Want to simultaneously impress and completely disgust your guests at your next Halloween bash? I’m pretty certain these eyeballs will do the trick. They honestly do take a bit of work and planning, but the end result is so spectacular that it’s worth it! I mean, Jell-O shots are always fun at a late-night gathering, but these just take it to the next level. The texture is, well, let’s just say alarmingly realistic for what you are about to pop into your mouth.

To make these, you’ll need to purchase a 15-cavity mini half sphere mold. I’d also recommend getting the 1-ounce plastic cups made specifically for Jell-O shots, as these are the perfect size for the eyeballs.

The first step is to mold the eyeball whites (made white by using plain gelatin and sweetened condensed milk, mixed with a bunch of vodka of course) and let them set, and then to do the same with the cups. Once those are set, you can just pop the eyeballs out of the mold and gently place them on the set Jell-O in the cups.

To paint the irises and pupils, I used gel food coloring and a small, thin, sturdy paintbrush (be sure to use one that is clean and hasn’t been used for painting – best to purchase a cheap new one for this purpose). You can paint the irises any color you like. I like blue so there you go. For the pupils I used red, because on top of the blue it ended up nice and dark. And for the bloodshot eye effect, I used a toothpick dipped into the red food coloring, and then just drew them on.

And for those who don’t drink, or want to gross out your kids – you can easily make these non-alcoholic! Just swap out the vodka for water. It’s that easy!

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Recipe: Eyeball Jell-O Shots

Makes about 15 shots

Ingredients:

For the eyeballs:

15-cavity silicone mini half sphere mold
Canola oil cooking spray
½ cup vodka
1 envelope unflavored powdered gelatin (such as Knox brand)
½ cup boiling water
5 oz sweetened condensed milk
A few drops lemon extract (optional)
Red, green, blue and/or black food coloring
Thin, clean paintbrush and toothpicks

For the cups:

1 3-oz box strawberry or cherry gelatin
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup cold vodka mixed with 1/2 cup cold water
15 1-ounce plastic cups or shot glasses

Eyeball Jell-O Shots ingredients (Wendy Goodfriend)

Instructions:

- To make the eyeballs: Lightly spray the mold with the cooking spray, wiping out any excess oil. In a medium bowl add the vodka, then sprinkle with the gelatin. Stir to combine and set aside for 1 minute. Add the boiling water, stir to combine, then stir in the condensed milk and lemon extract, if using. Divide between the molds, then refrigerate until firm. (You may have a tiny bit more than you need, in which case you can discard it or add it to an extra plastic cup.)

In a medium bowl add the vodka, then sprinkle with the gelatin. Stir to combine and set aside for 1 minute. (Wendy Goodfriend)

Add the boiling water, stir to combine, then stir in the condensed milk and lemon extract. (Wendy Goodfriend)

Divide between the molds, then refrigerate until firm. (Wendy Goodfriend)

- To make the cups: In a medium bowl add the gelatin and boiling water, stir to combine, then stir in the vodka mixture. Divide between the plastic cups, filling them 3/4 full. Place on a baking sheet and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.

In a medium bowl add the gelatin and boiling water, stir to combine, then stir in the vodka mixture. (Wendy Goodfriend)

Divide between the plastic cups, filling them 3/4 full. Place on a baking sheet and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. (Wendy Goodfriend)

To finish, top each cup of red gelatin with an eyeball. Paint an iris and pupil on each white eyeball using the paintbrush. Draw bloodshot eyes with a toothpick using the red food coloring. Place on a serving tray and refrigerate until ready to serve.

To finish, top each cup of red gelatin with an eyeball. (Wendy Goodfriend)

Paint an iris and pupil on each white eyeball using the paintbrush. (Wendy Goodfriend)

Draw bloodshot eyes with a toothpick using the red food coloring. (Wendy Goodfriend)

Place on a serving tray and refrigerate until ready to serve. (Wendy Goodfriend)

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Halloween Treats (adults only): Eyeball Jell-O Shots

Eating Eyeballs: Taboo, Or Tasty?