How to Make Jell-O Shots

What You'll Need:
3 oz. package of Jell-O
1 cup boiling water
1 cup chilled liquor
2 oz. food service condiment cups with lids

Dissolve one 3 oz. package of Jell-O into boiling water and stir. Make sure the Jell-O completely dissolves, then set aside. Let the Jell-O cool down to just above room temperature, but do not put it in the refrigerator or freezer for this. Patience is a virtue, and you can use this time to set up your cups.

I suggest placing the unfilled cups on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. This way, you can easily move all of your shots into the refrigerator when they are ready to be set, and you can avoid spilling on your counters or table, which would be sticky and difficult to clean up. Any spillage on the side of the cups would also cause the cups to stick to your refrigerator shelves or an uncovered baking sheet, making the cups hard to move.

When your Jell-O has cooled, add a cup of liquor. Vodka is a time-tested favorite, but almost anything will work. Be advised, though, that a high alcohol-per-volume content could affect the jelling properties of your Jell-O and leave you with sludge. Anything higher than 100 proof should be avoided.

When you've mixed the alcohol into the Jell-O, it's time to fill your cups. Use a measuring cup with a pour spout to make the job easier. Once filled, snap on the covers. Covers are important, because without them, your shots will soak up the scents of other things in your refrigerator. They'll also keep longer with the lids in place, because they won't dry out. Jell-O shots kept in tightly covered containers will keep for up to two weeks.

Transfer your shots to the refrigerator. This will take up a large amount of space, so if you're making a large batch of shots, you can stack covered shots with parchment paper between them, so they won't stick together. Let the shots set up overnight.

This recipe will make eight shots. Try experimenting with flavors, such as pairing tequila with lime Jell-O to make margarita shots, or coconut rum with pineapple Jell-O to make piña colada shots.

You could also invent your own flavors by using unflavored gelatin. This is usually sold in a 4 oz. package of four 1 oz. envelopes, so simply dissolve three envelopes in 1 cup of boiling water, and then add 1/2 cup of fruit juice and 1/2 cup of liquor of your choice. You must include the 1/2 cup of fruit juice to mask the natural flavor of the gelatin. Do not use pineapple juice, as the gelatin will not set. Using unflavored gelatin is a fun way to make your own creations, but to get you started, try adding 1/2 cup of apple juice and 1/2 cup Apple Barrel schnapps to make an apple pie shot.

Jell-O shots are fun, inexpensive and easy to make, look great when stacked up on a bar or drinks table, and are irresistible to party guests.