Looking for a festive bite for New Year’s Eve or any celebration? Try these French 75 jello shots—everything you love about the classic cocktail (gin, champagne, lemon, and a touch of sweetness) in a fun, jiggly party format.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic with a playful twist: The botanical gin, bright lemon, and bubbly champagne of a French 75 are captured in a convenient, shareable shot.
- Made for celebrations: Champagne in the recipe makes these perfect for New Year’s, weddings, showers, or brunch parties.
- Light and refreshing: The lemon keeps the flavor bright rather than overly sweet.
- Prep ahead: Make these hours—or even a day—ahead to simplify hosting.
- Elegant but fun: They look polished enough for a cocktail party yet are playful and approachable.
- Customizable: Adjust the gin, swap in prosecco, or add sugared lemon, edible gold, or colored sprinkles for the occasion.
- Small servings: Bite-sized portions let guests sample without committing to a full cocktail.
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Ingredients List
- 3-ounce box lemon Jello
- ¼ cup gin (adjust to taste)
- 1 ½ cups champagne or prosecco, divided
- ¼ cup water
- Gold sprinkles or other edible toppers (optional)
- About 14 2-ounce jello shot cups with lids (or similar portion cups)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- You can replace the lemon Jello with unflavored gelatin (two ¼-ounce envelopes) plus ¼ cup fresh lemon juice and ¼ cup simple syrup—bloom the gelatin first and follow package instructions. The boxed lemon Jello is faster and more convenient.
- Champagne tends to be drier than prosecco; use whichever sparkling wine you prefer.
- If you prefer a different spirit, try tequila for a Mexican 75 or vodka for a French 76.
- Decorate for the occasion: sugared lemon, edible gold, or colored sprinkles all work well. Add garnishes just before serving to avoid bleeding into the jello.
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Heat the water and half the champagne (¾ cup) in a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan until boiling. Once boiling, whisk in the lemon Jello until fully dissolved.
- Stir in the gin and the remaining ¾ cup champagne until combined. Let the mixture sit a minute so the bubbles settle and the liquid smooths out.
- Pour or ladle evenly into your portion cups, leaving a little headspace so lids don’t press into the surface. A cookie sheet underneath makes transport easier.
- Cover and refrigerate until set—at least 2 hours, though 4 hours or overnight is better for a firm set.
- Garnish and serve: Add sprinkles, lemon zest, or other toppings just before serving and enjoy.
Pairing Suggestions
Savory Bites
- Gougères or cheese puffs: Light and slightly rich—these balance the citrus and bubbles nicely.
- Prosciutto-wrapped melon: Sweet and salty flavors that complement the lemon-champagne notes.
- Mini quiches or egg bites: A savory, brunch-friendly choice that pairs well with sparkling flavors.
- Smoked salmon crostini: Rich salmon contrasts beautifully with the crisp, bubbly jello shots.
Sweet Treats
- Lemon bars or shortbread: Reinforce the citrus theme for a cohesive pairing.
- Vanilla or almond cookies: Simple, buttery cookies tame the acidity and let the champagne notes shine.
- White chocolate–dipped strawberries: Creamy sweetness pairs nicely with lemon and gin.
Party Favorites
- Fresh fruit platters: Berries, grapes, and citrus slices keep the spread light and refreshing.
- Scones or tea cakes: Subtly sweet options that don’t compete with the shots.
- Deviled eggs: Creamy and savory, they make an unexpectedly good match.
Holiday & Celebration Pairings
- Charcuterie boards: Soft cheeses, mild crackers, and fruit support the delicate flavors.
- Champagne cupcakes or cake pops: A playful way to echo the celebratory theme.
- Gold-sprinkled desserts: Visually perfect for New Year’s Eve, weddings, or other fancy occasions.
Recipe FAQs
Does gin work in jello shots?
Yes. Gin’s botanical character pairs especially well with lemon, making it an excellent choice for these French 75–style jello shots.
Is a French 75 made with champagne or prosecco?
Traditionally it’s Champagne, but prosecco or another dry sparkling wine is a fine substitute—especially for a casual, party-style recipe like jello shots.
Can I use flavored gin?
Yes. Lightly citrus or floral flavored gins work best, as they complement the lemon and sparkling wine without overwhelming the shot.
Tips for the Best French 75 Jello Shots
- Use 14 cups if you want a small headspace for lids; overfilling can leave indentations from the lids. Alternatively, set the jello in fun molds or in a pan and cut into shapes.
- Serve with tiny spoons or let guests pop them straight into their mouths—either works.
- Add garnishes right before serving since edible decorations can bleed color into the jello over time.
Storage and Serving
- Best within 2–3 days: For optimal texture and flavor, enjoy within a few days of making them.
- Do not freeze: Freezing will damage the texture and cause separation when thawed.
- Keep chilled: Store in the refrigerator and remove in small batches so the remaining shots stay firm.
More New Years Recipes
Champagne Margarita: Easy New Year Tequila Cocktail!
Glitter Ball Cocktail: Easy New Year’s Champagne Drink!
Air Fryer Bacon Crackers: Easy Snack or Appetizer!
Black Eyed Pea Fritters: Air Fryer New Year’s App!
Final Thoughts
These French 75 jello shots turn a celebratory cocktail into a playful, edible toast. They’re easy to adapt—change the spirit, swap the sparkling wine, or vary the garnishes—to suit any party. If you want a fresh way to serve champagne flavors, these are a fun, crowd-pleasing option.
Enjoy them at your next celebration, and feel free to experiment with flavors and toppings to match your event.
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French 75 Jello Shots (With Gin & Champagne)
Servings: 14
Prep: 10
Cook: 3
Setting Time 2
Total: 2 13
These French 75 Jello shots capture the classic cocktail in a jiggly, party format—gin, champagne, lemon, and a hint of sweetness make them ideal for celebrations.
Equipment
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Microwave or saucepan
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Microwave-safe bowl or large measuring cup
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Spatula or spoon for stirring
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Approximately 14 two-ounce plastic cups with lids
Ingredients
- 3 ounce box lemon Jello
- ¼ cup gin
- 1 ½ cups champagne or prosecco (divided)
- ¼ cup water
- Gold sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
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Add the water and half the champagne (¾ cup) to a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan and heat until boiling. Once boiling, whisk in the lemon Jello and stir until completely dissolved.
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Pour in the gin and the remaining ¾ cup champagne and stir to combine. Let the bubbles settle so the liquid is smooth before filling cups.
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Ladle or pour evenly into your portion cups, leaving a little room for lids so they don’t press into the jello.
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Cover and refrigerate until set, at least 2 hours, preferably 4 or overnight for the best texture.
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Garnish with sprinkles or other toppings just before serving, and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use regular or sugar-free lemon Jello.
- Champagne is usually drier than prosecco; choose your preferred sparkling wine.
- Swap gin for tequila or vodka to create different variations.
- Decorations like gold, white, and black sprinkles are festive—add them right before serving.
- Nutritional values vary by brand and portion size; consider any garnish or substitutions when estimating macros.
Nutrition
Serving: 36g | Calories: 52kcal | Carbohydrates: 6.1g
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Nutritional values are guidelines and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Keyword french 75 jello shots, french 75 recipes, jello shot recipe with champagne, jello shots with gin, new years drinks
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