Name: Halloween Eyeball Jello Shots
Prep time: 20 min
Ingredients: For the Jello Shots:; 1 (3 oz / 85 g) box of flavored gelatin (cherry, lime, or orange work great); 1 cup (240 ml) boiling water; ½ cup (120 ml) cold water; ½ cup (120 ml) vodka (or extra cold water/juice for non-alcoholic); For the Eyeballs:; 12 canned lychees, drained; 12 blueberries (for pupils) or maraschino cherries (for a bloody look); Optional: a few drops of red food coloring for bloodshot effect

I’ll be honest—these Halloween Eyeball Jello Shots are one of the creepiest and most fun things I’ve ever made for a party. I first made them a few years ago when I wanted something that looked like it belonged on a haunted dessert table but still tasted amazing. When I saw my friends’ reactions—half grossed-out, half impressed—I knew I had a keeper. They’re weird, they’re wiggly, and they’re just the right mix of spooky and sweet.

What Are Halloween Eyeball Jello Shots?

Halloween Eyeball Jello Shots are a playful twist on classic Jello shots, made with flavored gelatin (like cherry or lime), a splash of vodka (or juice for a kid-friendly version), and a creepy edible eyeball inside—usually a lychee filled with a blueberry or cherry for the iris. They’re wobbly, colorful, and eerily realistic. Perfect for Halloween parties, adult gatherings, or any spooky get-together.

Why This Recipe Is Special

What makes this recipe so fun is the balance of visual shock and great flavor. These aren’t just gimmicky—they actually taste good. The combination of sweet fruitiness and a little kick from the vodka makes them surprisingly refreshing. And the eyeball effect? It’s one of those party details that people remember and talk about.

I also love how customizable they are. You can make them in any color, with or without alcohol, and even use different fruits for the “eyeballs.” It’s equal parts art project and cocktail.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s a total crowd-pleaser. You’ll have people snapping pictures before they even take a bite.
You can make it ahead. Jello shots keep well in the fridge, so you can prep them the night before your party.
Customizable for everyone. Make them boozy or non-alcoholic for kids and adults alike.
Easy and affordable. Only a few ingredients, no fancy tools, and simple assembly.
Creepy but delicious. They look freaky but taste fruity, sweet, and surprisingly refreshing.

Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowl – For combining gelatin and liquid. Go with a heat-safe bowl since you’ll pour in boiling water.
Measuring cups & spoons – To keep your ratios precise.
Whisk – Helps dissolve the gelatin completely for a smooth texture.
Mini plastic shot cups or silicone molds – These make perfect portion sizes and easy unmolding.
Tray or baking sheet – To hold your cups level while chilling.
Spoon or dropper – For neatly placing the “eyeballs” into the gelatin.

Related: Crispy Salmon Rice Bites

Ingredients

For the Jello Shots:

1 (3 oz / 85 g) box of flavored gelatin (cherry, lime, or orange work great)
1 cup (240 ml) boiling water
½ cup (120 ml) cold water
½ cup (120 ml) vodka (or extra cold water/juice for non-alcoholic)

For the Eyeballs:

12 canned lychees, drained
12 blueberries (for pupils) or maraschino cherries (for a bloody look)
Optional: a few drops of red food coloring for bloodshot effect

Yield: About 12 Jello shots
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 3–4 hours
Total Time: About 4 hours 20 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Eyeballs

Place a blueberry or cherry inside each lychee. The hole of the lychee should face outward so it looks like an iris.
Tip: If you want them extra creepy, lightly streak the lychee with red food coloring using a toothpick—it gives a realistic bloodshot look.

2. Make the Jello Mixture

In a heat-safe bowl, pour the gelatin powder. Add 1 cup (240 ml) of boiling water and whisk until the powder fully dissolves—no gritty bits left. Then stir in ½ cup (120 ml) of cold water and ½ cup (120 ml) of vodka. Mix gently until smooth.

3. Assemble the Shots

Place your shot cups on a flat tray. Drop one “eyeball” (lychee with fruit) into each cup, round side up. Carefully pour the gelatin mixture over each one, filling the cup almost to the top.

Personal tip: The eyeballs might float at first—gently nudge them with a spoon so they stay in the center.

4. Chill Until Set

Refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours, or until the gelatin is completely firm. I usually make them the night before a party, so they’re perfectly set and cold.

5. Serve and Spook

When ready, pop them out of the fridge and serve on a Halloween-themed tray. You can even drizzle a little red syrup (like grenadine or strawberry sauce) around the edges for a gory effect.

Serving Ideas

Serve on a black or silver platter for dramatic effect.
Add a fog machine or dry ice underneath for that haunted-lab vibe.
Pair with Halloween cocktails like a Bloody Mary or green “Witch’s Brew.”
For a kid-friendly version, serve them in colorful silicone molds and skip the vodka.

Variations & Customizations

Different flavors: Try blue raspberry for “icy eyes” or lime for a green, ghoulish glow.
Vegan version: Use agar-agar instead of gelatin and coconut milk for a creamy “eyeball soup” effect.
Glow-in-the-dark: Add a touch of tonic water (contains quinine) for shots that glow under blacklight.
Bloody layer: Pour a thin layer of red Jello first, let it set slightly, then add the eyeball and rest of the mix.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Make-ahead: You can prepare these up to 2 days before your event. Just keep them tightly covered in the fridge.
Storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Avoid freezing—gelatin doesn’t thaw well.
Transport: Keep them in a shallow container with a lid to avoid spills.

Pro Tips & Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t add alcohol while the gelatin is too hot. It can weaken the setting power. Let the mixture cool slightly first.
Avoid overfilling the cups. Leave a little room at the top—it’s easier to handle and looks neater.
Taste your mix. If you want it stronger (or lighter), adjust the vodka before pouring.
Pat lychees dry. Excess syrup can water down your Jello and make the eyeballs float weirdly.
Get creative. Don’t be afraid to play with food coloring, layers, or glittery sugar on top—it’s Halloween!

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: ~80
Carbs: 10 g
Sugar: 9 g
Protein: 1 g
Alcohol: ~5% ABV (depending on vodka used)

Final Thoughts

Every time I make these Halloween Eyeball Jello Shots, they steal the show. They’re the perfect mix of gross and good—the kind of thing that makes people laugh, grab their phones, and then sneak back for seconds. Whether you’re throwing a big Halloween bash or just having a spooky night in, these shots are guaranteed to make your table unforgettable.