Secrets to making the best Jell-O shots

By Brooke Martin(i)

Jell-o shots are fun and colorful, and you don't have to wait for vacation to enjoy! Here are some things Brooke has learned and wants to pass on to those who will be the next wave of Jell-O shot masters!

First things first- follow the box (or bag) instructions, but plan to replace the cold water with your booze. So, let's say you're using a standard box of Jell-O. It's going to ask for two cups of hot water and two cups of cold. Use really hot water, because it's important to melt that gelatin; if your water is too tepid you will have rock hard Jell-O bottoms and soft tops.

After it's dissolved, you'll want to add your cold mixture. I like to mix it up here. I imagine I'm cooking or making a cocktail; take a box of orange Jell-O for example, I'll replace the cold water with about a cup of pinnacle whipped cream vodka, half a cup of triple sec, and then some actual orange juice. Using flavored vodkas and liqueurs and not bottom shelf stuff will make your shots taste much nicer and less burn-y. I love pinnacle whipped cream vodka for almost any flavor of Jell-O. It's a little sweet and it goes down super smoothly. Svedka flavored vodkas are also fun to use. If you wouldn't drink it, don't put it in the shots!

Adding juice and soda doesn't mess with the "strength" of the Jell-O so much, but really helps create a much more pleasant flavor.

Let's say you want to up the ante a little bit and go for a layered Jell-O shot. You can do this two ways: actually layer them, meaning pour your Jell-O about halfway and let it get nice and firm before adding the next color/set, OR use a can of whipped cream. After you've added hot and cold mixes, grab your favorite whisk and feverishly whisk in whipped cream. The mixture will get opaque. As you pour, you'll see a little layer form on top. As it settles it'll be more prominent. The whipped cream gives your Jell-O shots that ambrosia salad nostalgia vibe. If you're doing orange flavoring, the whipped cream will make you have creamy and dreamy creamsicle Jell-Os.

If you're playing mixologist, you can always taste the mixture before it sets up to get an idea if you'll like the flavor. Fun tidbits I've learned in the last year:

Edible glitter sinks to the bottom of the cup and isn't as striking as you'd hope. Dust it on top of the set Jell-O shot instead.

Using hulled fruit to contain the Jell-O shots is really fun but definitely takes balance. Use egg cartons to hold your vessel steady.

Edible flowers make a lovely garnish!

Basing your Jell-O shots off of classic cocktail recipes is really fun; think grape nehi!

Brooke Martin(i) is co-owner of Martini Brunch in Mount Vernon. At this breakfast lounge, you'll find, oddly, breakfast and lunch items, creative cocktails, and upbeat music. Flavor and fun.

Martini Brunch
1300 S 2 ^nd Street
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
360-404-5915

www.martinibrunchmv.com

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