Jello Shots Get a Gourmet Upgrade in 2026

The once-frat party staple is now appearing on Michelin-starred menus and in chic dinner parties.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Jello shots have undergone a major transformation in 2026, moving from sugary, neon-colored party favors to sophisticated, low-alcohol cocktail jellies served at high-end restaurants and cocktail bars. These new jello shots, or "cocktail jellies" as they're often called, feature clarified citrus, layered flavors, and delicate textures that melt on the tongue. The trend is being driven by a desire for more mindful, portion-controlled drinking experiences, as well as a sense of nostalgia and whimsy in the post-pandemic dining landscape.

Why it matters

The rise of gourmet jello shots highlights a shift in consumer preferences towards smaller, lower-alcohol servings and a desire for more playful, visually-appealing cocktail experiences. This trend aligns with broader changes in the food and beverage industry, including the growing popularity of mocktails and the emphasis on craft cocktail techniques. The transition of jello shots from frat parties to fine dining also speaks to the versatility and creativity possible with this format.

The details

Jello shot pioneers like Jack Schramm and Jena Habayeb of Solid Wiggles in Brooklyn are helping to legitimize the format, using high-quality ingredients like clarified citrus and fruit purées to create layered, low-ABV cocktail jellies. These are a far cry from the sugary, neon-colored shots of the past, often appearing in elegant molded shapes or cut into jewel-like cubes. Restaurants like Tatiana in New York City and Pineapple and Pearls in DC are embracing the trend, serving cocktail jellies as part of their tasting menus. The format's approachability, customizability, and social media-friendly visuals have also driven a surge of DIY jello shot experimentation, with home cooks and party hosts creating everything from Negroni mimosa jellies to piña colada shots with mango popping boba.

  • Solid Wiggles, a Brooklyn-based jelly cocktail project, saw immediate demand for their boozy collaborations, with their first release selling out within an hour in 2026.
  • The Shotluck event, the first annual gathering of imaginative jello shot creations, took place in Portland, Oregon in 2026.

The players

Jack Schramm

Co-founder of Solid Wiggles, a cult-favorite jelly cocktail project in Brooklyn, New York, helping to legitimize the format.

Jena Habayeb

Co-founder of Solid Wiggles, a cult-favorite jelly cocktail project in Brooklyn, New York, helping to legitimize the format.

Tatiana

A Michelin-starred restaurant in New York City that serves cocktail jellies as part of its tasting menu.

Pineapple and Pearls

A Michelin-starred restaurant in Washington, DC that serves cocktail jellies as part of its tasting menu.

Club Frills

A cocktail bar in Providence, Rhode Island that serves a jello shot inspired by a Ramos Gin Fizz, with a presentation that resembles a deviled egg.

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What they’re saying

“The moment Jena reached out and asked for help centrifuge-clarifying ingredients, I knew it was serious business. All it takes to move something out of the realm of novelty is time, energy, and hard work.”

— Jack Schramm, Co-founder, Solid Wiggles

“Our first boozy collaboration sold out within an hour. It was clear that the combination of pastry, art, and cocktails was something people really wanted—both visually and to drink.”

— Jena Habayeb, Co-founder, Solid Wiggles

“We've found that in the post-pandemic dining landscape, folks just want to have fun. The world feels heavy right now. If a cocktail jelly can be a whimsical escape, we'll take it.”

— Jack Schramm, Co-founder, Solid Wiggles

What’s next

Solid Wiggles is launching a shipping site with sampler packs to make cocktail jellies more accessible to a wider audience.

The takeaway

The rise of gourmet jello shots, or "cocktail jellies," in 2026 reflects a broader shift towards more mindful, portion-controlled, and visually-engaging drinking experiences. This trend aligns with changing consumer preferences and the growing emphasis on craft cocktail techniques, showcasing the versatility and creativity possible with this once-humble format.