Cherry Cola Jello Shots

Cherry Cola Jello Shots are sure to get the party started! They can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator until party time.

Cherry Cola Jello Shots

I’m not much of a soda drinker, but I cannot pass up the occasional root beer with pizza. And I always order a cherry cola when I go to the movies. In fact, I’ve never had a cherry cola outside of a movie theater! Isn’t that funny? The flavor is definitely special to me and only reserved for that single activity. I recently decided to rethink my decorum because I don’t get to the movie theater very often, and with Memorial Day coming up, I couldn’t think of something more fun to serve than cherry cola jello shots!

Cherry Cola Jello Shots

I started craving buttery popcorn as soon as I tasted one of these potent little cups. Flavor memories are like that. They transport you to another time and place! However much I love them with popcorn, I can’t help but think these would be perfect at a summer BBQ, Keep them chilled and bring them out on a platter served with long toothpicks. The toothpicks will help pop the shots out of the cups. (Although, these may be more of a two-bite shot if you ask me.)

Cherry Cola Jello Shots

I also think these would be great packed in a cooler for lakeside enjoyment. Something about them just screams summer – and fun! For me they are pure nostalgia. Swap out the alcohol for a kid-friendly treat. I hope you enjoy!

Cherry Cola Jello Shots

Heather Baird
If you’d like to omit the alcohol in this recipe for a purely nonalcoholic jellified dessert, then I recommend replacing the cola and cherry liqueur with Cherry Coke in equal amounts in the cola layer. Replace the rum in the maraschino layer with additional maraschino cherry juice.
4.25 from 8 votes
Prep Time 35 minutes
1 hour setting time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16 to 18 servings

Equipment

  • 2 oz. shot glasses, 16-18 count

Ingredients
 
 

Maraschino Cherry layer

  • 3/4 cup maraschino cherry juice at room temperature
  • drain from a 10-ounce jar of cherries with stems
  • 1/4 cup clear rum at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • 1 envelope powdered gelatin .25 oz.

Cherry cola layer

  • 1/4 cup cold water
  • 1 envelope powdered gelatin .25 oz.
  • 3/4 cups Coca-Cola
  • 2 tablespoons clear rum or cherry liqueur
  • 16-18 cherries with stems

Instructions
 

  • Place 16-18 two ounce shot glasses on a large baking sheet.
  • Make the maraschino layer: Combine the cherry juice and rum in a 2 cup measure (or larger) with a pour spout.
  • Pour the cold water into a small microwave-safe condiment cup. Quickly stir in gelatin. Let stand until absorbed, about 2 minutes. Microwave the cup for 10 seconds, or until the gelatin is liquid. Pour the gelatin into the cherry mixture. Stir until combined and immediately divide between the shot glasses, pouring the cherry mixture about halfway up in each glass. Chill until set, about 1 hour, or speed setting in the freezer, about 15-20 minutes.
  • Make the cherry cola layer: Combine the Coca-Cola and cherry liqueur in a 2 cup measure (or larger) with a pour spout.
  • Pour the cold water into a small microwave-safe condiment cup. Quickly stir in gelatin. Let stand until absorbed, about 2 minutes. Microwave the cup for 10 seconds, or until the gelatin is liquid. Pour the gelatin into the Coca-Cola mixture (this will cause the cola to foam). Stir briefly and immediately divide between shot glasses, filling the glasses to the top. Chill until semi-soft, about 5-10 minutes in the refrigerator. Press cherries into the semi-soft cola layer. Chill until firm, about 1 hour.
  • Store the shots in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Serve with long toothpicks for easy removal of gelatin from the cups.

Notes

This recipe was updated 6/21/22.  Some people had too much cola mixture leftover after portioning. Now the recipe should yield closer to even portions of cherry and cola mixtures.
Keyword cherry cola, jello shots, maraschino cherries
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Phyllis
Phyllis
5 years ago

Where did you find the cute glasses you masithem in?

Heather Baird
Heather Baird
5 years ago
Reply to  Phyllis

Hi Phyllis!
I picked them up locally, but if you follow the link below you'll find glasses that are almost identical to the ones I used in this post.

https://amzn.to/2J7ZuyD

Unknown
Unknown
5 years ago
Natalie
Natalie
5 years ago

These jello shots look so delicious and perfect for parties!

Unknown
Unknown
5 years ago

Wow this is so delicious thank you for sharing your recipe

Anonymous
Anonymous
5 years ago

So stinkin cute!

Sam
Sam
5 years ago

What kind of cherry brandy did you use?

Heather Baird
Heather Baird
5 years ago
Reply to  Sam

Hi Sam! Hiram Walker, if I remember correctly. It is not top shelf booze but it worked well in this recipe.