Bahama Mama Jello Shots
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Bahama Mama Jello Shots take boozy and fruity to the next level, all in one little cup! Just like the original cocktail, we combine sweet pineapple, Malibu rum, tangy orange, and sour lime for the pinnacle of tropical jello shots.
Learning how to make jello shots with rum should be first on your list of to-dos this summer!
After all, most rums are already sweet and easy to drink. And combined with the right flavors? You won’t be able to get enough — and neither will your friends!
Bahama Mama Jello Shots
You really can’t go wrong with pineapple and coconut. Right?
Well, this classic combo is even better with the addition of a little orange and lime to tone down the sweetness! And that’s what makes the Bahama Mama so irresistible!
And with a dash of grenadine for a gorgeous red and hint of pomegranate goodness, these little desserts are downright dangerous!
Keep in mind that these are strong Jello shots, so don’t go too crazy!
But for me, the real star of this recipe is the Malibu. I use it in everything!
From pina coladas to bikini martinis, its smooth and nutty taste turns the fresh factor up to 100. Just what you need for a hot summer day! Or try these Mimosa Jello Shots, they are an absolute hit!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Malibu Rum – Malibu jello shots are so smooth and tasty that you almost don’t need any other ingredients!
You can use half white rum and half Malibu, like the original cocktail, but the flavor will stay pretty much the same. - Pineapple, Orange, and Lime Juice – I like to use store bought juice.
Not just because it’s quick and easy, but because fresh squeezed is pulpy and takes away from the texture. But if you want to juice your own oranges and limes, go for it! - Whipped Cream and Pineapple Chunks – These are optional garnishes that are both tasty and cute! Some other fresh and simple toppings are maraschino cherries, orange chunks, or lime chunks.
Jello Shots Recipe Tricks & Fixes
- Too Sweet? Replace the pineapple juice with additional orange juice, lime juice, or even grapefruit juice for a bit of bitter to tone down the sugar.
- Be Gentle With the Gelatin – You can’t add the gelatin right to the hot water: you need to sprinkle it over the juice, let it dissolve, then add the hot water, and then gently stir it to combine.
If you’re too hasty, it’ll get stringy and chunky – not at all what we want! You can fix this by scooping out the chunks, but it’s best to avoid it altogether. - Adjust the Alcohol – Use less rum and more juice, or more rum and less juice, to get these tasty treats as boozy as you like.
But remember: too much alcohol and the shots won’t set.
Storing and Preparing Malibu Jello Shots
There are a few things that’ll make chilling and storing super easy! Stick your cups in the freezer ahead of time to help the jello set quickly.
I also recommend using a baking sheet as a tray to easily slide these Bahama Mama jello shots in and out of the fridge.
You can stick Malibu rum jello shots in the freezer to help them set, but don’t freeze them entirely! The texture will be totally lost and your shots will be ruined.
Bahama Mama Jello Shots FAQ
You need to make these at least a couple of hours before serving so they can set, but you can actually make them up to 2 weeks ahead of time!
If you do make them ahead of time, don’t garnish until serving. The toppings will get mushy, melty, and just generally gross.
These aren’t too strong jello shots. Malibu has a pretty low alcohol concentration, all things considered.
You can add more Malibu or throw in some white rum to make them stronger, if you’d like to!
The original cocktail contains orange, pineapple, and lime juice along with coconut rum and grenadine.
Some recipes also add a splash of dark rum and/or white rum, and I’ve even seen it made with other fruity liqueurs.
To make Bahama Mama jello shots, I’ve kept the recipe mostly the same but narrowed it down to just coconut rum. It’s just easier – and honestly tastes exactly the same.
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
Don’t miss a thing! Follow us on
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
Bahama Mama Jello Shots
Ingredients
- 2 packets unflavored gelatin, 0.25 ounces each
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 4 ounces pineapple juice
- 4 ounces Malibu rum
- 2 ounces orange juice
- 1/2 ounce lime juice
- 1/2 ounce grenadine
- whipped cream, optional
- pineapple chunks, optional
Instructions
- Add the pineapple juice and orange juice to a medium mixing bowl.
- Sprinkle the gelatin over the top and let it dissolve into the juices.
- Once the gelatin has dissolved and lost its powdery look, add the boiling water and stir until the gelatin has dissolved.
- Add the remaining ingredients and stir again.
- Using the injector, fill each shot cup until it’s about ¾ of the way full.
- Chill for 2 hours, or until set.
- If desired, garnish with whipped cream and a pineapple chunk. *SEE NOTES
Donna’s Notes
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published August 2022
Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.
Could orange jello be used in place of the unflavored gelatin and orange juice?
Great question, Sherry! We haven’t tested it that way – My only concern is that the powdered gelatin needs to dissolve completely, which is why we use 4 ounces of pineapple juice and 2 ounces of orange juice. If you use orange Jello mix, you should probably add either 2 ounces of water OR increase the pineapple juice to 6 ounces. Let us know how it turns out!
TSRI Team member,
Becca
Made these for a party a few weeks ago, they are so good. They go down easy too. Saving this recipe for more parties.
tasty but jello shots were a little tough.. not sure what I did wrong.
To make a couple of dozen shots, would I simply double+ the recipe?