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Dirty Dr Pepper Jello Shots

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These Dirty Dr Pepper Jello Shots are made with cherry gelatin, lime juice, Dr. Pepper, and coconut cream rum.

Three small clear plastic cups are lined up on a dark wooden surface. Each cup contains a layered red jello shot topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream. The red base is vibrant and slightly translucent, while the whipped cream adds a fluffy white contrast on top. The background is dark and out of focus, drawing attention to the bright, colorful treats.

Last week I asked long time blog readers to tell me what they think about when they think of my blog.

A lot of people said jello shots.

And I do make a lot of them. 🙂

One of those people asked me if I could make one inspired by their favorite Sonic drink, Dirty Dr. Pepper.

I told them I would give it a try. I had never had one before.

There are several versions of the drink for Dirty Dr. Pepper when you Google it, but they asked specifically for the Sonic drink.

A close-up of a single red layered jello shot in a clear plastic cup, topped with a generous swirl of whipped cream. The jello has a darker red layer on the bottom and a lighter, slightly frothy red layer on top. The background is dark and blurred, emphasizing the vivid colors and textures of the dessert.

The Sonic Dirty Dr. Pepper for those that didn’t know (like me) is a refreshing twist on the classic soda, combining Dr. Pepper with coconut syrup, sweet cream, and a splash of lime juice.

This blend creates a creamy, tropical flavor profile that has garnered a dedicated following among Sonic fans.

I’ll admit I was having a hard time figuring out just how I was going to do it.

Usually I make my Dr. Pepper based jello shots with cherry.

But this drink had lime. But a splash of lime.

So I didn’t think lime jello as the main flavor would work.

Three small plastic cups filled with layered red jello are arranged on a dark wooden surface. Each jello shot is topped with a fluffy swirl of white whipped cream. The cups are positioned in a slightly staggered triangular formation, with the closest one in sharp focus and the others softly blurred in the background, creating a sense of depth.

Boil the Soda
In a small saucepan, bring 1½ cups of Dr. Pepper to a boil.

Dissolve the Gelatin
Pour the gelatin powder into a large mixing bowl. Carefully add the boiling Dr. Pepper and stir continuously for 2 full minutes, until the gelatin is completely dissolved.

Add the Flavor Boosters
Stir in the remaining Dr. Pepper, lime juice, and RumChata Coconut Cream Liqueur. Mix until fully combined.

Pour & Fill
Using a measuring cup or spouted container, pour the mixture into 2 oz. plastic cups, filling each half to three-quarters full.

Let It Separate (On Purpose!)
Don’t worry if the liquid looks like it’s separating — that’s exactly what you want. When the Sonic drink sits, the creamy coconut layer floats to the top, and this version mimics that beautiful layering thanks to the RumChata.

Chill Out
Refrigerate the shots for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.

Top & Serve
Just before serving, top each shot with a swirl of whipped cream for a creamy finish and that iconic Dirty Dr. Pepper look.

A single red jello shot is displayed in a small clear plastic cup, topped with a fluffy swirl of white whipped cream. The dessert has two distinct red layers—a darker, firmer bottom and a lighter, airy top layer—creating a visually appealing contrast. It rests on a dark wooden surface with a rustic texture.

Things to remember when making Jello Shots.

When throwing a party, you’ll probably want to prepare 4-6 Jelly Shots for each guest.

This batch uses 6 ounces of gelatin and so you will get around 18-20 Jelly Shots.

If doing a half recipe and only using 3 ounces of gelatin you will only get 8-10 Jelly Shots depending on how you pour.

If using a garnish, don’t place the garnish on the Jelly Shot until just ready to serve.

Two red jello shots in clear plastic cups sit on a dark wooden surface. Each dessert features a darker red bottom layer and a lighter, frothy red middle layer, topped generously with fluffy white whipped cream. The front cup is in sharp focus, while the second cup behind it is slightly blurred, creating depth in the composition. The dark background enhances the vibrant colors of the jello and cream.

Want More Jello Shot Recipes?

Pink Starburst Jelly Shots

Peanut Butter Grape Jelly Jello Shots

Cherry Lemonade Jelly Shots

Cherry Cola Icee Jelly Shots

Washington Apple Jelly Shots

Dirty Dr Pepper Jello Shots

Dirty Dr Pepper Jello Shots

Ingredients

  • 3 cups regular Dr. Pepper (don't use diet), divided
  • 6 oz cherry gelatin
  • 2 TBSP lime juice
  • 1 cup Rumchata Coconut Cream Liqueur
  • whipped cream for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring 1 1/2 cups of Dr Pepper to a boil.
  2. Empty gelatin powder into a large mixing bowl and add the boiling cola .
  3. Continue stirring for two minutes or until the jello is completely dissolved.
  4. Add in the remaining Dr. Pepper.
  5. Add in the lime juice and the Rumchata Coconut Cream Liqueur
  6. Stir until mixed and pour into 2oz. cups filled 1/2 to 3/4 of the way.
  7. Let set up in fridge for at least 4 hours before serving.
  8. Top with whipped cream when ready to serve.

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