If you’re looking for a fun drink that always brings cheer to holiday parties, these sugar cane jellies are the perfect combination of holiday cheer and flavor. They feature a bright red layer, a creamy white layer, and a final red mixture that creates a beautiful swirl. Each shot glass is topped with whipped cream and crushed candy canes for a Christmassy glow.
Store cane jelly in the refrigerator. Cover shot glasses with lids or plastic wrap, or place them in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing any odors from the refrigerator. This way they can be stored for up to 5 days. Wait until just before serving to add the whipped cream and crushed candy canes or powdered sugar to keep it fresh.
vodka: Use flavored vodkas like vanilla, whipped cream or mint to match the holiday theme. Substitute white rum or tequila for a different alcohol base. For a non-alcoholic option, substitute extra cold water for the vodka.
sweetened condensed milk: Use coconut condensed milk instead of dairy-free.
Fresh cream: Use dairy-free whipped cream for a lactose-free option. Use cold whip or other whipped ingredients instead.
Ingredients: Instead of using crushed candy canes or sprinkles, use colored granulated sugar or top with a whole starlight mint.
Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version by substituting equal parts cold water or flavored soda for the vodka.
Make sure each layer is fully set before adding the next layer. Also, let the white mixture cool to room temperature, then pour it over the previous layer to prevent mixing. I usually make the white layer while the first red layer is setting so it has time to cool.
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Measure each layer: Add 15-17 ml of jelly mixture to each layer. If using a cup with a lid, this ensures consistency and leaves room for the lid.
Use a syringe or turkey baster: A syringe or turkey baster provides better control when adding the jelly mixture to the glass, helping to form an even layer.
level: Place the wine glass on a flat, level surface in the refrigerator. This helps prevent uneven layers.
patience: Allow each layer to set completely before adding the next. Rushing can cause the layers to mix and become uneven.
The best glass to use in this recipe is a 2-ounce glass. I recommend using 2-ounce plastic condiment cups with lids because lids make storage and transportation easier.
Ingredient description
- Red jelly (I used cherry jelly) – Creates a vibrant red layer with a classic fruity undertone.
- boiling water – Helps completely dissolve flavored and unflavored gelatin to form a smooth layer.
- Vodka (or cup vodka/vanilla vodka) – For added “holiday cheer,” chilled vodka helps each layer set properly.
- cold water – Balances the alcohol while keeping the mixture at the correct set temperature.
- Unflavored gelatin – A milky mixture forms, allowing the middle layer to maintain its shape.
- sweetened condensed milk – gives the white layer a silky smooth, sugar cane latte feel that tastes incredible.
- Fresh cream – Add a fluffy topping to make these feel like dessert shots.
- Crushed candy canes or powdered sugar – Finish each drink with a crunchy mint topping.
How to Make Candy Canes Jelly
- In a mixing bowl, dissolve red jelly packets in 2 cups boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved. Add 1 cup cold water and 1 cup chilled vodka to the mixture. Mix well.
- Arrange 30 (2-ounce) shot glasses on a large rimmed tray. Pour half of the red jelly mixture into the glass, filling it about one-third full. Place the shot glass in the refrigerator and let sit for at least 1 hour.
- Add unflavored gelatin and 1 cup boiling water to another mixing bowl. Stir until gelatin is completely dissolved.
- Add 1 can of sweetened condensed milk, ½ cup of cold water, and ½ cup of chilled vodka to the gelatin mixture. Stir until well combined. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
- Once the red layer has set, pour the white gelatin mixture over the set red layer in the shot glass and fill another third. Refrigerate shot glass for another 1 hour or until white layer is set.
- If the remaining red jelly mixture has started to solidify, heat it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to melt it again. Pour the remaining red jelly mixture over the set white layer in the glass, filling it to the top. Return the wine glass to the refrigerator and leave for another 2 hours or until completely set.
- Before serving, pipe a layer of whipped cream over each jelly. Sprinkle crushed candy canes or powdered sugar on top and enjoy.
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Candy Cane Jelly Shot
If you’re looking for a fun drink that always brightens up a holiday party, these sugar cane jellies are the perfect combination of holiday cheer and nostalgic flavor
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In a mixing bowl, dissolve red jelly packets in 2 cups boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved. Add 1 cup cold water and 1 cup chilled vodka to the mixture. Mix well.
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Arrange 30 (2-ounce) shot glasses on a large rimmed tray. Pour half of the red jelly mixture into the glass, filling it about one-third full. Place the shot glass in the refrigerator and let sit for at least 1 hour.
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Add unflavored gelatin and 1 cup boiling water to another mixing bowl. Stir until gelatin is completely dissolved.
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Add 1 can of sweetened condensed milk, ½ cup of cold water, and ½ cup of chilled vodka to the gelatin mixture. Stir until well combined. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
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Once the red layer has set, pour the white gelatin mixture over the set red layer in the shot glass and fill another third. Refrigerate shot glass for another 1 hour or until white layer is set.
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If the remaining red jelly mixture has started to solidify, heat it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to melt it again. Pour the remaining red jelly mixture over the set white layer in the glass, filling it to the top. Return the wine glass to the refrigerator and leave for another 2 hours or until completely set.
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Before serving, pipe a layer of whipped cream over each jelly. Sprinkle crushed candy canes or powdered sugar on top and enjoy.
Calories: 118kilocalories | carbohydrate: 13gram | protein: 2gram | Fat: 3gram | Saturated fat: 2gram | cholesterol: 13milligrams | sodium: 44milligrams | Potassium: 1milligrams | sugar: 13gram | Vitamin A: 149IU | Vitamin C: 0.05milligrams | calcium: 39milligrams | iron: 0.01milligrams
Nutritional Disclaimer: Family Meals is not a nutritionist or nutritionist and any nutritional information shared is an estimate only. If you need to verify any information, we recommend calculating the ingredients through an online nutrition calculator.
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