Last Updated on March 20, 2024 by Lydia Martin
As you gear up your shot glasses for summer parties and festive gatherings, the quest for the perfect tequila to elevate your gelatin creations takes center stage!
So, to discover the best tequila for Jello Shots to rock your next party, I have conducted a spirited experiment with various tequila brands.
Here are my top picks to craft those colorful and unforgettable jiggly delights.
Top 7 Tequilas To Make Tequila Jello Shot Recipe
1. 1800 Silver Tequila
Average Price: approx. $37 (company website)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Robust agave aroma, with fruity and black pepper notes
Palate: Sweet with a slightly citrus taste and gentle peppery finish
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why We Like It: 1800 Silver stands out for its approachable flavor, making it a good choice for those new to Tequila Jello Shots.
“Gummy bears go well with Jello, and if you soak your bears in spirits before adding them to the Jello Shot molds, you’ll add an extra kick to your Shots.” – Taylor Tobin, Journalist
I like using this spirit in a classic Margarita mix because of its approachable smoothness. So, when I use it for a Tequila Jello Shot, I would go for the Margarita Jello Shot with lime jello, Margarita salt, and lime juice. But how many jello shots will get you drunk?
2. Espolon Blanco
Average Price: approx. $30 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Sweet agave, light citrus, vanilla, and herbal aroma
Palate: Light peppery taste with mild alcohol and light citrus hints
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why We Like It: I appreciate Espolon for its affordability, availability, and versatility. It’s a very easy drink with no intense flavors, but it’s more interesting as a mixer than a sipper.
It creates a harmonious blend with a Jello mix (or Margarita mix). Besides, it’s available almost anywhere, perfect for a last-minute party spirit recipe.
Read: Our Favorite Chasers For Casamigos Tequila
3. Patron Silver
Average Price: approx. $53 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Bright agave and clean citrus aroma
Palate: Smooth and clean taste with black pepper, agave, and cinnamon notes
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why We Like It: Now, I know Patron is an expensive tequila, but if you’re into higher-end tequilas for your colored Jello Shot, it is among the cheapest choices to stir in.
I only recommend it if you make Tequila Jello Shots for yourself or special gatherings. It adds a sophisticated agave touch to the Jello mixture, or Margarita mix recipe.
4. Agavales Blanco
Average Price: approx. $18 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Fresh agave, apple, grass, and black pepper
Palate: Bitter with some agave, roasted nuts, and a hot finish
Star Rating: ★★★★
Why We Like It: Agavales Blanco is an affordable option for crafting Tequila Jello Shots. It has no offensive flavors, so if you sip it straight, you will only have a bland drink.
However, it’s a good mixer for a Jello Shot recipe, incorporating a subtle kick to your cocktail.
Read: Best Vodka For Jello Shots
5. El Jimador Silver
Average Price: approx. $24 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Roasted agave aroma, mint, and slightly herbal notes
Palate: Prominent agave taste, with subtle black pepper and herbal hints
Star Rating: ★★★★
Why We Like It: El Jimador Silver is another smooth but budget-friendly option to make the best Tequila Jello Shots.
It brings a fresh and straightforward agave taste that complements the fruity flavors of this cocktail recipe.
6. Olmeca Altos Plata
Average Price: approx. $31 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Subtle floral and citrus aroma with cooked agave notes
Palate: Medium-bodied with clean agave and peppery taste
Star Rating: ★★★★
Why We Like It: Olmeca Altos Plata is blanco or white tequila that works well in a Margarita mix.
“While some well-known party beverages may fall short, Shots deliver on both taste and the enjoyable buzz!” – Liquor Laboratory
It provides the same effects in Tequila Jello Shots, incorporating a vibrant agave and peppery flavor, perfect for a fun-filled gathering filled with shots. But how long are jello shots good for?
7. Jose Cuervo Especial Silver
Average Price: approx. $27 (1L on Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Little herbaceous aroma, with a persistent smell of nail polish remover
Palate: Little black pepper, vanilla, and artificial sweetness and bitterness
Star Rating: ★★★
Why We Like It: I would not recommend taking this one straight, but this product is quite a decent mixer to stir in for Tequila Jello Shots.
It is a mixto that only has at least 51% agave in the blend, resulting in flavors that taste artificial.
So, if you plan to craft affordable Tequila Jello Shots, this one is among the ultimate budget-friendly options.
*Note: Average prices are based on Drizly and the official product websites. The star rating was determined based on a blind test, with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest. Each product was evaluated on its overall quality, flavor profile, complexity, smoothness, and overall enjoyment.
FAQs Related to Best Tequila for Jello Shots
What qualities make a tequila suitable for jello shots?
Tequila for jello shots should have a smooth and clean flavor profile that complements the sweetness of the gelatin without overpowering it. Opting for a blanco (silver) or joven (gold) tequila is typically ideal.
Should I use 100% agave tequila for jello shots?
While 100% agave tequila is preferred for its pure flavor, mixto tequilas (which may contain a blend of agave and other sugars) can also work well in jello shots, especially considering they are often more affordable.
What type of tequila is best for jello shots?
Blanco (silver) tequila is often recommended for jello shots due to its clean and neutral flavor profile. It allows the flavors of the gelatin to shine through without adding any additional complexity.
Are there any specific tequila brands that are commonly used for jello shots?
Some popular tequila brands for jello shots include Jose Cuervo, Sauza, El Jimador, Espolòn, and Camarena. These brands offer good quality at various price points, making them suitable for jello shot recipes.
Should I avoid using aged tequilas for jello shots?
Aged tequilas, such as reposado or añejo, may have more complex flavors from barrel aging that can clash with the sweetness of jello shots. It’s generally best to stick with blanco or joven tequilas for this purpose.
Key Takeaways
The best Tequila Jello Shots do not require expensive spirits to make the recipe delicious and appealing. You can make Tequila Jello Shots in easy steps. The prep time is around 20 minutes, and the process takes over two hours.
First, refrigerate the combined tequila and cold water in a large bowl. Then, in another bowl, stir the gelatin powder and boiling water. You can also use a Margarita mix.
Combine all the ingredients, and add food coloring if desired. Carefully pour the mixture into small plastic cups or shot glasses, but leave a little room for the Margarita salt and lime wedge.
Put them in the fridge to set, then enjoy your delicious boozy treats.
References:
- https://www.insider.com/guides/kitchen/Jello-shots
- https://www.thrillist.com/culture/everything-you-need-to-know-about-Jello-shots
