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20 Christmas Shots That'll Get You Into The Holiday Spirit

It's about to be as lit as a Christmas tree.

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peppermint bark shots
Erik bernstein

When we talk about getting into the holiday spirit, we take the term pretty literally: by adding plenty of our favorite alcoholic spirits to our favorite Jell-O shot recipes and holiday dessert-inspired shots. Keep your Christmas party merry and bright with our favorite seasonal shots recipes, like mistletoe shots, apple pie bourbon shots, and more. Want an easy way to get to the top of the nice list this year? Leave a few milk and cookies shots out for Santa! 😉

When it comes to mixing up a batch of shots, there are tons of different alcohol combinations depending on the flavor profile you're trying to achieve. We love more neutral-flavored tequila and vodka for our Jell-O shots, personally, but the sky is truly the only limit for creating your own custom shots at home. We used a combination of whiskey and apple schnapps to bring a bit of spice to our crisp Washington Apple shot, Baileys for our tiramisu shots, and Rumchata for our snickerdoodle shots. In short, this is ABSOLUTELY the time to break out all of those fun flavored vodkas, bottles of bourbon, Fireball, and Kahlúa you've got hanging out in your bar cart.

Never made Jell-O shots or want to refine your skills? We've got a handy how-to on making the best Jell-O shots for your next party. Our recipes for champagne Jell-O shots, cranberry Jell-O shots, and Christmas Jell-O shots are proof that shots can be fun and kinda fancy.

1

Peppermint Bark Shots

peppermint bark shots
Erik bernstein

We look forward to peppermint bark season all year long. These shots taste a lot like the real thing, only way more boozy. Sweet, minty, and creamy, be warned: These go down easy, but they’re just as strong as your average shot.

Get the Peppermint Bark Shots recipe.

2

Mistletoe Shots

mistletoe shots
Emily hlavac green

These shots are bound to make some holiday magic happen! Share one of these with someone you want to kiss.

Get the Mistletoe Shots recipe.

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3

Eggnog Jell-O Shots

eggnog jello shots
Parker feierbach

It's not the holidays until the eggnog has been poured, and this year we are spicing things up a bit. RumChata and brandy ensure these Jell-O shots will make the holidays so much fun.

Get the Eggnog Jell-O Shots recipe.

4

Washington Apple Shot

washington apple shot
Erik bernstein

The Washington Apple Shot is a breed of the Washington Apple Cocktail made with whiskey—typically Canadian-style—apple schnapps, and cranberry juice. We added pomegranate to jazz it up! It’s a drink that’s crisp, pungent, and refreshing, one that you want to sip on for a little while.

Get the Washington Apple Shot recipe.

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5

How To Make Jell-O Shots

how to make jell o shots delish
Parker feierbach

Want to freestyle your own Jell-O shots? Let's start with the basics: Here's a step-by-step guide to making any kind of Jell-O shot.

Get the How To Make Jell-O Shots recipe.

6

Milk & Cookies Shots

milk and cookies shots
Parker feierbach

Let's just say, if you leave these for Santa on Christmas Eve, you'll definitely be on the nice list. We love the ease of using store-bought cookie dough, but if you've got the time, making chocolate chip cookies from scratch is even better!

Get the Milk & Cookies Shots recipe.

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7

Apple Pie Bourbon Shots

apple pie bourbon shots with apple slices and cinnamon sticks in little mason jars
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

If you're truly looking to get your party started this holiday (or if you're a bourbon fan), then these apple pie bourbon shots should be a must-have at your next gathering. All you need are a few ingredients—apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg—to infuse your own bourbon that tastes just like your fave dessert.

Get the Apple Pie Bourbon Shots recipe.

8

Cranberry Jell-O Shots

cranberry jell o shots
Ethan calabrese

Cranberry sauce? We thought you said "cranberry shots." We love these tart-sweet Jell-O shots, especially the sugar-coated cranberries. They're optional but highly encouraged—they make for a great chaser after you've downed the shot.

Get the Cranberry Jell-O Shots recipe.

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9

Champagne Jell-O Shots

champagne jell o shots
Ethan Calabrese

These scream PARTY. Change out the sprinkles on top, and you can be using this recipe for every holiday.

Get the Champagne Jell-O Shots recipe.

10

Santa Hat Jell-O Shots

santa hat jell o shots
Chelsea lupkin

A Christmas party wouldn't be complete without Santa, and these Jell-O shots are the perfect way to include him. Strawberries and and Cool Whip turn a simple Jell-O shot into a festive holiday one!

Get the Santa Hat Jell-O Shots recipe.

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11

Christmas Jell-O Shots

christmas jell o shots
Ethan calabrese

These will surely have everyone feeling merry in no time. If you're not a fan of vodka, feel free to swap in tequila.

Get the Christmas Jell-O Shots recipe.

12

Tiramisu Shots

tiramisu shots
Emily Hlavac Green

If tiramisu is your favorite dessert (ours too!), then you will go crazy for these shots. It takes a delicate pour to layer them perfectly, but it makes for the cutest presentation and resembles the layers tiramisu has.

Get the Tiramisu Shots recipe.

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13

Negroni Jell-O Shots

negroni jello shots
Parker feierbach

The classic drink is turned into a Jell-O shot for a fun take on the negroni. It's finished off with an orange peel for that perfect negroni touch.

Get the Negroni Jell-O Shots recipe.

14

Pie Jell-O Shots

pie jell o shots
Ethan calabrese

We don't know how to choose between cherry pie, peach pie, or apple pie-flavored shots, so we guess that means we try them all.

Get the Pie Jell-O Shots recipe.

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15

S'mores Pudding Shots

s'mores pudding shots
Parker feierbach

The next best thing to actual s'mores is a pudding shot. It's the best way to feed a crowd with delicious boozy s'mores. Feel free to use regular or vanilla vodka if you can't find marshmallow vodka!

Get the S'mores Pudding Shots recipe.

16

Snickerdoodle Shots

snickerdoodle shots

This has to be our new favorite way to enjoy the cozy spice of a snickerdoodle cookie. If you love this, try our caramel snickerdoodle martini next!

Get the Snickerdoodle Shots recipe.

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17

Salted Caramel Pudding Shots

salted caramel pudding shots

Any chance we get to combine drinks with dessert, we're going to be taking it. This boozy pudding shot is the best kind of pudding.

Get the Salted Caramel Pudding Shots recipe.

18

Candy Cane Jell-O Shots

candy cane jello shots

For when you need a little more jingle in your step. 😉

Get the Candy Cane Jell-O Shots recipe.

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19

Hot Cocoa Pudding Shots

hot cocoa pudding shots

Enjoy your favorite winter drink as a pudding shot (mini marshmallows included)!

Get the Hot Cocoa Pudding Shots recipe.

20

Fireball Apple Jell-O Shots

fireball apple jell o shots
Emily hlavac green

We believe every good party has a Jell-O shot, and these Fireball apple shots will be a hit with everyone—friends, cousins, coworkers, Grandma. Whatever you do, don't skip the lemon juice! It prevents the apples from browning while the Jell-O sets up in the fridge

Get the Fireball Apple Jell-O Shots recipe.

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