Glow in the Dark Jello Shots

Electrify your next party with these glow in the dark jello shots! You only need 3 ingredients and they can be spiked with any sweet rum or vodka.

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About Glow in the Dark Jello Shots

The 90’s teen in me is so excited to share this recipe with you guys, because, well…  c’mon, it’s glow in the dark jello shots we’re talking about there!

Because if you didn’t notice, they glow. In the dark.

And if you’re one of my fellow thirty-somethings, I’m sure you’re just as hyped as I am for these.

Because no matter how old (or young!) we are, everything neon that glows will always be cool, amirite?

How do these glow in the dark?

These spooky shots glow in the dark for two reasons:

• Tonic water is one of the ingredients.
• A blacklight is shined on them.

So you need a black light for these shots to glow?

Yes, you do need a black light. This is a simple recipe that takes advantage of the unique chemicals in tonic water, which glows under a black light. These shots will not glow in the dark on their own.

Why does tonic water glow under a black light?

Tonic water has a small amount of a chemical called quinine dissolved into it. When illuminated under a black light, quinine will glow a brilliant, bright blue color.

You can use tonic water in other recipes to create the same effect, but be careful; tonic water has a strong taste that needs to be balanced with enough sweetness. Tonic water will also glow best when used in translucent treats (which makes it ideal for drinks and jello). If you used tonic water in a food that was thick or opaque (like frosting, baking, etc) it will not glow. I know, I’ve tried it, and was bummed with the results.

What tools do you need to make jello shots?

Before getting started, make sure you have the following on hand:

• Shot Cups or Glasses – When picking a container to hold the jello shots, you have two options:
  1. You can use 2 Ounce Plastic Shot Cups with Lids, which are the classic choice for a jello shot. These are plastic cups that you can squeeze (to help loosen the jello so you “shoot” the jello shot) and the cups are disposable.
  2. You can also set these jello shots in glass shot glasses or festive skill shot glasses (as pictured) but keep in mind that your guests will likely need a spoon to eat the jello.
• Funnel or Injector – Makes it easier to fill the jello cups.
• Mixing bowl, saucepan, whisk – All used for preparing and mixing the jello shots.

Can you make jello shots in advance?

Yes, you totally can! That’s the best part about jello – once it’s made, it can last a few days in the refrigerator. Just make sure the jello shots are stored in a sealed container (or that the individual cups have their lids).

How long do jello shots last?

Once prepared, these jello shots can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three to five days.

Can you freeze jello shots?

Bad news here, guys. Because jello shots have a gelatinous form and freeze differently than water or juice, I can’t recommend freezing these jello shots. The freezing process will change the texture of the jello and dilute the flavor.

For best results, enjoy these jello shots while they’re freshly made.

Notes & tips for glow in the dark jello shots

• You can use any color or flavor for these jello shots, but from what I hear, green and blue jello glow the brightest under a black light.
• Tonic water is what makes these jello shots glow, and if you’ve had tonic water, you know the taste is…  harsh. The jello has sugar and helps take the edge off, but it’s not enough on its own. You’ll want to make sure you also pick a sweet rum, vodka, or liqueur to help cover up the bite of the tonic water. When making these jello shots, I used malibu rum, but you could also use midori, blue curacao, or another sweet flavored drink. Just be sure that it’s clear in color or is a close match to the color of the jello you’re using.

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How to make glow in the dark jello shots

This next part is only a photo tutorial of the recipe steps. If you’re looking for the full recipe measurements and instructions, scroll down to Recipe Details.

Step 1 – Add tonic water to a saucepan, then bring to a boil.

Step 2 – Add powdered gelatin into a large mixing bowl, then pour in boiling tonic water. Whisk them together until the gelatin is dissolved.

Step 3 – Pour in the sweet alcohol of your choice, then whisk again to combine.

Step 4 – Pour jello into your chosen cups, filling about 3/4 or 4/5 full. Once ready, transfer the jello shots to the refrigerator to set.

Step 5 – Let chill.

Step 6 – Shine a black light, shoot, and enjoy!