Make Lemon Drop Jello Shots

Lemon gelatin, lemon juice and vodka are the basis for these intensely flavored Jello shots. The shots are served in lemon wedges for an attractive presentation.

Ingredients

Servings: 32

  • 4 large lemons
  • 1 cup (240 ml) vodka
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) water, boiling
  • 3 oz (85g) lemon flavored gelatin
  • 2 tbsp (25g) granulated sugar

Steps

Prepare the lemons

Removing the pith and emptying the lemons all the way down to the rind will prevent the rind from showing when you slice the Jello shots.

  1. Cut the lemons in half lengthwise using a sharp paring knife.
  2. Squeeze a Lemon into a bowl, using either a juicer or your hands.
  3. Reserve 2 ounces (60ml) of lemon juice into a small bowl and refrigerate the rest for another use.
  4. Carefully turn the lemon rinds inside out, being sure not to tear any of them in the process.
  5. Locate the thin membrane that connects the pith to the rind and peel it back without damaging the rind.
  6. Set the prepared rinds aside until you’re ready to fill them with the Jello mix.

Prepare the Jello shots

For a flavor variation, use a citrus vodka instead of a plain vodka. Lemon vodka will give a more intense lemon flavor, or orange vodka will create an interesting flavor contrast.

  1. Stir the gelatin into the 3/4 cup boiling water in a saucepan on the stovetop until it completely dissolves, using a whisk.
  2. Whisk in the vodka and the 2 ounces (60ml) of reserved lemon juice.
  3. Place the hollowed out lemon halves on a cookie sheet with the sides touching. This will ensure that the lemon halves stand up while you are filling them with gelatin.
  4. Fill the lemons all the way to the top with the gelatin and vodka mixture.
  5. Refrigerate the lemon halves for at least four hours. Make sure that the gelatin is completely firm before you slice the lemons.
  6. Slice each lemon half into 4 wedges using a sharp knife.
  7. Sprinkle a plate with sugar.
  8. Lay one side of each slice of lemon on the plate to cover the gelatin with sugar. Repeat with the other side.
  9. Finished.

Tips

  • You can always skip the lemon presentation and simply make the shots in plastic shot glasses.
  • If you don’t have a muffin tin, then place each lemon half on top of a 2 ounce (60ml) plastic cup. Fill the lemon half with gelatin and place the cup and the lemon half in the refrigerator. The cup will ensure that the lemon stays upright.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 bowls
  • Sharp paring knife
  • Juicer
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Muffin tin/pan
  • Plate

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Sources and Citations