third full. Place the cups on a tray and refrigerate for 30–40 minutes, or until fully set.

Step 2: Make the White Coconut Cream Layer

In another bowl, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over ½ cup cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes.

After blooming, add ½ cup boiling water and stir until gelatin is completely dissolved.

Add the coconut milk and sweetened condensed milk, mixing until smooth.

If desired, stir in ½ cup cold water or coconut rum for an adult twist.

Once the watermelon layer is set, gently pour the coconut cream layer over it, filling the cups to about two-thirds full. Return to the fridge and chill for another 30–40 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Green Apple Layer

In a clean bowl, dissolve the green apple Jell-O in 1 cup boiling water.

Add ½ cup cold water and ½ cup vodka (optional), and stir well.

Once the white coconut layer is firm, pour the green apple mixture on top until cups are full.

Quickly sprinkle mini chocolate chips on the surface while the green layer is still slightly liquid so they set into place.

Return to the fridge and let the completed shots chill for at least 2–3 hours until fully set and firm.

What to Serve With Watermelon Jello Shots

Pair these shots with fun and festive summer foods like:

Grilled sliders or mini hot dogs
Tropical fruit skewers
Guacamole and chips
Shrimp tacos
Mini cheesecakes or fruity cupcakes

To create a party-perfect drink table, offer a few other creative shots alongside. The Peachy Quickie Shot and the Sugar Lips Shot are especially great complements to the fruity, layered vibe of this recipe.

Tips for Success

Let each layer fully set before adding the next one to keep them distinct.
Use a small spoon or the back of a spoon to gently pour each new layer to prevent splashing or breaking the one beneath it.
Be careful not to overfill the cups—leave just a little room for garnishes or expansion during setting.
Make sure the chocolate chips go on before the top layer is too firm, so they settle slightly into the surface without sinking.

Storage Instructions

Watermelon Jello Shots can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep them lightly covered with plastic wrap or snap-on lids to prevent drying out. Do not freeze, as freezing will ruin the texture of the gelatin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these without alcohol?
Absolutely. Just replace any vodka or rum with equal amounts of cold water or fruit juice.

Can I make these in a large pan and cut them into squares?
Technically, yes—but the layered effect works best in individual cups where you get clean, distinct layers. Slicing into squares may cause layers to shift or break.

Can I use different Jell-O flavors?
Yes! Strawberry, cherry, or even raspberry work great for the red layer. Lime is a good substitute for green apple. Just keep the colors and flavor balance in mind.

How long do they take to set?
Each layer takes about 30–40 minutes to firm up, and the full shots will need about 2–3 hours minimum in the fridge before serving.

Conclusion

These Watermelon Jello Shots are the kind of recipe that brings joy just from the way they look—and then doubles down once you taste them. Sweet, tart, creamy, and endlessly customizable, they’re a treat for all the senses. Plus, they’re so simple to make ahead and serve up for any occasion.

I’m honestly kicking myself for not having made a double batch the last time I brought them to a summer cookout. Lesson learned!

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t miss these other fun and fruity layered shot recipes:

Tried It? Share Your Creations!

I’d love to see how your Watermelon Jello Shots turned out. Leave a review below, or share your photos on Pinterest and tag me. Seeing your versions of these recipes seriously makes my day.

Nutritional Information (per shot, non-alcoholic version)

Calories: 60
Total Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Sugars: 8g
Protein: 1g
Alcohol (if included): ~6% ABV per shot

Watermelon Jello Shots Recipe: A Layered Summer Treat That Steals the Show

Author: Sam

Print Recipe

Description

Watermelon Jello Shots are the ultimate summer party treat—bright, fruity layers of watermelon, creamy coconut, and green apple gelatin in mini shot cups. Topped with mini chocolate chips to look like watermelon seeds, these fun and festive shots are a guaranteed hit. Make them boozy or kid-friendly and watch them disappear!

Ingredients

Scale

Bottom (Red) Layer – Watermelon

1 (3 oz) box watermelon-flavored Jell-O
1 cup boiling water
½ cup cold water
½ cup vodka (optional)

Middle (White) Layer – Coconut Cream

1 (3 oz) box unflavored gelatin
½ cup cold water (for blooming)
½ cup boiling water
1 cup full-fat coconut milk
2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
½ cup cold water or coconut rum (optional)

Top (Green) Layer – Green Apple

1 (3 oz) box green apple Jell-O
1 cup boiling water
½ cup cold water
½ cup vodka (optional)

Garnish

Mini chocolate chips (to mimic watermelon seeds)

Instructions

Make the Red Layer: In a bowl, dissolve the watermelon Jell-O in 1 cup boiling water. Stir in ½ cup cold water and ½ cup vodka if using. Pour into 2 oz shot cups, filling each about one-third full. Chill for 30–40 minutes or until set.
Make the White Layer: In a bowl, sprinkle unflavored gelatin over ½ cup cold water and let bloom for 5 minutes. Add ½ cup boiling water and stir until dissolved. Mix in the coconut milk and sweetened condensed milk. Add ½ cup cold water or coconut rum if desired. Once the red layer is firm, gently pour the white layer to fill cups two-thirds full. Chill for another 30–40 minutes.
Make the Green Layer: Dissolve green apple Jell-O in 1 cup boiling water. Stir in ½ cup cold water and ½ cup vodka if using. Pour gently over the white layer. While still slightly liquid, sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top to resemble watermelon seeds.
Final Chill: Refrigerate the completed shots for at least 2–3 hours, or until fully set and firm. Serve cold and enjoy!

Notes

You can make these non-alcoholic by replacing vodka and rum with cold water or fruit juice.
Use the back of a spoon to gently pour each layer and avoid disturbing the one below.
Store in the fridge for up to 5 days—great for prepping ahead of a party.
Don’t skip the chill time between layers for clean, distinct lines.

Mini chocolate chips should be added when the top layer is just starting to set to keep them from sinking.