Last weekend, our little town hosted a beach clean-up event, and I was all in. Gloves on, bucket in hand, and kids trailing behind with more curiosity than complaints—honestly, it felt good doing something together that mattered. We spent the better part of the day combing through sand, hauling up old soda cans and stray flip-flops, laughing at the weirdest finds (someone really left a blender out there?). The sun was fierce, and by the time we wrapped up, we were sweaty, salty, and ready for something cold and fun.
Now, I’m not someone who usually reaches for fancy party drinks. But after a full day of sand in my shoes and kindness in my heart, I wanted a little reward—something refreshing with a touch of celebration.
These Beach Peach Lemonade Jello Shots came to mind because they’re quick to make and look like a tiny summer sunset in a cup. I pulled out the Crown Peach that had been hanging out in the pantry since last July, grabbed some lemonade and Sprite from the fridge, and got to work. And the grenadine layer? That sweet pop at the bottom is like the cherry on top—literally, if you want to throw one in.
Honestly, they were gone in a flash. I made a second batch the next day because my husband asked if “those peachy things” were still around. Spoiler: they weren’t—but they are now.
Short Description
These Beach Peach Lemonade Jello Shots combine sweet peach whiskey, tangy lemonade, and a splash of grenadine to create refreshing, layered treats perfect for summer parties or beach-themed gatherings.
Key Ingredients
- 1 cup Crown Royal Peach (peach-flavored whiskey)
- 1 cup lemonade (homemade or store-bought)
- ½ cup flat Sprite (or any lemon-lime soda)
- 2 packets unflavored gelatin (about 14 grams total)
- 1 tablespoon grenadine
- Optional garnishes: thin peach slices, lemon twists, or maraschino cherries
Tools Needed
- Small saucepan
- Whisk or spoon
- Tray for easy transport
- Plastic shot cups or silicone molds (1 to 2 oz size)
- Refrigerator space
- Measuring cups and spoons
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin
In a small saucepan, pour in the lemonade and flat Sprite. Sprinkle the gelatin evenly over the surface. Let it sit for 2 minutes so the gelatin can bloom—it’ll look a bit wrinkled or spongy, and that’s perfect.
Step 2: Dissolve the Gelatin
Place the saucepan over medium heat. Gently stir with a whisk or spoon until the gelatin is completely dissolved, about 3 to 4 minutes. Be sure not to let the mixture boil—it should be warm, not bubbling.
Step 3: Add the Peach Whiskey
Once the gelatin is dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly for 5 minutes. Stir in the Crown Royal Peach and mix well. The alcohol should blend smoothly with the warm gelatin base.
Step 4: Layer the Shots
Set your shot cups or molds on a tray so you can move them easily. Add about 1 tablespoon of grenadine into the bottom of each cup. It will sink and form a red layer at the base.
Carefully pour the gelatin mixture over the grenadine, filling each cup nearly to the top. Do this slowly to preserve the layers and avoid splashing.
Step 5: Chill Until Set
Transfer the tray to your refrigerator. Let the shots chill for at least 2 hours, or until fully set and firm to the touch.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Right before serving, top each shot with a peach slice, lemon twist, or cherry for extra flair. Serve cold straight from the fridge.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Refreshing, fruity flavor perfect for warm weather
– Easy to make in advance for parties
– Great presentation with layered colors
– Fun twist on classic cocktails
– Can be made in bulk for crowd-pleasing treats
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Mistake 1: Not blooming the gelatin
If you skip blooming, the gelatin may clump. Always sprinkle it evenly and let it sit before heating.
Mistake 2: Letting the mixture boil
Boiling can weaken the gelatin and dull the flavor. Keep it warm but not bubbling.
Mistake 3: Adding alcohol too early
Adding the whiskey while the mixture is too hot can cause the alcohol to evaporate. Wait until it’s warm but not steaming.
Mistake 4: Pouring too fast over grenadine
Pour slowly to keep the grenadine at the bottom. Rushing can mix the layers.
Mistake 5: Removing before set
Let them chill for the full 2 hours. If they feel soft in the middle, give them more time.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve these chilled straight from the fridge in small plastic cups or fun silicone molds. They’re perfect for:
– Beach-themed parties
– Backyard BBQs
– Brunch buffets
– Bridal showers or birthday bashes
Pair with light summer fare like grilled shrimp skewers, citrusy salads, or fresh fruit platters. For drinks, a sparkling peach sangria or lemonade spritzer complements the shots beautifully.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store in fridge: Keep jello shots covered and refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Don’t freeze: Freezing will change the texture.
Transport carefully: Keep them chilled in a cooler if traveling.
Refrigerate garnishes separately: Add peach slices or cherries just before serving for best freshness.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different alcohol besides Crown Royal Peach?
Yes! Try peach schnapps, vodka, or even white rum with peach extract. Adjust to your taste preference.
2. Do I have to use flat Sprite?
Flat soda helps avoid bubbles in the jello. You can substitute with water or lemon-lime juice if you prefer.
3. How do I make them non-alcoholic?
Swap the Crown Royal Peach with peach juice or peach-flavored sparkling water. They’ll still taste great and be kid-friendly!
4. Can I make these shots ahead of time?
Absolutely. Make them up to 2–3 days in advance and keep them sealed in the fridge.
5. What if my jello shots don’t set?
Make sure the gelatin was fully dissolved and not expired. You can try adding another ½ packet of gelatin and resetting the batch.
Tips & Tricks
Use a small funnel or pour spout to fill cups cleanly.
For a stronger shot, reduce the soda by ¼ cup and add more whiskey.
Want a more tart flavor? Use fresh-squeezed lemonade.
Add a dash of edible glitter for a sparkly touch.
If your grenadine floats, let it chill for a few minutes before adding gelatin.
Recipe Variations
1. Peach Tea Jello Shots
Replace lemonade with sweet tea
Use 1 cup Crown Royal Peach + ½ cup sweet tea
Garnish with a mint leaf and peach slice
2. Tropical Sunset Shots
Use pineapple juice instead of lemonade
Add coconut rum instead of Crown Royal
Top with a tiny pineapple wedge or a mini umbrella
3. Berry Peach Layered Shots
Add 1 tablespoon blueberry syrup with the grenadine
Use berry lemonade
Garnish with a blueberry skewer
4. Spicy Peach Jello Shots
Add ¼ teaspoon chili powder to the gelatin mixture
Use Tajín-rimmed cups for a spicy kick
Pair with a slice of jalapeño on top
Final Thoughts
That beach clean-up left me with sore legs, a few blisters, and a full heart. Sharing these bright little Jello shots with neighbors on the porch afterward felt like a proper way to wrap things up—light, fruity, and just a bit boozy. It reminded me how easy it is to bring joy with something small, especially when it’s made with care and shared with good company.
I’ll definitely be keeping this recipe close by for casual weekends and warm-weather get-togethers. And next time the crew gets together for another community day, I know exactly what I’m bringing to say, “Thanks for showing up.”
Beach Peach Lemonade Jello Shots
Ingredients
- 1 cup Crown Royal Peach peach-flavored whiskey
- 1 cup lemonade homemade or store-bought
- ½ cup flat Sprite or any lemon-lime soda
- 2 packets unflavored gelatin about 14 grams total
- 1 tablespoon grenadine
- Optional garnishes: thin peach slices lemon twists, or maraschino cherries
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine lemonade and flat Sprite. Sprinkle gelatin on top and let sit for 2 minutes until spongy.
- Heat over medium, stirring gently for 3–4 minutes until gelatin fully dissolves. Don’t let it boil.
- Remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes. Stir in Crown Royal Peach until smooth.
- Place cups on a tray. Add 1 tbsp grenadine to each. Slowly pour in the gelatin mix, filling each cup.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, until firm. Top with a peach slice, lemon twist, or cherry. Serve cold.
