Blue Coconut Rum Jello Shots
Blue Coconut Rum Jello Shots
These Blue Coconut Rum Jello Shots are bright, tropical, and ridiculously easy to make. Berry blue gelatin and coconut rum come together for a sweet, fruity party shot with a gorgeous ocean-blue color.
The coconut rum gives these a tropical flavor without changing that beautiful blue color, making them perfect for summer parties, pool parties, beach-themed celebrations, birthdays, or anytime you need an easy blue Jello shot.
And with only a handful of ingredients, you can have an entire tray chilling in the refrigerator in about 10 minutes.
Blue Coconut Rum Jello Shots
Servings: 12–16 Jello shots
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 2–4 hours
Total Time: About 4 hours
Ingredients
- 1 box (3 ounces) berry blue gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup coconut rum
- 1/2 cup cold water
- Sweetened shredded coconut, optional, for garnish
How to Make Blue Coconut Rum Jello Shots
Step 1: Prepare the Cups
Arrange 12–16 small Jello shot cups on a baking sheet or tray.
The tray makes it much easier to move the filled cups into the refrigerator without spilling them.
Step 2: Dissolve the Gelatin
Pour the berry blue gelatin into a medium heat-safe mixing bowl.
Add 1 cup boiling water.
Whisk for approximately 2 minutes, or until the gelatin has completely dissolved.
Step 3: Add the Coconut Rum
Pour in 1/2 cup coconut rum and 1/2 cup cold water.
Stir until completely combined.
Step 4: Fill the Cups
Carefully pour the mixture into the prepared shot cups, filling each approximately 3/4 full.
A small measuring cup with a pouring spout makes this especially easy.
Step 5: Refrigerate
Transfer the tray to the refrigerator.
Chill for 2–4 hours, or until the Jello shots are completely firm.
Step 6: Garnish
Just before serving, sprinkle a tiny amount of sweetened shredded coconut over each shot if desired.
Keep refrigerated until serving.
What Do Blue Coconut Rum Jello Shots Taste Like?
These shots are sweet, fruity, and tropical.
Berry blue gelatin has a bright fruity flavor, while coconut rum adds that unmistakable tropical coconut taste.
Together, they remind me of one of those bright blue tropical drinks you’d order somewhere near a beach.
Except this one comes in Jello shot form.
Jennie’s Thoughts
I think half the fun of Jello shots is the color.
And these might be one of my favorites.
They’re BLUE blue.
Not pale blue. Not blue-green.
Bright, almost jewel-colored tropical blue.
Then you add coconut rum, and suddenly they taste like something you should be drinking next to a swimming pool.
I kept these really simple because I didn’t think they needed much else.
Berry blue gelatin gives you the color and fruity flavor, and coconut rum gives them that tropical finish.
I also like the idea of adding just a tiny sprinkle of coconut on top.
It gives people a clue about the flavor before they even try one.
And when you put an entire tray of these together, that bright blue color is going to get everyone’s attention.
What Coconut Rum Should I Use?
Any coconut-flavored rum you enjoy will work.
Coconut rum is generally sweeter and more tropical tasting than regular rum, which makes it particularly good in fruity Jello shots.
Because the gelatin already has plenty of sweetness, you don’t need to add additional sugar.
Can I Use Regular White Rum?
Yes.
White rum will work if that’s what you have, but you won’t get the same coconut flavor.
If you use white rum, you could add a very small amount of coconut extract to bring back some of that flavor.
Be careful with coconut extract because it’s concentrated. Start with just a few drops.
Can I Make These Stronger?
You can replace a little of the cold water with additional coconut rum, but don’t add too much alcohol.
Gelatin needs enough water to set properly, and too much alcohol can leave your Jello shots soft or prevent them from setting altogether.
The 1/2 cup coconut rum to 1/2 cup cold water ratio gives you a dependable set with noticeable rum flavor.
Make Blue Hawaiian Jello Shots
You can easily use this recipe as the starting point for a Blue Hawaiian-inspired Jello shot.
Replace some of the cold water with pineapple juice.
Try:
- 1 box berry blue gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup coconut rum
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup cold water
You’ll get blue Jello shots with coconut, pineapple, and berry flavors.
Blue Piña Colada Jello Shots
For another tropical variation, add pineapple juice and garnish the shots with shredded coconut.
You can also add a tiny pineapple wedge immediately before serving.
The blue color makes them a really fun twist on traditional piña colada flavors.
How to Make a Coconut Rim
Instead of sprinkling coconut over the top, you can add coconut around the rim.
Finely chop sweetened shredded coconut.
Once the Jello shots are set, lightly moisten the edge of each cup and press it into the coconut.
Don’t add too much liquid to the rim or the coconut may slide off.
Summer Party Jello Shots
These are made for summer entertaining.
Serve them for:
- Pool parties
- Beach parties
- Summer birthdays
- Tropical parties
- Luau parties
- Backyard cookouts
- Girls’ nights
- Fourth of July parties
They’re especially pretty mixed with red or white Jello shots for a patriotic party tray.
Mermaid Party Jello Shots
That bright blue color also makes these perfect for an adults-only mermaid or under-the-sea party.
Add pearl sprinkles, tiny pieces of coconut, or tropical cocktail picks to the serving tray.
Keep the actual Jello shots simple and let that gorgeous blue color do most of the work.
How Many Jello Shots Does This Recipe Make?
One 3-ounce box of gelatin makes approximately 12–16 small Jello shots.
The exact amount depends on your cups and how full you fill them.
For a larger party, simply double or triple the recipe.
Can I Make Blue Coconut Rum Jello Shots Ahead?
Absolutely.
Prepare the Jello shots 1–2 days before serving, cover them, and keep them refrigerated.
Wait until shortly before serving to add any coconut or other garnishes.
How to Store Jello Shots
Once the shots have completely set, cover them with lids.
Keep refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
For the best flavor and texture, enjoy them within a few days.
Easy Tropical Jello Shots
These Blue Coconut Rum Jello Shots are exactly what I want from an easy party recipe.
They’re simple.
They’re tropical.
They’re sweet and fruity.
And they’re an absolutely gorgeous shade of blue.
All you need is berry blue gelatin, coconut rum, water, and an optional little sprinkle of coconut to turn an ordinary box of gelatin into a fun tropical party shot.
Make them for your next summer party, line them up on a big serving tray, and let that bright blue color do the rest.
