The Perfect Ghost Jello Shots for Halloween
One of the things I love most about the Halloween season is the chance to create themed treats and decorations. Ghost Jello Shots are one of my favorites because they’re just so cute and sweet!
I love Halloween, so I went the extra mile to perfect this ghost jello shot recipe. They are easy to make, and I’m so excited to share it with you in this post!
Not only will I guide you through making these delightful treats, but I’ll also offer tips for achieving the perfect jello shot, list the ingredients you’ll need, suggest some fun variations, and introduce you to my other jello shot recipes.

I can’t wait for you to try them! Let’s not start with my tips for the perfect jello shot!
Tips for the Perfect Jello Shot Drink
As promised, here are some personal tips for making jello shots:
First, I always take my time in choosing the right alcohol. Having a good base is important in making a delicious jello shot! I also enjoy experimenting with flavors. Mixing and matching different jello and alcohol flavors is a fun way to find the perfect combination!
Next, I focus on balancing the alcohol. When I want to make a milder shot, I simply reduce the alcohol and increase the cold water. This way, I can cater to different preferences and ensure everyone enjoys the jello shots!
When I’m preparing the jello shots, I double-check to make sure the gelatin powder is fully dissolved in boiling water before adding the cold ingredients. That way the shots have a smooth texture and avoid any graininess.

Plus, one of my favorite parts is adding a fun garnish. I love topping my jello shots! But remember, it’s best to garnish right before serving to keep everything looking fresh and delicious.
Lastly, I also make my jello shots ahead of time to save on party prep. I store them in the fridge, covered for up to 3 days. Garnish before party time.
Once garnished, I make sure not to store them for longer than an hour to keep the toppings fresh. And, I’ve found that freezing jello shots is a no-go as it can ruin their texture and taste.
These are my general tips! But, continue scrolling until the recipe card to see more tips for making these ghost jello shots!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Generally, what I like about jello shots is you don’t need to prepare a lot of ingredients! Now, for this recipe, here’s an overview of what you’ll need:
- Packets Unflavored Gelatin
- Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Coconut Rum
- Cream of Coconut
- Cold Coconut Water
- Boiling Coconut Water
- Cool Whip
- Black Sugar Pearls in Multiple Sizes

Just by looking at these ingredients, you can already see our ghost jello shot forming! I used coconut rum for its flavor and to bring the “ghost” in this jello shot.
Plus, those black sugar pearls will make our drink look alive! 🙂 You’ll know more about these ingredients in a while!
More Jello Shots Recipe
Here are more jello shots recipes that you can easily try!
- Looking for a way to make your party more fun and refreshing? Try Raspberry Lemonade Jelly Shots!
- Ever thought about Orange Mango Jello Shots? They combine jiggly gelatin with a splash of liquor in each little cup!
- Rum enthusiasts, listen up! Bahama Mama Jello Shots bring a burst of island flavor right to your party.
- They’re festive, easy, and will have you feeling refreshed! For a fun and delicious treat, go for Coconut Jello Shots. They’re festive, easy to make, and super refreshing!
- If you love cinnamon, you’ll definitely want to try Fireball Jello Shots. They’re spicy, sweet, and full of flavor!

Now, let’s go to what we are all waiting for – the ghost jello shot recipe!
Ghost Jello Shots Recipe
Equipment
- 20 1.5-Ounce Shot Glasses
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Frosting Bag Baking
- Wilton 1A Frosting Tip
- Pourable Measuring Cup (I use a 2-cup size)
- Tweezers (These are a life-saver)
Ingredients
- 2 Packets Unflavored Gelatin 0.25 ounces each
- 1 Can Sweetened Condensed Milk 14 ounces
- 1 Cup Coconut Rum
- ½ Cup Cream of Coconut
- ¼ Cup Cold Coconut Water
- ¼ Cup Boiling Coconut Water
- 1 Tub Cool Whip 8 ounces
- Black Sugar Pearls in Multiple Sizes
Instructions
- Place the cold coconut water in a medium mixing bowl and sprinkle the gelatin over the top. Give a slight stir with the whisk to ensure all the gelatin gets covered by water. Leave to sit for about 2-3 minutes, or until thickened.
- Pour the boiling coconut water over the gelatin and whisk until dissolved.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk, cream of coconut, and coconut rum to the bowl and whisk until combined. If your condensed milk wants to not fully mix, heat the mixture for about 15 seconds in the microwave and then whisk again and it should fix the issue.
- Fill each shot glass, leaving just a bit of head room at the top of each glass. This makes it easier to take back and forth to the fridge.
- Place the shots in the fridge for 2 hours or until fully set.
- When ready to serve, using the frosting bag and Wilton 1A frosting tip, top each shot with whipped cream by first filling the shot glass to the brim with the cool whip, pausing, starting a new pile on top, then doing this 2-3 more times until you’ve made a tall stack of cool whip on top of each shot. This isn’t a perfect science and each one will look a little different, which is part of the fun. If it doesn’t work out, simply use the back of a butter knife and scrape the whipped cream off the jello shot and keep trying. Remember to scrape the whipped cream back into the tub as it’s still usable and there’s no need to waste it.
- Once you’re happy with the cool whip, use your tweezers to place two of the medium-ish balls as the eyes and one of the large sugar pearls as the mouth. Be sure to sink the mouth in a litter deeper than the eyes as it makes it look better. You’re finished! Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t overthink the cool whip stacking. If desired, practice on a plate first. The most important aspect to make the whipped cream successful is to pause and do stacks or it won’t stack up right.
- I found that the off brand of cool whip actually stood up better than the name brand.
- Do not garnish if you’re not getting ready to serve the shots. The whipped cream can go too stiff and the sugar pearls can bleed color.
- If you want to make these ahead, you can store them in the fridge, for up to 3 days, covered, and ungarnished. After garnishing, do not store for longer than an hour. Do not freeze.
- I was unable to find any sugar pearls that were truly black when looking at them up close. They all look super dark gray, chrome-ish. They still do a perfect job, but just as a heads up.
- Using the tweezers is life-changing. This is so you don’t have to stick your fingers in the cool whip when trying to put the sprinkles on. It makes it quicker, cleaner, and more precise. Be sure to quickly wipe the tip of the tweezers in between each use so you don’t leave dots of cool whip all over the next set of sprinkles (if this matters to you).
- If you’re struggling with stacking the cool whip, you can place some cool whip in the shot and use the back of a butter knife to scrape it off so the whipped cream is perfectly flat and then place the sugar pearls on the face of the shot. This still looks cute, but is quicker and easier.
Don’t forget to save these cute and refreshing ghost jello shots for later! Cheers to more refreshing drinks!
