How To Make Jell-O Shots Right

They’re not just for college parties.

Jell-O Shots
MARISA CHAVETZ for SUPERCALL
MARISA CHAVETZ for SUPERCALL

There’s no “drink” more firmly rooted in college drinking culture than the Jell-O shot. A mix of water, flavored gelatin powder, and usually cheap liquor of all sorts (vodka, tequila, rum, whatever you’ve got), the semi-solid shot goes down almost too easy.

Though it’s most commonly associated with the Jell-O brand, the history of gelatinized cocktails predates the name-brand dessert’s invention by 35 years. The venerable Jerry Thomas wrote of a boozy gelatin dessert in his 1862 tome, The Bartender’s Guide. The Punch Jelly is a mix of isinglass (a type of gelatin derived from fish), Cognac, rum, and lemon juice. While it seems unlikely that your sorority friends drew their party inspiration from Thomas’ fishy creation, it was an impressive first iteration of the edible drink trend and worth trying if you’re the adventurous type.

But the basic Jell-O shot is an easy and popular way to kick off a night of partying. All you have to do is dissolve gelatin in boiling water and add your booze. The drinks you can turn into Jell-O shots are practically endless. We always start with these basic amounts: one cup boiling water, one packet of Jell-O, half a cup of booze, and half a cup of cold water. Use those proportions to scale up and down, substitute, and experiment to your heart’s content.

Jell-O Shots might not be the most sophisticated way to enjoy your cocktails, but they might be the most fun.

Jell-O Shot

FLAVOR PROFILE
Sweet
STRENGTH
DIFFICULTY
intermediate

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 packet Jell-O
  • 1 Cup water
  • .5 Cup Any Clear Spirit
  • .5 Cup cold water

INSTRUCTIONS

Step one

In a bowl, stir the Jell-O powder and boiling water together until all of the mix is dissolved.

Step two

Stir in the liquor and cold water and mix until thoroughly combined.

Step three

Pour the mix into 2 ounce plastic shot cups until they are 1/2 to 3/4 full.

Step four

Chill 2 hours, or until the mix is set.

Contributed by Supercall