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Summer Sunset Watermelon Margaritas: The Easiest Jello Shots Ever!

These Watermelon Margarita Jello Shots are the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and refreshing – and they're surprisingly easy to make! Capture the feeling of lazy summer days with this fun and festive treat.
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Prep Time 15 minutes

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Shot glasses or molds
  • Small plate

Ingredients
  

Ingredients

  • 1 cup watermelon juice freshly juiced is best, but store-bought works too!
  • 1 cup tequila your favorite brand!
  • 0.5 cup lime juice freshly squeezed, for the best flavor
  • 0.25 cup triple sec adds a lovely orangey note
  • 0.25 cup sugar granulated sugar is fine
  • 3 tablespoons unflavored gelatin powder
  • 0.5 cup water
  • sea salt for rimming glasses
  • watermelon slices for garnish
  • lime wedges for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Combine the watermelon juice, tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and sugar in a medium saucepan. Give it a good stir until the sugar completely dissolves. I like to use a whisk to make sure there are no clumps.
  • In a separate small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin powder over the 1/2 cup of water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to “bloom.” This helps the gelatin dissolve smoothly.
  • Place your saucepan over medium-low heat and gently warm the watermelon mixture until it's warm to the touch. Don't let it boil! Remove it from the heat as soon as it’s warm.
  • Add the bloomed gelatin to the warm watermelon mixture and stir continuously until it's completely dissolved. You want a smooth, even mixture.
  • Carefully pour the mixture into your shot glasses or molds. I like to use small plastic cups for easy handling.
  • Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully set. Patience, my friend, it's worth the wait!
  • To rim the glasses (optional, but highly recommended!), moisten the rims with a lime wedge and then dip them into a small plate of sea salt.
  • Serve your chilled jello shots, garnished with a fresh watermelon slice and a lime wedge.

Notes

Use fresh juice for the best flavor. Don't overheat the mixture, or the gelatin may not set properly. Can be made a day or two in advance.