Post amended 2/11/2015: Cosmopolitan Jelly Shot was the very, very VERY first jelly shot recipe I ever created! I made it in my pretty white kitchen in Edina, MN for a BBQ with a group of friends. Shortly thereafter, word of the Cosmo jelly shot had spread to friends and family, and so we put the recipe up on a blog just to make it easier to find. A few weeks later, we had a book deal with Running Press. And the rest is jelly shot history! Speaking of history, below is one of the first jelly shot photos we ever took.
You may find this recipe a bit stout. The Edina ladies liked their liquor, and always wanted everything super strong, but with no calories. I was able to deliver 50% of that proposition! For a lighter jelly shot, but the vodka back by 1/4 cup, and add 1/4 cup more cranberry juice cocktail.
- 1 cup cranberry juice cocktail
- 1 cup orange flavored vodka
- 1/4 cup Roses lime juice (or fresh lime juice and a dash simple syrup or agave nectar)
- 1/4 cup Grand Marnier (substitute Cointreau or Triple Sec for a milder tasting jelly shot)
- 2 ½ envelopes plain Knox gelatin (1/2 envelope equals ¾ teaspoon)
- Lime zest for garnish, if desired
In a saucepan, sprinkle cranberry and lime juices with gelatin. Allow to soak for a few minutes. Heat on low, stirring constantly, until gelatin is fully dissolved (about 5 minutes). Stir in the liquors, making sure to fully incorporate. Pour into pan or molds, and chill until set, several hours or overnight. .
To serve, cut into desired shapes. Garnish with the lime zest. Makes 18 to 24 shots.
Note: the above (like the vast majority of our recipes) is true to the classic proportions of it's cocktail inspiration. But, everyone's taste is different - feel free to replace a little of the vodka with cranberry juice cocktail if you like. This makes me think of brave Test Kitchen volunteer Shari, and The Case of the Booze-tastic Lemon Drop Jelly Shot. (Yikes! To be discussed in a later forum. Sorry 'bout that Shari!)
