Kickoff Your Party: Football Jello Shots

Game Day Glory: Irresistible Football Jello Shots for the Ultimate Tailgating Party

As the leaves begin to turn and the crisp autumn air fills the stadium parking lots, there’s one tradition that truly signals the start of fall for many of us: tailgating! It’s more than just a pre-game ritual; it’s a celebration of camaraderie, delicious food, and, of course, spirited cocktails. This year, we’re taking our game day revelry to the next level with these team-inspired football jello shots. They are the perfect embodiment of tailgating fun – vibrant, easy to transport, and guaranteed to infuse everyone with that unbeatable game day spirit!

Vibrant football jello shots in team colors, ready for tailgating

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The Ultimate Football Jello Shot Recipe for Game Day Celebrations

Fall truly is a whirlwind of activity. Between the bustling work season, preparing for upcoming holidays, the back-to-school rush, and the extensive yard work required to transition our homes from summer to winter, it sometimes feels like a miracle to even snatch a moment with family! Yet, amidst all the hustle and bustle, there are certain traditions we hold dear, and tailgating stands out as a beloved activity that brings everyone together for some much-needed fun and relaxation.

Football themed jello shots in various colors, perfect for a game day spread

No matter how demanding our schedules become, my family and I always carve out time to enjoy a few tailgating parties each season. We have a fantastic system where everyone has their designated “category” – from savory dips and hearty sliders to refreshing drinks. This year, the exciting task of crafting the cocktails fell to me! I relish the challenge of dreaming up new and creative tailgating drink recipes, and that’s how the idea for these vibrant Football Jello Shots was born.

Close-up of football jello shots in individual plastic containers with lids

Jello shots are an absolute hit at any gathering, appealing even to those who might typically shy away from more traditional cocktails. Their playful nature and delicious flavors make them universally loved. What makes them truly perfect for tailgating, however, is their incredible convenience. They can be prepared well in advance, freeing up valuable time on game day, and their compact, portable format makes them ideal for on-the-go enjoyment, whether you’re celebrating at the stadium or hosting a spirited watch party at home.

Smart Savings for Your Football Jello Shots and Tailgating Essentials

With the holiday season just around the corner, I’m always looking for smart ways to save money without compromising on the fun. That’s why I turned to the Ibotta app to earn cash back on all my tailgating cocktail ingredients. For these spirited jello shots, I chose Smirnoff vodka, known for its smooth taste that blends perfectly with jello. And for the beer enthusiasts at our party, I also snagged a Bud Light 20-Pack, making sure everyone’s preferences were covered, all while saving money.

A colorful plate of football jello shots arranged for a tailgating party

For those unfamiliar with Ibotta, it’s an incredibly useful cash back and rewards app that streamlines your shopping experience, allowing you to save both time and money. Whether you prefer shopping online or in-store, Ibotta offers hundreds of cash back deals on a vast array of products. My routine involves simply searching for the items on my shopping list within the app, and more often than not, I discover fantastic cash back offers for at least a few of them. It’s a simple habit that yields significant savings over time.

Screenshot of various Ibotta offers on a smartphone screen

This shopping trip was no exception! I was thrilled to find cash back offers for both the Smirnoff vodka and the Bud Light, which together saved me a generous $5.65. These seemingly small cash back amounts really accumulate quickly! Just this month alone, by consistently checking and redeeming offers on items I was already planning to purchase, I’ve managed to save over $80. It’s an effortless way to keep more money in your pocket, especially during seasons packed with social events and holiday preparations.

Assortment of football team-colored jello shots in a stylish display

Crafting Your Team-Inspired Football Jello Shots: A Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to serving jello shots for tailgating, practicality is key. While elegant glass shot glasses are lovely for home gatherings, the dynamic environment of a tailgating party calls for a more robust solution. Using individual shot glasses with secure lids, or even jumbo condiment containers, is a game-changer. These options not only prevent spills but also eliminate the worry of broken glass, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Various football team jello shots in portable plastic containers, ready to serve

Ingredients for Festive Football Jello Shots

To prepare a batch of these spirited jello shots in your favorite team’s colors, you’ll need the following for each individual color layer:

  • 3-oz package jello (Choose colors that match your favorite football team! Consider red and gold for one team, blue and white for another, or green and yellow for a third.)
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup Smirnoff vodka (or your preferred vodka brand)

Tip: To create a vibrant assortment of team color combinations, I typically use 3 to 4 different packs of jello. This allows for a fantastic visual display and plenty of options. Get creative and coordinate the jello flavors with your family’s or friends’ favorite teams for an extra personal touch! Each 3-oz box of jello combined with the specified liquid measurements will yield approximately 10 individual jello shots.

Essential Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful:

  • Glass or plastic shot glasses with lids (for easy transport and mess-free serving)
  • Liquid measuring cup (for precise liquid additions)
  • Whisk (to ensure the jello is thoroughly dissolved)
  • Tea kettle (for quickly heating water to a boil)

More Ibotta offers displayed on a phone, highlighting savings potential

Simple Instructions for Preparing Layered Jello Shots

Creating these layered football jello shots is a straightforward process, but a little patience during the chilling phases will yield perfectly distinct and impressive layers. Follow these steps for game day success:

  1. Begin by boiling water. Using a tea kettle can speed up this process significantly. You’ll need one cup of boiling water for each color of jello.
  2. In a small mixing bowl or a large measuring cup, empty the contents of one 3-oz package of jello. Carefully add 1 cup of the freshly boiled water to the jello powder.
  3. Stir the mixture vigorously with a whisk for at least 2 minutes, or until the jello crystals are completely dissolved. Ensure there are no grainy remnants at the bottom of the bowl.
  4. Once dissolved, add 1 cup of Smirnoff vodka to the jello mixture. Stir well again to thoroughly combine the alcohol with the jello base.
  5. Carefully pour the first color of jello mixture into your chosen shot glasses, filling each about halfway. This allows ample space for the second contrasting layer.
  6. Place the filled shot glasses into the refrigerator and chill for a minimum of 2 hours. This crucial step allows the first layer to set firmly, preventing the colors from mixing when you add the next layer.
  7. After the first layer has fully set, repeat steps 2 through 5 with your second chosen color of jello. Once the second layer is poured, return the shots to the refrigerator for another 2 hours, or until completely firm. For best results, allow them to chill overnight, ensuring they are perfectly set for your tailgating event. Store them covered in the fridge until ready to serve.

What are your family’s most cherished tailgating traditions? Do you regularly use the Ibotta app while shopping to maximize your savings and receive cash back rewards?

A vibrant green and yellow jello shot, representing Green Bay Packers colors

More Festive Jello Shot Recipes for Every Celebration

Our passion for jello shots extends beyond game day! We have a delightful collection of other jello shot recipes perfect for various holidays and seasons that you might love to try:

  • Our orange jello shots offer a unique and playful presentation, served right inside real orange rinds. They are incredibly fun and surprisingly easy to make for any party!
  • When St. Patrick’s Day rolls around, these festive green jello shots are an absolute must-have. They’re a vibrant way to celebrate the luck of the Irish.
  • For those warm summer days, we’ve perfected not one, but two delightful types of watermelon jello shots! Both variations capture the refreshing essence of summer and are fantastic for outdoor gatherings.
  • Looking for a spooky yet sweet treat for your Halloween festivities? Our candy corn jello shots are a creative and boozy way to serve up a festive shot that will impress all your guests.
Team-inspired football jello shots in various colors

Football Jello Shots

Elevate your tailgating experience or home game day party with these incredibly fun, portable, and team-spirited Football Jello Shots! These vibrant, boozy treats are perfect for adults, easy to make ahead, and always a crowd-pleaser. Customize them with your favorite team’s colors and enjoy a deliciously festive way to cheer on your squad!

5 from 6 votes

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Course: Cocktails
Cuisine: American
Servings: 10 shots
10 minutes
Calories: 87
Author: Amanda Davis

Ingredients

  • 3 oz package jello (your desired team color)
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup Smirnoff vodka

Instructions

  • Boil a kettle of water to ensure you have 1 cup of truly boiling water for each jello color you plan to use.
  • In a clean, medium-sized bowl or a large liquid measuring cup, pour the contents of one 3-oz package of jello. Add 1 cup of the boiling water to the jello powder.
  • Stir the mixture thoroughly with a whisk for at least 2 minutes. It’s crucial that the jello is completely dissolved, with no granules remaining, for a smooth consistency.
  • Once the jello is fully dissolved, add 1 cup of Smirnoff vodka (or your preferred alcoholic spirit) to the mixture. Stir well to integrate the vodka evenly.
  • Carefully pour the jello mixture into your chosen shot glasses, filling each only halfway. This leaves room for a second, contrasting layer to create a visually appealing team effect.
  • Transfer the partially filled shot glasses to the refrigerator and allow them to chill for at least 2 hours, or until the first layer is completely firm to the touch. This prevents the layers from bleeding into each other.
  • Once the first layer is set, repeat steps 2 through 5 with your second chosen color of Jell-O. Pour this new mixture over the set first layer, then return the shots to the refrigerator for another 2 hours or until entirely firm. For best results and optimal firmness, chilling them overnight is highly recommended. Serve chilled and enjoy responsibly!

Nutrition

Serving: 1shot | Calories: 87cal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Sodium: 41mg | Sugar: 7g
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The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.

Various football team inspired jello shots on a serving tray, perfect for game day

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