The backyard was buzzing in late July, sun-soaked and sweet with the scent of tomato vines and fresh basil. My husband had spent the better part of the afternoon pulling weeds and trimming the rosemary bush that always seems to take over by midsummer. I stood by the kitchen window, watching him swat at mosquitos with one hand while balancing the hose in the other. His shirt was damp, his hat pushed back, and he looked up just as I poured the peach whiskey into the measuring cup. “Something fun today?” he shouted. I nodded.
Earlier that week, I’d been flipping through a few of my old notebooks where I scribbled recipes between school lesson plans. I came across one for lemonade jello shots—a favorite from our niece’s engagement party years ago. But this time, I wanted to lean into a more grown-up flavor with a bit of summer sparkle. A splash of Crown Royal Peach, some lemonade from the stand down the road, and a touch of grenadine to anchor it all.
By the time the garden tools were cleaned and the sun began to lower, I had them chilling in neat little rows, waiting in the fridge like tiny jewels. That golden light that hits just before dinner made the colors glow. We didn’t need a party—just two people, a porch, and a cool breeze off the trees. These shots were the perfect punctuation mark to a well-earned summer evening.
Short Description
These Beach Peach Lemonade Jello Shots are fruity, fun, and perfect for summer parties. A splash of peach whiskey, a hit of citrusy lemonade, and a touch of grenadine make them taste like sunshine and beach vibes in a cup.
Key Ingredients
- 1 cup Crown Royal Peach (peach-flavored whiskey)
- 1 cup lemonade (homemade or store-bought)
- ½ cup flat Sprite (or any lemon-lime soda)
- 2 packets unflavored gelatin (about 14 grams total)
- 1 tablespoon grenadine
- Optional garnishes: thin peach slices, lemon twists, or maraschino cherries
Tools Needed
- Small saucepan
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plastic shot cups or silicone molds (1 to 2 oz size)
- Tray for easy transport
- Refrigerator space
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin
In a small saucepan, combine the lemonade and flat Sprite. Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin evenly over the liquid and let it sit for 2 minutes. This blooming process allows the gelatin to absorb moisture and soften—don’t skip this step!
Step 2: Dissolve the Gelatin
Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the gelatin fully dissolves and the liquid becomes smooth, about 3–4 minutes. Be careful—do not let it boil, or the gelatin may not set properly.
Step 3: Add the Whiskey
Remove the pan from heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Once slightly cooled, stir in the Crown Royal Peach. The whiskey should not be added while the mixture is too hot, or the alcohol will cook off.
Step 4: Layer with Grenadine
Set your shot cups or molds on a tray. Pour about 1 tablespoon of grenadine into the bottom of each cup. The grenadine is heavier and will sink naturally, giving you a beautiful layered look.
Step 5: Pour the Gelatin Mixture
Slowly and carefully pour the gelatin mixture over the grenadine in each cup, filling just below the rim. Do this gently so the layers don’t mix.
Step 6: Chill to Set
Transfer the tray to your refrigerator. Chill for at least 2 hours or until the shots are fully set. You’ll know they’re ready when they have a firm but jiggly texture.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Right before serving, add a thin peach slice, a lemon twist, or a maraschino cherry to the top of each shot. These little touches make them extra festive and pretty.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Easy to make with only a few ingredients
– Great for parties, BBQs, or beach weekends
– Visually stunning with layered colors
– Customizable with simple swaps and garnishes
– A fun way to surprise adult guests with a nostalgic treat
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Skipping the blooming step: If you don’t let the gelatin bloom properly, it may not dissolve completely, resulting in clumps. Let it sit for 2 full minutes before heating.
Boiling the mixture: High heat destroys gelatin’s setting power. Keep it at a low to medium heat and remove it as soon as it’s dissolved.
Adding alcohol too early: Hot liquid can cook off the alcohol. Always let the gelatin mixture cool slightly before stirring in the whiskey.
Pouring too fast over grenadine: Pour slowly and carefully to maintain the layered look. Pouring too fast will mix the layers.
Storing uncovered: Uncovered shots can absorb fridge odors or dry out. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve cold on a tray garnished with fruit slices or cocktail umbrellas.
Perfect for pool parties, beach-themed events, or summer cookouts.
Pair with light finger foods like grilled shrimp skewers, watermelon salad, or veggie platters.
Can be offered buffet-style with fruit kabobs and mini sliders.
Add a summer playlist and a tray of iced tea or lemonade for a full outdoor vibe.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store in the refrigerator in a covered container or wrapped tray for up to 5 days.
Do not freeze—gelatin changes texture when frozen and thawed.
Keep covered to prevent drying out or absorbing odors.
Garnish just before serving for the freshest look and flavor.
If the top feels sticky after storage, pat gently with a paper towel before garnishing.
FAQs
1. Can I make these without alcohol?
Yes! Simply replace the Crown Royal Peach with more lemonade or peach juice for a fun, family-friendly version.
2. How do I flatten the Sprite?
Pour it into a cup and stir for a few minutes, or leave it out at room temperature uncovered for about 30 minutes to release carbonation.
3. Can I use flavored gelatin instead of unflavored?
You can, but the flavor and sweetness may be overpowering. Stick with unflavored for the best balance and color clarity.
4. Can I make these in advance?
Absolutely! Make them up to 3 days ahead, store covered in the fridge, and garnish just before serving.
5. What’s the best way to transport them to a party?
Place the shot cups in a muffin tin or shallow container with a lid. Keep them chilled with ice packs if traveling in warm weather.
Tips & Tricks
Chill your shot cups before pouring for faster setting.
Use a measuring cup with a spout to pour cleanly and evenly.
Add a splash of peach nectar to boost flavor without adding more alcohol.
Use silicone molds for easy pop-out servings if you want a garnish-free look.
Try rimming the cups with sugar for a cocktail-like twist.
Recipe Variations
1. Tropical Peach Jello Shots
Replace lemonade with pineapple juice, and swap grenadine for a splash of coconut cream at the bottom. Stir in ½ tsp of coconut extract with the alcohol.
2. Raspberry Peach Jello Shots
Use raspberry lemonade instead of plain. Add a few mashed fresh raspberries into the gelatin mixture before pouring.
3. Sparkling Rosé Peach Shots
Substitute flat Sprite with sparkling rosé (let it go flat first). Skip grenadine and add edible glitter for a festive look.
4. Spicy Peach Lemonade Shots
Add ¼ tsp cayenne pepper to the gelatin mixture for a subtle spicy kick. Pair with chili-lime salt on the rim.
5. Minty Peach Jello Shots
Add 1 tablespoon fresh chopped mint to the gelatin mixture before setting. Garnish with a small mint leaf for a cool finish.
Final Thoughts
We sat on the back steps, each with a chilled jello shot, watching the fireflies blink their way through the dusk. He took one, tilted it toward the sky like a toast, and smiled without saying much—just the kind of quiet, content smile that makes you pause. That small moment, right there, held more celebration than any big gathering could.
These Beach Peach Lemonade Jello Shots weren’t just sweet and smooth—they felt like part of the evening itself. I’ve come to realize that sometimes, joy doesn’t need a reason or a guest list. Just a little planning, a hint of whiskey, and someone you enjoy sitting next to.
Beach Peach Lemonade Jello Shots
Print ThisIngredients
- 1 cup Crown Royal Peach (peach-flavored whiskey)
- 1 cup lemonade (homemade or store-bought)
- ½ cup flat Sprite (or any lemon-lime soda)
- 2 packets unflavored gelatin (about 14 grams total)
- 1 tablespoon grenadine
- Optional garnishes: thin peach slices, lemon twists, or maraschino cherries
Instructions
Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin
In a small saucepan, combine lemonade and flat Sprite. Sprinkle gelatin evenly on top and let sit for 2 minutes to soften.
Step 2: Dissolve the Gelatin
Heat over medium, stirring until the gelatin fully dissolves (about 3–4 minutes). Don’t let it boil.
Step 3: Add the Whiskey
Remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes. Stir in Crown Royal Peach once slightly cooled.
Step 4: Add Grenadine Layer
Pour 1 tablespoon of grenadine into each shot cup—it will settle at the bottom for a layered look.
Step 5: Add Gelatin Mixture
Slowly pour the gelatin mixture over the grenadine, filling just below the rim.
Step 6: Chill
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully set and jiggly.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Top with a peach slice, lemon twist, or cherry just before serving.
