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Keto Jello Shots Recipe
Lang's Chocolates offers a sampling of decadent and luxurious hand-crafted chocolate treats.
Posted by William Lang on Aug 29 2025
πΈKeto Jello Shots Recipe β Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, and Boozy
When it comes to party treats, few things get people excited quite like a tray of colorful, wiggly jello shots. But the classic versions are loaded with sugar and empty carbs, which can derail anyone on a keto or low-carb lifestyle. The good news? You donβt have to give them up. With a few smart swaps, we can make Keto Jello Shots that are just as fun, sweet, and boozy β without the sugar crash.
π Ingredients & Why We Use Them
1. Unflavored Gelatin (or Sugar-Free Flavored Gelatin Mix)
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Purpose: Gelatin is what gives jello shots their signature firm-yet-bouncy texture.
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Why Keto: Pure gelatin is naturally carb-free, gluten-free, and keto-friendly. If you prefer a flavored option, choose a sugar-free gelatin mix made without maltodextrin or hidden carbs.
2. Boiling Water (1 cup)
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Purpose: Hot water is needed to dissolve the gelatin completely.
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Why Keto: Water is naturally carb-free and helps carry flavor evenly.
3. Cold Water (Β½ cup)
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Purpose: Helps cool down the mixture before adding alcohol so you donβt cook off the booze.
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Why Keto: Zero carbs, keeps it light and refreshing.
4. Alcohol of Choice (Β½ cup)
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Purpose: The fun part β this is what makes them shots instead of plain jello. Vodka is the most common, but rum, tequila, or flavored spirits all work.
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Why Keto: Hard liquors (vodka, rum, tequila, gin, whiskey) are zero carbs and gluten-free. Just avoid sugary liqueurs.
5. Keto Sweetener (Optional β Keystone Pantry Allulose)
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Purpose: Adds sweetness without sugar. If youβre using plain gelatin instead of a pre-flavored mix, youβll want a clean, natural sweetener.
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Why Keto: Allulose tastes and behaves like sugar but doesnβt spike blood sugar. It also dissolves smoothly, making it perfect for gelatin-based recipes.
6. Flavor Enhancers (Sugar-Free Drink Mix, Extracts, or Keto Syrups)
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Purpose: This is where you bring in the fruity fun β lime, cherry, raspberry, pineapple, or even coconut. Sugar-free mixes (like Crystal Light or True Lemon), keto syrups, or unsweetened extracts work beautifully.
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Why Keto: They give bright flavor and color without carbs or gluten.
7. Optional Garnishes (Lime wedge, berry, mint leaf)
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Purpose: For presentation β a tiny garnish makes them look extra festive.
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Why Keto: Small amounts of fresh fruit or herbs wonβt add significant carbs, but make a big visual impact.
πΉ Step-by-Step Instructions
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Bloom the Gelatin
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Sprinkle gelatin over Β½ cup cold water and let it sit for 3β5 minutes. This allows it to βbloomβ and absorb liquid.
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Dissolve
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Add 1 cup boiling water to the gelatin mixture and stir until fully dissolved.
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Flavor & Sweeten
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Stir in sugar-free flavoring (mix, extract, or syrup). Add allulose if you want extra sweetness. Taste-test to make sure itβs perfect.
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Add the Booze
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Stir in Β½ cup chilled alcohol. Make sure the mixture isnβt too hot, or the alcohol will evaporate.
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Pour & Chill
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Pour into small plastic shot cups or silicone molds. Refrigerate at least 2 hours, or until firm.
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Serve
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Garnish if desired. Keep chilled until serving time β then watch them disappear!
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π₯ Fun Flavor Variations
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Margarita Jello Shots: Lime + tequila, rim cups with salt.
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Cosmo Jello Shots: Cranberry + vodka + lime.
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PiΓ±a Colada Jello Shots: Pineapple + rum + coconut extract.
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Berry Blast: Raspberry + vodka, topped with a blueberry.
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Creamy Dreamy: Replace cold water with unsweetened coconut milk or heavy cream for a silky, pudding-like shot.
β Why These Are Keto-Friendly
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Low-Carb: Made with sugar-free gelatin and sweeteners, each shot has near-zero net carbs.
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Gluten-Free: Pure gelatin, alcohol, and flavor extracts contain no gluten.
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Sugar-Free: Allulose replaces sugar naturally, avoiding spikes in blood sugar.
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Full of Alcohol: The party fun is still here β just without the carb load.
π Nutrition (per shot, approximate)
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Calories: 35β40
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Fat: 0g
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Protein: 1β2g (from gelatin)
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Carbs: 0β1g net
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Alcohol: ~0.4 oz per shot
β FAQ β Keto Jello Shots
Q1: Are jello shots keto-friendly?
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Yes, when made with sugar-free gelatin, keto sweeteners like allulose, and carb-free alcohols (vodka, rum, tequila, whiskey, gin). Traditional jello shots made with sugary mixes are not keto.
Q2: What alcohol works best in keto jello shots?
Most hard liquors are zero carb and gluten-free. Vodka is the classic choice, but rum, tequila, or flavored spirits work just as well. Avoid liqueurs or mixers that contain sugar.
Q3: Can I make creamy keto jello shots?
Yes! Swap part of the cold water for unsweetened coconut milk or heavy cream for a creamy texture. This adds fat (great for keto macros) while keeping carbs low.
Q4: How strong are these jello shots?
Each shot typically contains about 0.4 oz of alcohol. You can adjust the strength by changing the ratio of alcohol to water β but remember, too much alcohol will prevent the gelatin from setting.
Q5: Do keto jello shots have carbs?
When made correctly, they are virtually zero carb. Most of the carbs come only from garnishes or flavor mixes β so stick to clean, sugar-free flavorings.
Q6: Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes! Keto jello shots can be made 2β3 days in advance and kept in the fridge. Just cover them to prevent drying out.
Q7: Are they gluten-free?
Absolutely. Gelatin, alcohol, and allulose are naturally gluten-free. Just check your flavorings to ensure no hidden gluten or fillers.