Attn: Jello shot experts!!

Tracy Savage

<font color=blue>I really don't know about needy,
Joined
Jul 27, 2006
Messages
2,179
I need some yummy recipes! Also, how many shots can you get per box of Jello?
 
Just today I was looking for recipes myself! I'm hoping to find something good for a Halloween party.
 
I have some awesome ones. I'll have to look for them though.

I do an awesome pina colada one with pineapple jello, malibu coconut, and bacardi rum

then there's a blue margarita one - this one always gets rave reviews although I've never tasted it - I hate tequila, but it reads very much like a real margarita with fresh squeezed lime juice and everything.

I like the green apple martini ones - with green apple jello and grey goose vodka.

For Halloween adult parties, I'll die the pina colada ones orange and the margarita ones black, and the green apple martini ones I leave green.

Very festive...:goodvibes

Oh, and I get the plastic condiment cups with lids to make them look "professional" - they're also easier to store that way.
 

I got like 2.5 ice trays full, however there were more libations in the ice trays than jello...needless to say, as we were taking shots for my 30th birthday last year. Each guest had a tray to themselves...frankly I barely remember the rest of the evening...we were pretty lit.

Watermelon jello and Barcardi Limon mix is yummy :)
 
Here's what I found--Check out the chocolate covered cherry!!!!!!!!!

What Is The Best Tasting Jell-O Shot?


The Experiment


Previously, we investigated the strongest possible Jell-O shot and showed that a Jell-O shot can, in fact, be lit on fire. The reader response to these investigations was overwhelming, we received hundreds of methods and recipes for producing the "best" Jell-O shot. Equipped with this reader input, a minibar’s worth of booze, a grocery cart full of Jell-O, and the spirit of scientific investigation, we embarked on a grueling series of further Jell-O shot trials, and here we present our findings.

The Flavor Challenge

Previously we focused our efforts on maximizing the alcoholic potency of the shots. But, as we discovered, the flavor suffered severely as a result. This compromises the basic utility and purpose of the Jell-O shot. Jell-O shots are supposed to get you buzzed, but they are also supposed to taste good.



In our selection of liquors and recipe combinations, we tried to stick to the basics: liquors and ingredients that were economical and easy to find or likely to be on hand. Likewise, we kept most of the formulas simple and pared a few classic cocktails down to their basic elements. In other words, the best taste with the least effort. Nevertheless, we did take on some creative challenges.


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Start With the Basics

Here’s a rundown of some of the best basic Jell-O/liquor combinations that we tried. Of course, it goes without saying that you can put vodka in anything, or use a flavored vodka that matches the Jell-O (Orange and Stoli Oranj, for example). The following combos and recipes got approval from our panel of tasters. Standout favorites were cherry and amaretto, watermelon and sour apple schnapps, orange and Captain Morgan’s, and anything containing peach schnapps.



These shots were prepared by dissolving 3 oz. Jell-O in 1 cup boiling water, then adding 8oz. (1 cup) of cold liquid – straight alcohol, a mixture of liqueur and vodka, or alcohol and cold water. For flavored liquors (Absolut Citron, Malibu, Captain Morgan’s) 1 cup of liquor was used. For strong tasting, high proof liquors (tequila and rum) a mixture of 4 oz. liquor and 4 oz. cold water was used. The liquors varied in potency from 30 proof (15% ABV) to 80 proof (40% ABV), which put the shots in the range of 10% ABV to 20% ABV. In other words, it would take a few of them to equal the alcohol content of one cocktail.


Lime Jell-O:
Absolut Citron – Crisp and lively citrus flavor.
Tequila – Plain tequila and lime is the quick and dirty way to make a “margarita” shot.

Cherry Jell-O:
Amaretto – An excellent combination, tastes like the syrup from a jar of maraschino cherries. Can be overly sweet if you add too much.
Peach schnapps – Mild but flavorful, tastes like candy.
Crème de cacao – This creates a chocolate/cherry flavor with more complexity than average. Too much of the liqueur tastes bitter.


Orange Jell-O:
Peach Schnapps – Use for a Fuzzy Navel effect. Sweet and mellow flavor.
Tequila – Tangy and spicy, the orange really smooths out the tequila.
Captain Morgan’s - Sweet and spicy, would be good for the holidays.
Amaretto – Tastes like a creamsicle or Orange Julius.
Malibu – Very smooth, pleasant coconut aftertaste.
Southern Comfort – Sweet with a bit more alcoholic bite and edge than schnapps.

Lemon Jell-O:
Absolut Citron – Tart and clean, like a lemondrop but not as sweet.

Watermelon Jell-O:
Sour Apple Schnapps – Fantastic flavor, tastes exactly like a Jolly Rancher candy.
Tequila – Complex, tangy flavor, has a bite to it.
Midori – Sweet, more of a generic melon flavor.

Strawberry Jell-O:
Peach Schnapps – Sweet and candylike.
White rum – The quick and dirty strawberry daiquiri.
Tequila – Peppery, tangy, not overly sweet.
Sour Apple Schnapps – The schnapps enhances the berry flavor for a sweet/tart effect.
Midori – Fruity, tastes a bit like bubblegum.

Peach Jell-O:
Malibu – Very smooth, alcohol flavor almost unnoticeable.
Captain Morgan’s – Tastes like peach pie, a little spicy.
Southern Comfort – Sweet, with a mild bourbon flavor.
Peach Schnapps – Very, very sweet and very peachy.
Sour Apple Schnapps – Tastes like Sweetarts.

Raspberry Jell-O:
Peach Schnapps – Fruity, sweet, tastes like red Twizzlers.
Midori – Very sweet, fruity, tastes like bubble gum.

Berry Blue Jell-O:
Honestly, we couldn’t find anything that tasted good with the blue Jell-O. Maybe because it’s a terrible flavor to begin with. Absolut Kurant might work. One reader suggested “99 Berries” liqueur.

A couple of readers suggested pineapple Jell-O and Malibu, for a pina colada effect, but we were unable to find pineapple Jell-O.

Lessons Learned: Universal Jell-O Shot Mixer

Our most important finding? Besides vodka, peach schnapps appears to be an almost universal mixer for any flavor of Jell-O. Peach schnapps tastes like candy. It’s not overly tart or bitter, and the taste is mild enough to complement most fruit flavors, with the possible exception of lime and grape.

In general, go easy on syrupy liqueurs like amaretto and schnapps and use just enough for flavor; unless you’re using plain unsweetened gelatin, their sugariness can become cloying and their flavors overwhelming. Cutting them with a clear liquor like vodka or rum will supplement their low alcohol content and balance the taste. A liquor mix of half peach schnapps and half vodka is ideal: the vodka punches up the potency, while the schnapps mellows things out, adding sweetness and flavor.

Another common sense tip: adjust the amount and proportions of alcohol according to the flavor intensity and proof of the liquor you’re using. Adding a half cup of 40 proof Malibu to a batch of Jell-O will have a different effect than adding a half cup of 80 proof tequila.

Another important discovery: do not put Bailey’s in fruit-flavored Jell-O. The citric acid in the Jell-O powder will cause it to curdle. The resulting liquid resembles spew. It doesn’t taste very good either. You can make gelatin shots with Bailey’s, but because of the dairy content, you must use unflavored gelatin as the base. Bailey’s is also good in pudding, but we’ll get to that later.


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Chocolate Covered Cherry Jell-O Shot

A few readers suggested Jell-O shot recipes involving various combinations of whipped cream, chocolate topping, chocolate liqueur, and alcohol soaked cherries. We combined them all into a chocolate/cherry concoction that was insanely delicious and really takes Jell-O shots to the next level and beyond. We started with maraschino cherries soaked in rum, and embedded them in a cherry Jell-O shot made with crème de cacao and vodka.



That in itself was pretty tasty, but then we covered it with a layer of “Magic Shell” chocolate topping and added a dollop of Reddi-Whip. The refrigerated Jell-O was not cold enough to make the chocolate shell harden, so we popped it in the freezer for a few minutes before serving to achieve the ideal consistency. This step may result in your Jell-O freezing if you forget about it (as we did on one occasion), but even semi-frozen this recipe tastes great. These shots take more work and preparation, but you can use them to astound your friends or impress that special someone. Don’t go too heavy on the crème de cacao, though - too much makes the shot bitter.




3 oz. package cherry Jell-O
8 oz. (1 cup) boiling water
4 oz. crème de cacao
Maraschino cherries, with or without stems
4 oz. white rum
Chocolate “Magic Shell” ice cream topping
Spray can of whipped cream

Soak cherries in rum for at least 24 hours. Add some maraschino cherry juice if you need extra liquid to cover the fruit. Place one cherry in each empty Jell-O shot cup. Mix cherry Jell-O and hot water, let cool to room temperature, then add crème de cacao and ½ cup reserved rum mixture from cherries. Pour into cups so that cherries are submerged. Chill until firm. Cover with a thin layer of chocolate topping and place in freezer for 2 minutes. Top with whipped cream and serve immediately.


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I have some awesome ones. I'll have to look for them though.

I do an awesome pina colada one with pineapple jello, malibu coconut, and bacardi rum

then there's a blue margarita one - this one always gets rave reviews although I've never tasted it - I hate tequila, but it reads very much like a real margarita with fresh squeezed lime juice and everything.

I like the green apple martini ones - with green apple jello and grey goose vodka.

For Halloween adult parties, I'll die the pina colada ones orange and the margarita ones black, and the green apple martini ones I leave green.

Very festive...:goodvibes

Oh, and I get the plastic condiment cups with lids to make them look "professional" - they're also easier to store that way.

Will you be my new best friend? :woohoo:
 
Breezy-- I just noticed you're in Dublin- I'm up on the lake- How fast can you get here???? Can you make a Saturday delivery?:thumbsup2
 
So I make Jello shots every year for our Christmas parties... I am making some this year for our Halloween parties... I make it just like the box says and then substitute vodka for cold water.... I get about 14 2.5 oz shots per box.... I usually make 10-15 boxes..... make sure you make them in enough time to allow them to set.... good luck.. I like the PP idea of using flavored liquor...
 
So I make Jello shots every year for our Christmas parties... I am making some this year for our Halloween parties... I make it just like the box says and then substitute vodka for cold water.... I get about 14 2.5 oz shots per box.... I usually make 10-15 boxes..... make sure you make them in enough time to allow them to set.... good luck.. I like the PP idea of using flavored liquor...

15 boxes!!!!!!!!!:scared1: How fun are YOUR parties?!!!!:thumbsup2 I was planning on making them the night before, thats alright isnt it? They won't get funky will they?
 
15 boxes!!!!!!!!!:scared1: How fun are YOUR parties?!!!!:thumbsup2 I was planning on making them the night before, thats alright isnt it? They won't get funky will they?

We usually have 150-200 people at the party... I have to keep the Jello shots hidden because if I left them out they would be gone in no time... The night before would be fine... I usually make mine the day before but the night before should not be a problem... BTW the parties are very fun... we joke and say if the cops have not shown up at least 3 times then it is not a party:woohoo: ... keep in mind though I am a nurse and work in a hospital..
 
I do mine with Vodka... but a bit of advice.

Don't put it in the fridge without marking it as alcohol if you have family over.

My grandma was staying in my guest room, she went in my fridge, and had half a tray of Melon Vodka Jello shots, and I ended up finding her passed out on my sofa drunk.
 
Breezy-- I just noticed you're in Dublin- I'm up on the lake- How fast can you get here???? Can you make a Saturday delivery?:thumbsup2

:rotfl: Only if I get to stay at the party....:laughing: They're easy-peasy!

15 boxes!!!!!!!!!:scared1: How fun are YOUR parties?!!!!:thumbsup2 I was planning on making them the night before, thats alright isnt it? They won't get funky will they?

I make them even a couple days ahead, they're just fine - especially if you use the plastic cups with lids.

Me too :rolleyes1 These sound wonderful!

I love this thread. We have a parent football party this Saturday, and I know jello shots are a huge hit. I can not wait. :woohoo:

I'm beyond exhausted tonight, but I have them in my recipe book :laughing: , I'll post the recipes tomorrow I promise!
 
The OP already posted from the web site I was going to link to. I just want to say that Jello shots are my new favorite way to "drink." Yuuuuuuum! I made about two hundred of them for my brother's 30 birthday this summer and was mobbed when I showed up. People go nuts for Jello shots! My sister recently asked me to make some for her Halloween party. I guess I'm the new Jello shot girl for the family. :lmao:

I made the lime, tropical fruit, and pinapple jello shots with Malibu, and the cherry, berry blue, and orange with vodka. They were awesome and there was not a single one left. I make 'em strong, though. Half water, half alcohol. You only need a few ;)

Have fun!
 
Sorry I'm late at getting back here to post recipes. The green apple (although, do not add the green apple liquore in these just straigh vodka - the liquore is too sweet I've found) and pina colada ones can follow a basic recipe, but he blue margarita one is more specialized...

Blue Margarita Jell-O
Large box of Lemon Jello
2 cups boiling water
1/2 cup Lime Juice
1/2 cup Tequila
1/4 cup Blue Curacao
3/4 cup cold water
It won't really turn out blue - more like a very dark green.


Scary Yellow Pina Colada Jell-O #1
Pineapple Jell-O, large box (4 cup size)
2 cup boiling water
1 1/3 cup cold water
2/3 cup Coconut-flavored Rum (such as Malibu or Coco-Rhum)
Or: 2 cup boiling, 1 cup cold, 1 cup coconut rum for stronger "shots")

*I use half Malibu half bacardi rum FYI

These are good for Thanksgiving or Christmas time...

Cape Codder Jiggle Shots
(Desert Shield)
Two small boxes (or one large) cranberry Jell-O
One cup boiling water
One-half cup Vodka
[Optional: Add another 1-2 cups of cold water if you don't like your Jell-O Shots this stiff.

For any other good ones and the ones above, I go to a site that has Jellophile - an A to Z recipe index of some of the best jello shots I've ever had. You could probably just google it.
 
We usually have 150-200 people at the party... I have to keep the Jello shots hidden because if I left them out they would be gone in no time... The night before would be fine... I usually make mine the day before but the night before should not be a problem... BTW the parties are very fun... we joke and say if the cops have not shown up at least 3 times then it is not a party:woohoo: ... keep in mind though I am a nurse and work in a hospital..

OMG this made me laugh so hard...and dbf is sleeping next to me so I can't wake him...I can picture my grandma doing this!

I had to share a funny story. I was in college and we decided to make jello shots but use a jello jigglers mold that was Easter Eggs...festive I know. Lol but we forgot to make a jello jigglers recipe and made regular jello. Let's just say we didn't have any eggs but rather BLUE jello ALL over the refrigerator.

I can't wait to try these!
 
:banana: :banana: :banana:

Tonight is my party!!!!!!!!!!

Jello shots :woohoo: :woohoo:

Thanks for those recipes Breezy..:goodvibes
 
Wow, around here I'm considered the queen of jello shots and I am so out of the loop in comparison...

I've always made mine with vodka, sometimes flavored to go with the gelatin, other times not. I focus more on the color of the jello and what the occasion is:

I do a great Christmas wreath with lime and cherry jello, red/white/blue for 4th of July, navy and red for Patriots games, that sort of thing. Guess I'll have to broaden my horizons.
 












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