Ghost Jello Shots
Ghost Jello Shots
These adorable Ghost Jello Shots are one of the cutest Halloween party treats you’ll make all season! Made with black cherry gelatin, whipped cream vodka, and black food coloring, each shot is topped with a fluffy swirl of Cool Whip and an adorable little white ghost made from an icing transfer. They’re spooky, festive, and surprisingly easy to make ahead for Halloween parties, haunted houses, adult costume parties, and spooky movie nights.
The rich black cherry flavor paired with sweet whipped cream vodka creates a deliciously smooth Jello shot, while the ghost topper makes them almost too cute to eat. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween bash or bringing treats to a party, these Ghost Jello Shots are guaranteed to be the first thing everyone reaches for.
Why You’ll Love These Ghost Jello Shots
These Halloween shots are as fun to decorate as they are to serve!
You’ll love them because:
- Perfect for Halloween parties
- Cute ghost design everyone will love
- Made with only a few ingredients
- Easy to make ahead
- Black cherry and whipped cream flavors pair perfectly
- Great for adult Halloween parties
- Easy to customize with different flavors
- A guaranteed conversation starter
Ingredients
Jello Shots
- 1 (3-ounce) box black cherry gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup cold water
- ½ cup whipped cream vodka
- Black gel food coloring
Topping
- Cool Whip, thawed
Ghost Decorations
- Royal icing or stiff buttercream icing
- Black edible food marker or black royal icing for the eyes
- Wax paper or acetate sheets
- Small piping bag
Supplies
- 2-ounce plastic Jello shot cups with lids
- Piping bags
- Offset spatula (optional)
How to Make Ghost Icing Transfers
One of the things that makes these Jello shots extra special is the adorable little ghost topper.
To make the ghosts:
- Place a printed ghost template underneath a sheet of wax paper or acetate.
- Pipe white royal icing over the ghost outline.
- Fill in each ghost completely with icing.
- Let the icing dry overnight until completely hard.
- Add tiny black eyes using edible food markers or black royal icing.
- Carefully peel each ghost off the wax paper.
Set aside until you’re ready to decorate the Jello shots.
How to Make Ghost Jello Shots
Step 1: Dissolve the Gelatin
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the boiling water and black cherry gelatin until completely dissolved.
Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Add the Alcohol
Whisk in:
- Cold water
- Whipped cream vodka
Add black gel food coloring until the mixture reaches a deep black color.
Step 3: Fill the Cups
Pour the mixture evenly into plastic Jello shot cups, filling each cup only halfway.
Refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours, or until completely set.
Step 4: Add the Cool Whip
Transfer the thawed Cool Whip to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip or round tip.
Pipe a generous swirl of Cool Whip onto each chilled Jello shot.
Step 5: Decorate
Carefully place one icing transfer ghost on top of each Cool Whip swirl.
Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Tips for the Best Ghost Jello Shots
Use gel food coloring.
Gel coloring creates a rich black color without thinning the gelatin.
Let the gelatin cool slightly.
Adding the vodka after the gelatin cools helps preserve the alcohol.
Pipe the Cool Whip just before serving.
This keeps the topping fluffy and fresh.
Make the ghosts ahead.
Royal icing transfers can be made several days in advance.
Variations
Cookies & Cream Ghost Shots
Use cookies and cream pudding shots as the base instead of gelatin.
Blackberry Ghost Shots
Substitute blackberry gelatin and blackberry vodka.
Grape Ghost Shots
Use grape gelatin with vanilla vodka.
Cherry Cola Ghost Shots
Mix black cherry gelatin with cola-flavored soda and vanilla vodka.
Make Ahead
The gelatin layer can be made up to 3 days ahead.
Wait to pipe the Cool Whip until the day you’re serving them.
The icing ghosts can be made a week or more ahead and stored in an airtight container.
Storage
Keep refrigerated until serving.
Best enjoyed within 3 days.
Do not freeze.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular vodka?
Yes! Whipped cream vodka simply adds a creamy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the black cherry gelatin.
Can I make these non-alcoholic?
Absolutely! Replace the vodka with an additional ½ cup cold water.
How long do icing transfers last?
Royal icing transfers can last for weeks when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Can I use homemade whipped cream?
Cool Whip holds its shape much longer, making it the better option for parties.
More Halloween Jello Shot Recipes
If you love fun Halloween party treats, be sure to try these spooky favorites:
- Monster Mash Jello Shots
- Creepy Monster Eye Jello Shots
- Black Cat Jello Shots
- Poison Apple Jello Shots
- Candy Corn Jello Shots
- Beetlejuice Jello Shots
- Hocus Pocus Jello Shots
- Jack-o’-Lantern Jello Shots
Jennie’s Thoughts
These Ghost Jello Shots are the perfect mix of spooky and adorable. With their black cherry gelatin base, fluffy Cool Whip topping, and handcrafted little icing ghosts, they’re a festive addition to any Halloween celebration. They’re easy to make ahead, incredibly fun to decorate, and guaranteed to be one of the most photographed treats at your party.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12–16 Jello shots
