These piña colada jello shots are made with triple sec and Malibu, are full of coconut flavor and are perfect for your next summer party. They taste exactly like the classic tropical drink, except in a boozy jello shot.
I swore the last time I made my Malibu piña colada recipe that I would turn that recipe into a unique jello shot that we could enjoy at our summer pool party. It’s such as easy way to serve your guests without worrying about drinks getting watered down, or standing by the blender all day. You should have some leftover rum, so use it to make a batch of boozy pineapple spears, a Malibu Bay Breeze, or a fish bowl drink!
Love delicious treats that are boozy? Be sure to try my Boozy creamsicle float, margarita popsicles, or a pretty Starburst cocktail. You may also want to make another batch of jello-shots, but switch things up and go with blue Hawaiian jello shots or Dole whip jello shots. If you have a little extra time, the strawberry daiquiri jello shots are poured directly into fresh strawberries. They are delish and look great for parties.
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🍍 Ingredients:
- box of island pineapple jello mix – this is full of tropical flavors and is a star ingredient!
- boiling water – dissolves the gelatin mixture.
- real pineapple juice – keeps the liquid ratio perfect, while adding more pineapple flavors.
- Malibu Coconut Rum – this rum is our go-to for coconut recipes.
- triple sec – adds sweetness and a little more alcohol to the shots.
For a complete list of ingredients and their measurements, please refer to the printable recipe card 📋 at the bottom of the post.
Optional Garnish:
Pina colada shots can be garnished with whipped cream (or Cool Whip), toasted coconut, a sweet cherry, or a small pineapple wedge.
Equipment Needed:
- Mini shot cups – for parties we love using disposable condiment cups. You can also use real shot glasses if that’s what you have on hand. Most party stores carry jello shot cups as well.
- Cookie sheet – it’s much easier to transfer the jello shooters to and from the fridge when you use a baking pan.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Classic cocktail – if you want to make the larger cocktail version, use our very best pina colada recipe.
- Swap the alcohol – Vodka, white rum, tequila, or flavored vodka are options that can go in these jelly shots. However, we like the flavors of the triple sec and Malibu the best.
- Creamy shot – for more coconut flavor and creamier consistency, use this pina colada shot recipe that calls for condensed milk and coconut cream.
🔪 Instructions:
Step 1: Whisk together the package of jello and hot water in a mixing bowl or measuring cup with a spout.
Step 2: Stir in the pineapple juice once the mixture has dissolved. Then pour in the rum and triple sec.
Step 3: Pour evenly into the plastic cups, leaving a little room at the top for the garnishes.
Step 4: Chill the jello shots in the refrigerator for 4 hours or until they are set.
Pro Tip: Using a measuring cup with a spout makes it super simple to transfer the mixture to the shot cups.
GARNISH: Garnish each shot cup with whipped cream, cherries, toasted coconut, or pineapple wedges and serve!
Recipe Tips for Piña Colada Jello Shots
- How to toast coconut: Spread a few tablespoons of sweetened coconut out on a cookie sheet. Bake at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, stirring once until lightly toasted. Transfer from the pan to a dish immediately or it will continue cooking and burn on the baking sheet even when it is out of the oven.
- If you are garnishing the shots with cherries, dab them on a paper towel first. They will drip down and stain the whipped cream.
- For a stronger shot: Use up to 1.5 cups of alcohol.
- For a lighter shot: Use cold water or more pineapple juice and less alcohol. You need four cups of the liquid total to combine with the jello mixture.
Fun Fact
While jello shots may seem like a newer party treat, they have been around since 1862!
Recipe FAQs
Jell-o shots will keep in the fridge for up to 1 week. Cover with the lids that come with the cups. Do not store with the garnishes on top. Add those just before serving these tasty treats.
Yes. Alcohol has a lower freezing point than water, which can interfere with the gelatin setting process. When making Jello shots the amount of alcohol used should be limited to maintain consistency. If too much alcohol is added, the shot may not set properly, resulting in a runny texture.
We do not recommend freezing, because as they thaw the texture and consistency change. However, they can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge for up to 7 days.
More Refreshing Jello Shot Recipes
If you try these Piña Colada Jello Shots or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you liked it in the 📝 comments below.
Piña Colada Jello Shots
Ingredients
- 3-ounce box island pineapple jello mix
- ¾ cup boiling water
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup Malibu Rum
- ¼ cup triple sec
- Whipped cream for garnish
- Toasted coconut for garnish
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
- Fresh pineapple chunks for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl or large (2-cup) measuring cup with a spout, whisk together pineapple jello mix and boiling water until jello is fully dissolved.
- Once the jello is fully dissolved, stir in the pineapple juice, Malibu, and triple sec. Mix until combined.
- Carefully pour the mixture between small plastic shot cups. Fill just under the top, so they don’t spill.
- Transfer jello shots to the refrigerator and chill for 4 hours until set.
- Just before serving, top each jello shot with a swirl of whipped cream, toasted coconut, maraschino cherry and a small wedge of pineapple.
Notes
Nutrition
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Comments & Reviews
Shannon says
I’m going to try it but can you tell me how many it makes. Sorry if I missed it. Thanks!
Stefanie says
It makes 12 – can easily double the recipe or vary the size “shot” glasses/cups you use.