Gelatin shots (aka Jell-O "shooters") enjoyed in cups

Making gelatin shots is like making regular Jell-O, except with alcohol added instead of just cold water. It is poured into shot glasses or tiny cups instead of bowls. They can be prepared one or two days in advance.

[edit] Ingredients

To make approximately 40 1oz. shots or 20 2oz. shots:

16 ounces (2 cups) boiling water
6 oz. package of gelatin
- the flavor depends on the alcohol being added; see Tips below
6 ounces cold water (3/4 cup)
10 ounces chilled vodka (1 1/4 cup)
- chill alcohol at least one hour prior (not in the freezer, see Warnings)
- you can use any kind of alcohol, but the amount added to the mixture depends on the strength of the alcohol; see Tips for guidelines

[edit] Steps

Bring water to a rolling boil, then remove from heat..
Stir together boiling water and powdered gelatin in a mixing bowl. Stir constantly until gelatin is completely dissolved.
Stir in cold water and alcohol.
Pour mixture into shot glasses, individual shot-size (1oz-2oz) plastic cups, or cups manufactured specifically for this purpose. (EZ-Squeeze Jello Shot Cups recommended)
- Although shot glasses look prettier and allow you to see the vibrant colors of the Jello, paper cups allow for easier Jello shot consumption as they can be turned inside out. Ice cube trays also work well.
- To make the Jello easier to consume, buy plastic cups that also have lids. Pour the mix into the cup, add the lid, then turn it upside down prior to refrigeration.
- Alternatively, you can dress up a party with Jello shot slices. Cut oranges in half. Use a spoon to remove the pulp, leaving just the rind of half an orange. Fill the halves with gelatin shot mixture. Refrigerate until firm. Cut orange halves into thirds. Make these at least the night before, as they gel up in a few hours, but when you slice they can fall apart. Also, you may find that one half works better than the other, because one end always leaks.
Place shots on a tray in refrigerator (not the freezer). Chill until firm (approximately 2-4 hours). Refrigerate until served.

More Potent Shots

This variation makes 6 large cups with 2oz of alcohol each, or 12 small cups with 1oz of alcohol each, yet still sets hard and tastes great. In this variation, Jello must be cooled to room temperature before adding alcohol, and the alcohol must be very cold. Failure to do so will result in the evaporation of all the alcohol before the Jello sets.

Dissolve 2 regular sized Jello packages or one large packet into 1.5 cups (12 oz) boiling water. Do not transfer it from the boiling vessel as this will sap critical heat.
Stir for at least a minute to fully dissolve and construct the gelatin.
Let cool for a few minutes - ten minutes isn't enough to set up the Jello but it will do a lot to keep the alcohol from evaporating.
Add 1.5 cups (12 oz) of ice cold 80-proof alcohol of your choice (such as vodka). You can put the alcohol in the freezer beforehand, as this will help minimize vapor loss, but only if you use an alcohol over 80-proof; anything else might freeze and break the bottle.
Stir and pour into your cups and refrigerate. It sets hard in about 1 hour.
Be extremely careful when consuming and serving since these contain a lot more alcohol than you think.

[edit] Video

[edit] Tips

To make firm shots, add a packet of Knox gelatin to the mix before the boiling water. It's unflavored and helps make them firm like jello wigglers. I also made a jello mold out of this recipe which was a big hit!
If you use cups with lids, you can run them under warm water for a moment or two, just before serving, to loosen them.
Plastic cups organize quite well in muffin trays, and are easier to handle and serve.
Disposable syringes also work well to serve jello shots. They also make storage and handling easier.
Make bubbly shots by adding soda water to the mix in place of some of the water. Freezing these shots also makes icy shots.
When serving large parties, use more water and less alcohol in your shots to help cut costs and better control intoxication.
Depending on the proof of alcohol you use, adjust the proportions of alcohol to cold water to ensure that the shot still sets. Use the following ratios:
- 13 ounces of 30-50 (~20%) proof alcohol to 3 ounces cold water
- 10 ounces 80-100 (~45%) proof alcohol to 6 ounces cold water
- 6 ounces 150-200 proof alcohol to 10 ounces cold water
Be creative in mixing Jello flavors with alcohol. If you have a favorite alcoholic drink, try converting it into Jello shot form using unflavored Jello, juice, soda and alcohol.
- Orange and cherry are Jello flavors that work well with Brandy.
- Lime Jello with tequila and Triple Sec (try adding a pinch of salt to the liquid mixture)
- Lime Jello with Coconut Rum
- Orange Jello with orange cognac and brandy (such as Grand Marnier) or peach Schnapps
- Unflavored gelatin with Coca Cola and rum
- Cranberry Jello with vodka
- Cherry Jello with cherry brandy
- Raspberry Jello with raspberry Schnapps
- Tropical fruit Jello (or unflavored gelatin mixed with fruit punch) with dark rum or mango liqueur
- Unflavored Jello with lemonade and whiskey
- Strawberry Jello with light rum and strawberry liqueur (such as Pucker)
- Apricot Jello with amaretto
- Lime Jello with Sake
- Lime Jello with Sprite, Pimm's, and cucumber garnish
- Strawberry Jello with champagne (retains some bubbles!)
- Orange Jello with amaretto
- Pineapple Jello with coconut rum
- Blue Jello with Everclear
- Black Cherry with Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum
- Orange Jello with Absolut Mandarin
- Lime Jello with Tequila
- Pineapple Jello with Mango Rum
- Lime Jello with Southern Comfort-SOCO and Lime Shot

[edit] Related wikiHows

[edit] Warnings

If you use an alcohol under 80-proof, do not put it in the freezer; it may freeze and break the bottle.
Do not transfer boiling water directly into shot containers.
Even though Jello shots taste like candy, they each contain as much or more alcohol than a beer, wine or shot, so please consume in moderation; warn your guests, wait a few minutes between shots and count your drinks.
Jello stains are difficult to clean. Club soda and ice water help avoid stains caused by spills.