15-Minute Pistachio-Amaretto Jell-O Shots
No-bake pistachio pudding shots spiked with amaretto liqueur. Creamy, nutty, and boozy with a smooth texture from the mixer method. Serve chilled at parties, happy hours, or dessert gatherings. This version uses instant pudding mix for speed and relies on the liqueur for both flavor depth and alcohol content, making it faster than traditional gelatin shots.
Ingredients
- 3 ½ oz pistachio-flavored Jell-O pudding mix
- 1 ¼ cup cold milk
- ¾ cup Amaretto liqueurcoffee liqueur or hazelnut liqueur0.75 cupneutraladds tree_nuts
swap for different nutty profile
- pistachio, chopped(optional)vanilla pudding99 gramneutraltree_nuts-free
requires pistachio extract or food coloring for color
Instructions
- 1
Arrange 20 two-ounce plastic shot glasses on a baking sheet.
- 2
Combine pudding mix, cold milk, and amaretto with a mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth.
- 3
Fill each shot glass halfway using a cookie scoop.
- 4
Cover glasses with lids.
- 5
Refrigerate for about 1 hour until set.
- 6
Serve topped with chopped pistachios if desired.
Tips
Chill glasses before filling to speed setting time and prevent separation of liqueur and pudding.
Use a cookie scoop for uniform portions that fill halfway consistently without overflow.
Good to Know
Cover with lids and refrigerate up to 3 days. Pudding may separate slightly; stir gently before serving if needed.
Prepare up to 3 days in advance. Assemble and chill, keeping lids on to prevent moisture loss.
Serve chilled straight from fridge. Top with chopped pistachios immediately before serving to maintain crunch.
Common Mistakes
Overfill glasses to avoid spillage and uneven texture when setting
Mix less than 2 minutes to avoid over-aeration and foam that won't set properly
Substitutions
Nut-Free Alternatives
requires pistachio extract or food coloring for color
General Alternatives
swap for different nutty profile
FAQ
Can I make these alcohol-free?
Replace amaretto with an equal volume of cold milk or almond-flavored syrup. Texture remains the same but sets faster without alcohol's inhibiting effect on gelatin.
What if my shots don't set firm enough?
Chill longer (2-3 hours instead of 1) or reduce milk by 2 tablespoons. Alcohol slows setting, so more chilling time compensates.
How long can I keep these before serving?
Up to 3 days covered in the refrigerator. Pudding may separate slightly; replace lids immediately after serving to maintain texture.