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Jello shots ... yum.

Rumored to have been invented by U.S. National Security employee in the 1950's to get around a no-alcohol rule at work, the jello shot or "jello shooter" has since become a symbol of wild fun and frivolity at top party schools as well as THE drink to serve at New Year's Eve celebrations across the country.

How to make jello shots or shooters - the basic recipe

Simply follow the directions on the Jell-O box, but replace some of the water with chilled vodka, white rum or tequila.

• While purists will advise going to a specialty store for custom-made Jello shot cups or "shooter kits" at home you can try miniature muffin tins, or small paper or plastic cups. Even ice cube trays sprayed with PAM will do in a pinch.
  
  

• Chill your Jello shot batch in the refrigerator for several hours. Serve.

Provide giggles with jiggles by using combinations such as peach Jello and schnaps, lime Jello and tequila, or Orange Jello and vodka (for Halloween). Or, go wild and tropical with this recipe for a pina colado jello shot:

How to make a pina colada jello shot

3 oz. package pineapple Jell-O
8 oz. (1 cup) boiling water
4 oz. coconut flavored rum

In a medium saucepan, add pineapple jello to boiling water and stir until completely dissolved. Add coconut flavored rum and stir. Pour into shooter cups and chill in refrigerator.

Helpful hint: if you can't find pineapple jello, substitute with non-flavored gelatin and replace the water with 1 cup hot pineapple juice.

NOTE: Jello shots go down easy and contain a lot more alcohol than you think, so if you're not careful they can really sneak up on you!

Around the Web, discover more tips on how to's for making the good times roll with more expert tips on how to make homemade jello shots at your next party...

More about making jello shots & shooters around the Web:

How to Make Jello Shots - Ingredients list, photos, and step-by-step instructions including how to make them more potent, plus tips on flavor and alcohol combinations.

Jellofile - The Jellomaniac's Manual - A virtual online encyclopedia with basic instructions and several pages of Jello shot recipes from A-Z.