Root Beer Float Jello Shots

If you grew up sipping frothy root beer floats on hot summer days, you’re in for a nostalgia-packed surprise. Enter the Root Beer Float Jello Shots—a retro-inspired, fun-loving fusion of childhood joy and adult indulgence. These boozy, creamy, two-layered shots take the classic ice cream float and transform it into a party-ready gelatin treat that looks as fun as it tastes! They’re playful, perfect for gatherings, and bursting with that familiar root beer + vanilla combo. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, retro-themed bash, game night, or even a casual Friday hang, these shots will be the star of the snack table.

Why Is This Recipe So Popular?

Root Beer Float Jello Shots are trending at parties and on social media for some key reasons:

• 🍨 Nostalgia factor – everyone remembers root beer floats with childhood fondness

• 🍺 Boozy twist – combining adult spirits with dessert vibes

• 🥳 Perfect party portion – fun to serve, no utensils needed

• 🌟 Visually striking – two-tone layers look fantastic in shot cups

• 🎯 Easy to customize – you can make them with or without alcohol

Plus, let’s be honest—who doesn’t love a good jello shot?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• 🍺 Combines sweet, creamy, fizzy root beer with a smooth vanilla finish

• 🎉 Crowd-pleasing and conversation-starting

• ❄️ Great make-ahead treat—prep the night before!

• 🧁 Layered look gives it a cool ice cream float vibe

• 🥄 No spoons needed—just peel, slurp, and enjoy!

• ✨ Easy to batch for parties

• 🍨 Can be made with whipped cream vodka or vanilla vodka for max flavor

Ingredients:

These ingredients come together to form a powerhouse of flavor:

For the Root Beer Layer 🍺:

• 🍺 1 cup root beer soda (chilled, not diet)

• 🥄 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, depending on soda sweetness)

• 🧃 2 packets unflavored gelatin (0.5 oz total)

• 🍸 ½ cup vanilla vodka

• 💧 ½ cup cold water

For the Vanilla Cream Layer 🍨:

• 🥛 ¾ cup heavy cream or half-and-half

• 🧃 1 packet unflavored gelatin (0.25 oz)

• 🍸 ¼ cup whipped cream or vanilla vodka

• 🍬 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk (for richness)

• 💧 ¼ cup cold water

Topping/Garnish (optional):

• 🍦 Whipped cream

• 🍒 Maraschino cherry

• 🍫 Shaved chocolate or mini root beer candies

Preparation:

Step 1: Prep your shot cups
Arrange 12–16 plastic or silicone shot cups on a tray. Tilt them slightly using an egg carton or mini muffin pan for a fun diagonal layer (optional).

Step 2: Make the root beer layer
In a saucepan, pour ½ cup cold water and sprinkle in 2 gelatin packets. Let it sit (bloom) for 5 minutes.

Then heat gently over low heat, stirring until the gelatin dissolves. Do not boil.

Remove from heat and add:

• 1 cup root beer

• ½ cup vanilla vodka

• 1 tablespoon sugar (if needed)

Stir until everything is blended. Pour into each shot cup, filling halfway.

Refrigerate until fully set—about 2 hours.

Step 3: Prepare the vanilla cream layer
Sprinkle 1 packet gelatin over ¼ cup cold water and bloom for 5 minutes.

Heat ¾ cup cream gently in a saucepan. Once warm (not boiling), stir in the gelatin mix until dissolved.

Remove from heat and add:

• ¼ cup vanilla or whipped cream vodka

• 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk

Let cool slightly (so it doesn’t melt the root beer layer).

Step 4: Add vanilla layer
Carefully pour the cooled vanilla cream mixture over the set root beer layer.

Refrigerate for another 2–3 hours, or until fully firm.

Step 5: Garnish and serve
Top with a swirl of whipped cream, a cherry on top, or crushed root beer barrel candy just before serving.

Serve chilled, straight from the cup, and get ready for a chorus of “OMG these are so good!”

Variation:

• 🥥 Coconut Root Beer Shots: Use coconut cream instead of dairy and coconut vodka

• 🍫 Chocolate Float Twist: Add a splash of chocolate liqueur to the vanilla layer

• 🍦 Extra Creamy: Swap condensed milk for white chocolate liqueur

• 🌱 Alcohol-free version: Omit vodka and increase soda or use root beer extract

• 🍷 Boozy Root Beer Barrel: Add a splash of spiced rum or amaretto for deeper flavor

• 🍬 Butterscotch Shot: Use butterscotch schnapps with cream for a caramel vibe

COOKING Note:

These shots are very forgiving, but follow these tips for best results:

• Let each layer set completely before adding the next

• Use a chilled metal spoon to slow-pour the second layer over the first

• Avoid using diet soda—gelatin doesn’t set well with artificial sweeteners

• Let the second mixture cool to room temp before pouring, or it will melt the bottom layer

• Store in the fridge, not the freezer (they’ll lose texture)

Serving Suggestions:

• 🎉 Serve on a chilled tray with striped straws cut in half for a float look

• 🥂 Pair with mini burgers or sliders for a diner-inspired party

• 🧁 Set up a retro dessert bar with other Jello shot flavors

• 📸 Use shot glasses for an elevated presentation at adult parties

• 🍨 Serve alongside actual mini root beer floats for a nostalgic contrast

• 🧊 Keep on ice during summer events to stay firm

Tips:

• Use good-quality gelatin for best texture

• Don’t rush the layers—patience ensures that clean, beautiful look

• Want it stronger? Increase the vodka slightly but keep total liquid balanced

• For a creamy texture, avoid non-fat milk

• Can be made 24–48 hours in advance

• Chill your vodka for cleaner, crisper flavor

Prep Time:

20 minutes (active)

Chill Time:

4–6 hours total

Total Time:

6 hours 20 minutes (including chilling)

Nutritional Information (Per Jello Shot, Approximate):

• Calories: 85

• Protein: 1g

• Sodium: 20mg

• Carbs: 5g

• Sugars: 4g

• Fat: 3g

• Alcohol (ABV): ~10–12% depending on ratio

FAQs:

Q: Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut cream or a non-dairy barista blend, and omit the condensed milk.

Q: What vodka works best?
Vanilla vodka, whipped cream vodka, or root beer flavored vodka if you can find it!

Q: Can I make these kid-friendly?
Absolutely—omit vodka and use root beer + vanilla soda or extract instead.

Q: How long do they last?
Up to 5 days in the fridge, covered.

Q: Can I make them in a baking dish and cut into cubes?
Yes! Use a square pan, layer as directed, and cut into bite-sized squares.

Q: Can I freeze them?
Freezing is not recommended—they’ll lose their jiggle and turn icy.

Conclusion:

Root Beer Float Jello Shots are everything you want in a party treat—fun, flavorful, nostalgic, and just a little naughty. They bring together the best of both worlds: the creamy sweetness of a childhood root beer float and the cheeky buzz of a grown-up cocktail.  Make them for your next BBQ, birthday, holiday, or themed get-together, and watch them disappear. With two layers of creamy and fizzy joy, they look like mini desserts but pack a punch that gets the party going. Whether you’re a jello shot veteran or a first-timer, these are the shots everyone will talk about long after the tray is empty.

Print