Sparkling Cider Jello Shots (non-alcoholic) Recipe (2024)

Jump to Recipe

SomethingSwanky is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

These Sparkling Cider Jello Shots are as stunning and beautiful as they are delicious and fun! A great alternative to alcoholic champagne jello shots that are so popular on New Years, these sparkling treats are for the whole family!

I’ve been so excited to share this recipe with you! But first, can we just take a moment to say ohmygosh I can’t believe Christmas has already come and gone?!?

I mean. Wow.

How has the entire year already flown by??

We had a really great Christmas with my family in North Carolina. It took us all day to work our way through the pile of gifts, the food was incredible, and the day was filled with lots of laughter and love. We relished in every single moment watching Emma as she (for the first year) started to really understand the concept of Santa, gift giving, and (obviously) gift getting. We went overboard on her gifts this year, no question about it, but it has been so much fun watching her gleefully run around with new toys.

I know, I know– I’m just talking about the toys and presents. I know there’s more to Christmas, and I should be focusing on that. But I just can’t wipe the grin off my face when I see her sitting at her new vanity curling her hair and applying pretend lipstick. Or when she runs around with her new camera shouting “SAY CHEEEEEEEEEEEEESE!” Or when I hear her speaking in a high squeaky voice as she pretends the Cinderella lego-person is having a conversation with the Ariel lego-person.

It’s just so sweet my heart feels like it’s going to explode.

But all good things must come to an end, I suppose. And now it’s time to transition into the New Year. Which means it’s almost time to start cleaning out her room of old and ragged toys, taking down the Christmas decorations, and making salad my new favorite food (boo)!

Fortunately, the cosmic universe (well… the calendar year, actually) gives us a buffer week in between the most gluttonous day of the year and the least. And we get to use this week to finish up the holiday food leftovers and plan for one last awesome celebration: New Years Eve!

We don’t drink, but I’ve always loved the look of champagne jello shots. They just look so pretty and sparkly, and I’ve been meaning to get around to making a non-alcoholic sparkling cider version forever!

These are so fun and just as beautiful as the champagne jello shots, but these can be enjoyed by the entire family! You can use any flavor of sparkling cider (or even a combination of half juice and half carbonated water) and add berries or cherries for a fancy look! You could even add gummies for a less-fancy and more kid-friendly feel!!

I used White Grape Sparkling Juice and blackberries for a more “adult” and sophisticated look and taste, but there are so many variations you could create. And, of course, think outside the glass! I was going for fancy-looking, so I poured them into these stemmed glasses. But you could pour the jello into small jars or even cut them into cubes!

Sparkling Cider Jello Shot Tips

  • You can use any flavor of sparkling cider or juice for this recipe. I like to use a white grape sparkling cider for a more sophisticated look and taste, but you could also use apple, cranberry, or even orange juice!
  • If you’re using whole berries or cherries as a garnish, be sure to wash them and remove the stems before adding them to the jello shots.
  • These can be poured into any type of container you like for serving, from small jars to stemmed glasses. If you’re using stemmed glasses, be sure to pour the liquid slowly so as not to lose too much carbonation.
  • These can also be made into cubes by pouring them into a square or rectangular cake pan and then freezing. Once frozen, you can pop them out of the pan and store in a freezer-safe container. Then, just before serving, let them thaw slightly so that they’re easy to eat!
  • If you’re looking for a less-fancy and more kid-friendly version, try adding gummy bears or other types of gummy candy to the jello shots!

Sparkling Cider Jello Shot FAQ

Do I have to use gelatin?

You can definitely make these without the gelatin, but they will not be as firm. For a less-firm jello shot, you could try using agar-agar or vegan gelatin.

Can I use any type of sparkling juice or cider?

Yes, you can use any type of sparkling juice or cider that you like. I recommend choosing a sparkling juice or cider with a fruity flavor for the best results.

Can I add alcohol to these jello shots?

Yes, you can add alcohol to these jello shots if you would like. Just be sure to adjust the amount of gelatin accordingly. For example, if you are using 1 cup of alcohol, use only 1 envelope of unflavored gelatin.

How long will these jello shots keep?

These jello shots will keep in the fridge for about 2-3 days. You can also store them in the freezer for a few weeks. Just be sure to thaw them slightly before serving.

So there you have it! A fun and festive way to end the year and celebrate New Year’s Eve! These Sparkling Cider Jello Shots are as stunning and beautiful as they are delicious and fun! A great alternative to alcoholic champagne jello shots that are so popular on New Years, these sparkling treats are for the whole family!

Sparkling Cider Jello Shots (non-alcoholic) Recipe (5)

Sparkling Cider Jello Shots (non-alcoholic)

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup boiling water
  • 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
  • 2 1/2 cups sparkling juice or cider (chilled)
  • optional: berries, cherries, or gummies

Instructions

  1. Sprinkle the 2 envelopes of unflavored gelatin over the boiling water and let soften for a few minutes. Whisk to dissolve completely and to get rid of clumps.
  2. Pour the sparkling juice or cider gently into a mixing bowl or large measuring cup with a spout (try to pour onto the inside of the bowl to minimize carbonation loss). Pour the gelatin mixture into the sparkling juice and gently stir to combine.
  3. Pour the liquid into stemmed glasses or other containers you wish to use for serving. Add berries or gummies to each glass.
  4. Refrigerate for an hour before serving or until jello is firm enough to eat.

Notes

Recipe modified from a Champagne Jello Shot recipe found on 1 Fine Cookie

Don’t miss a bite!

Connect with Something Swanky:

Sparkling Cider Jello Shots (non-alcoholic) Recipe (6)

Check out these other great recipes for New Years:

  • French Tart Recipe: Classic Apple or Berry Pastry with Cream

  • How Long Does Lemon Last in the Fridge? Tips to Store Lemons

  • Irish Tea Cake Recipe: Simple, Delicate, Delicious

  • Coffee Cake Recipe Without Sour Cream

Sparkling Cider Jello Shots (non-alcoholic) Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is a good substitute for alcohol in jello shots? ›

For a trendy and healthy jello shot, try using kombucha as a substitute for alcohol. Kombucha is a fermented tea that's naturally effervescent and slightly sour. Choose a flavor that complements your jello powder — ginger, raspberry, or mango are all good choices — and mix the kombucha with your jello powder.

Can apple cider be non alcoholic? ›

Is there apple cider without alcohol? Yes! While many think of alcoholic drinks when they hear apple cider, fresh apple cider is actually a nonalcoholic drink! In the United States and Canada, it's just unfiltered apple juice without any sweetener added.

How to make alcohol free cider? ›

The Process of Making Non Alcoholic Cider

Traditionally, non alcoholic cider was made by fermenting fruit juice at a low temperature, which slowed down the process and limited the production of alcohol. The cider was then filtered to remove any remaining alcohol content.

Is Sparkling cider the same as apple cider? ›

Authentic "sparkling cider" is a naturally carbonated beverage made from unfiltered apple cider. "Sparkling apple juice", often confused with it and sometimes even labeled as "sparkling cider", as does the popular Martinelli's brand, is filtered, pasteurized, and mechanically carbonated and thus not true cider.

What is a good substitute for alcohol in desserts? ›

Simply substitute an equal amount of red grape juice, cranberry juice or nonalcoholic wine. Rum – If you're preparing tropical desserts like our Banana Rum Cupcakes and Cuban Rum Cake but don't have rum, use rum extract or reach for the pineapple juice.

What makes jello shots not set? ›

Jello shots won't set properly if you add too much alcohol. Generally, a basic batch of jello shots is made with one cup of juice or water, one packet of gelatin, 1/2 cup of cold water and 1/2 cup of alcohol. However, jello shots can be made with as much as 2/3 cup alcohol without changing their texture.

Does sparkling apple cider have alcohol? ›

Since sparkling apple cider is fermented, you may wonder, “Is there any alcohol in sparkling cider?” To clarify, sparkling cider does not have alcohol. Hard cider is where the confusion comes into play. Hard cider is apple juice that has been fermented for a longer time, becoming alcoholic.

What is a non-alcoholic substitute for apple cider? ›

If you're in a bind, you can substitute cider with apple juice in a recipe. Just make sure it's unsweetened apple juice, so your recipe isn't too far off from its original flavor profile.

How do you make fizzy cider? ›

Basic Method. The most basic bottle conditioning method simply consists in letting the cider ferment to dryness, and when it's ready to bottle, some sugar is added so that the fermentation of this sugar inside the hermetically closed bottle will produce the desired sparkle within a few weeks.

What are the ingredients in sparkling cider? ›

Ingredients: Pasteurized 100% carbonated apple juice from U.S. grown fresh apples, vitamin C, no water or alcohol, no concentrates, no sweeteners or chemical preservatives.

How is zero alcohol cider made? ›

Like beer, both types of cider are fermented. To turn traditional cider into a 0.0% version, it then goes through a dealcoholisation process, where alcohol is removed from the drink in a manner that doesn't hinder the traditional taste or mouthfeel of cider that consumers still desire.

Can sparkling cider turn into alcohol? ›

Is Apple Cider Alcoholic? Fresh apple cider doesn't contain alcohol. It's possible for unpasteurized cider to ferment over time and become alcoholic, creating hard apple cider. If you don't want your cider to become alcoholic, then it's best to drink it within two weeks of making it.

Can kids drink sparkling apple cider? ›

No, it's generally not okay for children to drink alcohol at all.

Is sparkling cider non-alcoholic champagne? ›

Organic Sparkling Cider is a bubbly non-alcoholic version of Martinelli's original champagne cider of the 1860's. It can be enjoyed by the entire family and comes in the traditional 25.4 oz. champagne style bottle in cases of 6.

Do you refrigerate sparkling cider? ›

Cider is a perishable product and we do not add any preservatives that will keep the flavor as intended until the end of time. Refrigeration will help increase the longevity of quality and flavor if you plan on saving this treat.

Do you have to use vodka in jello shots? ›

Sometimes called "jelly" shots, these popular shooters can be made in any gelatin flavor and spiked with your favorite liquor. Vodka and rum are the most popular options, but you can use just about anything.

Can you substitute juice for water in jello shots? ›

Fruit juice: Give the shots a boost by using fruit juice instead of water (this works best when using flavorless gelatin powder). Most fruit juices will work, but avoid pineapple, mango, kiwi and papaya because they don't set well. Other alcohols: Vodka isn't the only alcohol that works well in jello shots.

Can you use any alcohol in jello shots? ›

Jello shots are a fun addition to any party. Spiked with alcohol, these boozy jigglers are easy to make and come in every color and flavor imaginable. While vodka is a popular option because of its neutral flavor, you'll find jelly shot recipes that use rum, tequila, whiskey, liqueurs, wine, and even a dark beer.

Does alcohol replace water in jello shots? ›

Water: Water and alcohol will be the two liquids that you use for your jello shots.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Manual Maggio

Last Updated:

Views: 5823

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (49 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Manual Maggio

Birthday: 1998-01-20

Address: 359 Kelvin Stream, Lake Eldonview, MT 33517-1242

Phone: +577037762465

Job: Product Hospitality Supervisor

Hobby: Gardening, Web surfing, Video gaming, Amateur radio, Flag Football, Reading, Table tennis

Introduction: My name is Manual Maggio, I am a thankful, tender, adventurous, delightful, fantastic, proud, graceful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.