There’s something undeniably joyful about combining the sweet innocence of a summer treat with the grown-up twist of a little booze, and that’s exactly what you’re getting with Watermelon Pudding Shots. I’m so glad you’re here today, because this is one of those recipes that’s guaranteed to light up your next party—literally and figuratively. The bright, bold layers and refreshing tropical flavor make these pudding shots a standout at any gathering.

Right off the bat, let’s talk about what makes this recipe so special. These Watermelon Pudding Shots are a multi-layered, creamy-meets-gelatin shooter, inspired by the nostalgic summertime fruit we all know and love. They’re fun-sized, sweet, and just the right amount of boozy. Whether you’re planning a summer BBQ, a girls’ night, or a festive birthday bash, these vibrant little treats are a total win.

Watermelon Pudding Shots are a tropical dessert and cocktail hybrid featuring a green gelatin base, a creamy watermelon-infused pudding center with chocolate “seeds,” and a whipped topping that ties it all together. The colors pop, the flavor sings, and they come together surprisingly easily—no baking required.

What Are Watermelon Pudding Shots?

Watermelon Pudding Shots are layered mini desserts served in small plastic cups, blending flavored gelatin and creamy instant pudding with just enough alcohol to make them adult-friendly. The green layer, made with lime or melon Jello, represents the watermelon rind. The creamy pink pudding is the juicy watermelon flesh, amped up with watermelon extract and a pop of pink food coloring. To make it even more realistic, we fold in mini chocolate chips to mimic watermelon seeds.

Top it off with whipped cream and a gummy candy, and you’ve got the cutest, most Instagram-worthy dessert shot you’ve ever seen.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

First and foremost, these are so much fun. Not just to eat, but to make and present. Their bright colors instantly spark joy, and they really do taste as good as they look. The combination of coconut cream pudding and watermelon extract is a tropical flavor explosion that perfectly balances sweetness with a slight tang. The alcohol is present, but mellowed by the creamy pudding and sweet gelatin, so they’re not overwhelming. These shots are also easily customizable—swap flavors, change the booze, or make them non-alcoholic for a family-friendly version.

And because they’re made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, they’re super convenient. You’ll be calm, cool, and collected when it’s party time.

The Taste Experience

Biting into a Watermelon Pudding Shot is like indulging in a watermelon-flavored creamsicle with a hint of coconut and a cool, refreshing finish. The gelatin layer is firm and fruity, setting the stage for the creamy pink pudding that melts in your mouth. The watermelon extract intensifies the fruitiness while the chocolate chips mimic seeds both visually and texturally. Each spoonful (or lick, if we’re being honest!) is playful, sweet, and slightly boozy.

They’re like a tiny vacation in a cup.

Benefits of Making Watermelon Pudding Shots

There’s a lot more than fun happening here:

Great for serving a crowd
Make-ahead friendly
No baking or stove needed beyond boiling water
Customizable for flavor and alcohol preferences
A unique addition to any themed party or event
Easily adapted for gluten-free and dairy-free diets

Ingredients

Green Gelatin Layer (Watermelon Rind)

1 box green Jello mix (lime or melon flavor), 3 oz
1 cup boiling water
½ cup vodka or coconut rum
½ cup cold water

Pink Watermelon Pudding Layer

1 box instant coconut cream pudding mix (3.4 oz)
1½ cups cold milk or non-dairy milk alternative
½ cup vodka or coconut rum
1 teaspoon watermelon extract
A few drops pink food coloring
1 to 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips

Toppings

Whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
Watermelon gummy candies (optional, for garnish)
Extra mini chocolate chips

Tools You’ll Need

12 to 15 plastic 2 oz shot cups
Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Spoon or piping bag
Tray for transporting cups to and from the fridge

Ingredient Variations and Substitutions

There are lots of ways to make this recipe your own:

Use flavored vodka like watermelon, coconut, or even whipped cream for a twist
Swap the pudding flavor: vanilla or cheesecake pudding also pairs well with watermelon extract
Use raspberry or strawberry extract if you can’t find watermelon extract
Use chocolate-covered sunflower seeds instead of mini chocolate chips for “seeds”
For a non-alcoholic version, replace vodka with extra milk (for pudding) and cold water (for gelatin)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Green Gelatin Layer

Begin by boiling 1 cup of water. Pour the boiling water over the green Jello mix in a mixing bowl and stir until fully dissolved. Add ½ cup of cold water and ½ cup of vodka or coconut rum, then stir again.

Pour the green Jello mixture into each shot cup until they’re about one-third full. Place them on a tray and refrigerate for at least one hour, or until fully set. This is crucial for getting that defined two-layer look.

Step 2: Make the Watermelon Pudding Layer

In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant coconut cream pudding mix and cold milk. Whisk for about 2 minutes, or until the pudding just starts to thicken. Add in the watermelon extract, pink food coloring, and ½ cup vodka or rum. Continue whisking until smooth.

Fold in the mini chocolate chips last to mimic watermelon seeds.

Once the gelatin is set, spoon or pipe the pudding mixture over the green layer. Use a piping bag or zip-top bag with a snipped corner for a cleaner, more precise look.

Step 3: Chill and Top

Return the filled cups to the fridge and chill for another 30 minutes or until the pudding is firm.

Just before serving, add a swirl of whipped cream and garnish with a watermelon gummy and a few extra mini chocolate chips for that extra pop.

What to Serve with Watermelon Pudding Shots

These pudding shots pair perfectly with other tropical or fruity snacks and drinks. Try serving them alongside grilled pineapple skewers, mini shrimp tacos, or a refreshing cucumber and mint salad. They also go great with BBQ fare like pulled pork sliders or spicy chicken wings.

If you’re planning a full dessert bar, include a few other party-friendly shot recipes like the vibrant Neon Lights Jello Shots, the tangy-sweet Pink Lemon Paradise Jello Shots, or even the bold and punchy Blue Bandana Shots. Each brings a unique vibe that complements the Watermelon Pudding Shots perfectly.

Tips for Perfect Pudding Shots Every Time

Always use instant pudding, not cook-and-serve. It sets quickly and blends well with alcohol.
Don’t overmix the pudding once the alcohol is added. Overmixing can cause it to lose its thickness.
Chill the gelatin layer fully before adding the pudding to keep clean, distinct layers.
Use a piping bag for the pudding to keep edges neat and clean.
Garnish just before serving to prevent whipped cream from collapsing or melting.

Storage Instructions

Store your finished shots in the refrigerator in a single layer. If you’re making them ahead, cover each with a small lid or plastic wrap to keep them fresh and prevent a skin from forming on the pudding. These are best consumed within 24 hours for optimal texture and flavor, though they can technically last up to 2 days in the fridge.

Avoid freezing—both the gelatin and pudding will lose their consistency once thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these without alcohol?

Absolutely. To make them non-alcoholic, simply replace the vodka or rum with additional milk (for the pudding) and cold water (for the gelatin). They’ll still be flavorful and fun for all ages.

How long do these take to set?

The gelatin layer will need about an hour to set, and the pudding layer takes another 30 to 60 minutes. If you’re short on time, pop them into the freezer for 10 minutes between layers—but don’t leave them too long or they’ll get icy.

What kind of alcohol works best?

Vodka is a great neutral choice, but flavored vodkas (like watermelon, coconut, or whipped cream) add depth. Coconut rum adds a tropical touch that complements the pudding flavor beautifully.

Can I use other pudding flavors?

Definitely. Vanilla or cheesecake pudding works well with watermelon extract if you can’t find coconut cream. Just be sure to adjust the color and extract accordingly to keep the watermelon vibe going.

Final Thoughts

Watermelon Pudding Shots are more than just a novelty—they’re the kind of creative, flavorful treat that instantly lifts the mood of a gathering. They’re as delicious as they are adorable, and every part of the process is a blast—from layering the vibrant colors to garnishing them with playful toppings.

They look like little works of art but require no special culinary skills. Whether you’re hosting a summer bash, adding flair to a bridal shower, or just looking to try something new, these pudding shots are guaranteed to wow.

Don’t forget to check out other exciting shot recipes like Neon Lights Jello Shots, Pink Lemon Paradise Jello Shots, and Blue Bandana Shots for even more inspiration. Create your own tasting flight and turn your next get-together into an unforgettable party!

Share Your Creations

If you give these Watermelon Pudding Shots a try, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Leave a review in the comments, or better yet, snap a photo and tag it on Pinterest so we can celebrate your creations together. Your feedback and creativity keep this community thriving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 110
Total Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Sugar: 9g
Protein: 1g
Alcohol: ~0.5 oz per shot

Watermelon Pudding Shots – Boozy, Festive & Fun!

Author: Sam

Print Recipe

Description

Watermelon Pudding Shots are the ultimate party starter—bright, creamy, and just the right amount of boozy! These colorful layered treats combine fruity green Jello, smooth watermelon-infused pudding, and playful chocolate “seeds,” all topped with whipped cream and candy. They’re everything you love about summer in one fun-sized shot. Crowd-pleasing, make-ahead, and totally Instagram-worthy!

Ingredients

Scale

Green Gelatin Layer (Watermelon Rind):

1 box green Jello mix (lime or melon flavor, 3 oz)
1 cup boiling water
½ cup vodka or coconut rum
½ cup cold water

Pink Watermelon Pudding Layer:

1 box instant coconut cream pudding mix (3.4 oz)
1½ cups cold milk (or non-dairy milk alternative)
½ cup vodka or coconut rum
1 teaspoon watermelon extract
A few drops pink food coloring
1–2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips (for “seeds”)

Toppings:

Whipped cream
Watermelon gummy candies (optional, for garnish)
Extra mini chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

Make the Green Jello Layer:
In a bowl, dissolve the green Jello mix in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved. Add ½ cup cold water and ½ cup vodka or coconut rum. Mix well. Pour into 2 oz plastic shot cups, filling each about ⅓ full. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until set.
Prepare the Pink Pudding Layer:
In a separate bowl, whisk the coconut cream pudding mix with 1½ cups cold milk until it just begins to thicken (about 2 minutes). Add the watermelon extract, alcohol, and a few drops of pink food coloring. Whisk until smooth. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips.
Layer the Pudding Over the Jello:
Once the green gelatin layer is fully set, spoon or pipe the pink pudding mixture on top of each shot. Refrigerate for another 30 minutes, or until the pudding is firm.

Add the Toppings:
Just before serving, top each shot with whipped cream. Garnish with a watermelon gummy candy and a few extra mini chocolate chips if desired.

Notes

Want to skip the booze? Replace vodka and rum with extra milk (for the pudding) and cold water (for the Jello).
For the best layers, make sure your Jello is fully set before adding the pudding.
Use a piping bag for cleaner pudding layers and less mess.
These are best served chilled and eaten within 24 hours for optimal texture and freshness.
Try melon or watermelon-flavored vodka for an extra fruity twist.