Below, for your enjoyment, are a few of the most frequently q'd FAQ's covering the hottest, most relevant and amusing jelly shot topics and trivia.
For info about the me, the blog, the Jelly Shot Test Kitchen recipe book, check out the JSTK homepage. (A word of warning. I get kinda sappy.)
Cheers! (and XOXOX)
Michelle
P.S. Please email or comment if you have other questions or, even better, cocktail nominations for gelatinization. I read every email and try to answer each personally, so please be patient! In the meantime, thanks so much for reading the silly little fluffbucket that is Jelly Shot Test Kitchen, and I look forward to hearing from you!
FAQs:
What is a Jelly Shot, anyway?
Remember Jello-Shots - the dixie cups filled with Jell-O brand gelatin, strong spirits and whipped cream? Of course you do . . . Jelly Shots, on the other hand, are a grown-up, sophisticated reinvention of those Jell-O shots of old - all dressed up and ready for your next dinner or cocktail party!
Why Jelly Shots?
Why Not? Who doesn't love the fun of a jiggling cocktail? .
How do I make Jelly Shots? Do I need a lot of time, patience and fancy equipment?
Jelly Shots are surprisingly quick to make. Many of the recipes can be completed in 15 minutes or less (not including setting time).
The ingredients – unflavored gelatin, fruit juices, mixers and liquor –are available in most supermarkets and liquor stores.
Equipment? If you are in possession of a saucepan, a cake pan and a sharp knife, you are well on your way to a gorgeous batch of Jelly Shots. (That said, Jelly Shots can just as easily step it up to the next level, utilizing layering, molds, and other techniques. Pastel polka-dotted Kamikaze Jelly Shots? Giraffe-spotted Vodka Red Bull Jelly Shots? 3-layered pyramid B-52 Jelly Shots? No problem, bring it on . . .)
The ingredients – unflavored gelatin, fruit juices, mixers and liquor –are available in most supermarkets and liquor stores.
Equipment? If you are in possession of a saucepan, a cake pan and a sharp knife, you are well on your way to a gorgeous batch of Jelly Shots. (That said, Jelly Shots can just as easily step it up to the next level, utilizing layering, molds, and other techniques. Pastel polka-dotted Kamikaze Jelly Shots? Giraffe-spotted Vodka Red Bull Jelly Shots? 3-layered pyramid B-52 Jelly Shots? No problem, bring it on . . .)
Is it appropriate to toast my fellow diners with a Jelly Shot?
Yes, of course! Toasting has a long tradition and is a mark of respect to host and guests. Not sure what to do? Grasp your jelly shot between thumb and forefinger, and either "clink" it with your neighbor's shot as if it were a glass of champagne or simply raise an "air toast" with appropriate salutation (e.g. cheers, salut, chin chin). Note that in some cultures it is important to make direct eye contact when raising your glass, errr . . . cube, that is. The same rules apply here.
What's next for Jelly Shot Test Kitchen?
Well, the Jelly Shot Test Kitchen recipe book was released May 2011. The book is available on Amazon (as well as your local bookstore) and includes 60+ jelly shot reinterpretations of your favorite classic cocktails in gelatin, as well as several Jelly Shot "mocktails" and tons of photos, and step-by-step instructions. Several other related projects are also in the works, so stay tuned!
Where can I find Jelly Shot recipes NOW - my dinner party/cocktail party/soirée is this weekend and I can't wait for the book to be delivered!
See the Recipes page for a list of the recipes available on the blog. There are a whole bunch now and one is sure to be perfect for your gala or soiree! And, stay tuned, we add new ones all the time!
Do you supply ready-made Jelly Shots for parties or special occasions?
Unfortunately, Jelly Shot Test Kitchen does not have access to a commercial kitchen or the other necessary accoutrements, licensing, etc. to produce Jelly Shots for sale. However, lots of simple and easy Jelly Shot recipes are posted on the blog's Recipes page and the Tips page has helpful hints to assist you in your endeavors . . .
Can I serve Jelly Shots in a paper cup?
Well, yes, technically there is no reason why you couldn't, but after all, we just got them OUT of the Dixie cup . . . so why not shake it up and try slicing your Jelly Shots "jiggler" style!
Can I serve Jelly Shots in a paper cup?
Well, yes, technically there is no reason why you couldn't, but after all, we just got them OUT of the Dixie cup . . . so why not shake it up and try slicing your Jelly Shots "jiggler" style!
More questions/comments/requests? We would love to hear from you . . . email Jelly Shot Test Kitchen!
31 comments:
Hi! I just discovered your blog and am already planning to make at least one of your recipes for an upcoming party. I have a question about jelly shots in general: can they be made ahead of time (day before, maybe)? Do they keep in the fridge/freezer? If so, what's the best way to keep them? Thanks!
Hi lemongirl, thanks for visiting! Yes, jelly shots can be made in advance. We usually make jelly shots the night before or morning of a party. Don't cut them though - just leave them in the pan or molds until an hour or so before serving. Then cut or unmold, and transfer the jelly shots to a cookie sheet - pop the cookie sheet into the fridge until ready to plate and serve your jelly shots. (We don't recommend freezing - unfortunately, the freezer is not good for gelatin!) Hope that helps! Have a great time at your party! Cheers, Michelle
Hello! I saw your candy corn jelly shots linked on epicute.com and they're definitely going to be the hit of my Halloween party this weekend! I just had one question/problem with my preparation though: I replaced 1/4 cup of water for 1/4 cup of vodka and they taste good but turned out kind of "rubbery" instead of the normal Jell-O consistency. What would you recommend doing different to get the right texture? These are literally the first jelly shots I've ever made and I will definitely be checking your blog many times in the future!
Hi Brandon, thanks for writing! The Candy Corn Jello recipe does produce a slightly firmer gelatin to allow for a clean release from the molds, and also to allow the jelly shots to be stable when plated for longer than 30 minutes or so. If you find the texture too firm, it's fine to reduce by a half envelope of gelatin in both the orange and condensed milk layers. Have a great time at your party! Cheers, Michelle
Hello! I found your blog through epicute and promptly sat down to read the entire blog (and save a few recipes~)
I live in Australia where we don't have sheet gelatin or the brand you use (whose name escapes me right now), so would you be able to tell me the (net) weight per sachet of the gelatin you used? The only brand I can find comes in rather small boxes.
Hi Katherine, thanks for your kind email! Regarding the gelatin, each box of Knox is net weight 1oz. Each box contains four sachets/envelopes, so although they are not labeled, I surmise that the net weight for an envelope is 1/4 oz. Very curious what kind of gelatin is popular in Australia - if you have a minute to pop over the brand name via another comment I will attempt to order for official testing! Cheers, Michelle
The brand of gelatin(e) we have here is called Davis gelatine (http://www.greataussiefood.com.au/showProduct/Food/Desserts+and+Baking/DAGE). It comes in 10g sachets (which is about 0.35 oz.), so I will have to experiment a little. (The back of each sachet says that one sachet will set 500mL of water, if I remember right)
Hi Katherine, thanks so much for writing back with the gelatin info! We will procure and commence testing. Cheers, Michelle
I've been contemplating trying out a recipe. I don't currently have any molds and before buying I would like to try it out first. Are there any special techniques you use for cutting gelatin? It just seems like no matter how sharp my knife is that it would snag and tear these beautiful creations. Any tips on the best way to do it?
Also, how do you handle these things without getting fingerprints all over them?
Thanks!
Hi atari315, there are a few easy techniques for making uniform shots without a mold. One is to use a paper guide for your knife. Cut out strips of graph paper or lined notebook paper, then place (don’t press) on top of the set gelatin mixture, and run your knife along the edge of the paper strip.
Another easy method is to make a series of cuts, dividing the set gelatin first into two parts, then dividing each part again in two, working from vertical to horizontal cuts until the shots are the desired size.
Also, our favorite knife for cutting jelly shots is a boning knife - medium length blade with a thin profile.
Fingerprints haven’t been a problem – but we are pretty carefully handling, and pick up gently around the edges.
Good luck!
Cheers, Michelle
Great blog! The photos are beautiful. The jelly-shot is very interesting stuff - I follow you blog and warm up to try :)
any tips on getting jelly shots out of molds easily? i want to make the cherry rainbows and i can't make those in a pan, they just won't look right. thanks!!
Hi jessonenyc, with a little prep, your jelly shots will unmold easily!
1 - Prepare a flexible silicon mold by spraying lightly with PAM cooking spray, or wiping each mold cavity with a little vegetable oil.
2 - Follow by wiping each mold cavity with a clean paper towel. This method will leave the slightest reside which will aid in un-molding the gelatin without affecting the taste or appearance of your gelatin.
2 - Place the mold on a stable, movable flat surface, such as a cookie sheet or cooling rack for easy manuvering in and out the refrigerator (make sure the pan or rack fits into your refrigerator).
4 - Some readers mention that they like to run a toothpick along the top edge of the mold cavity - I will be trying this as well.
Hope your Rainbow Cherry Jiggers turn out great!
Cheers, Michelle
Hi Jelly shoters, I have a question both my sister and I follow your site and we are Aussies willthe book be available in Austraila in MAY ( I ask because its now mid April) or will voppies be available via your website ( ie here) please let some patiently waiting No americans know how we can get a copy ( or 3) of your bok when it comes out
Cheers
I just LOVE your blog. After months of reading and obsessing over these little jelly wonders, I think I'm finally ready to try some out! I'm a new cocktail blogger and one of my highest ranked posts was a blog love about you guys. Can't wait til the book comes out, got it pre-ordered on amazon :) Best wishes!!
I had a few (ok, maybe more than a few) jelly shots at a party two weeks ago. I had to have the book! I ordered two and gave one to a friend. Maybe I skimmed over this part, but I wonder if candy molds would work. Have you tried them?
Thanks!
Hi Lynn, candy molds will absolutely work. I am guessing they are the rigid plastic candy molds? Just spray the mold lightly with cooking spray, and wipe clean with a paper towel - to leave just the slightest residue to help remove the jelly shots from the molds without affecting taste or appearance. To unmold, loosen the gelatin from the edges with your fingers, then dip the bottom of the mold in a warm water bath for 5 to 10 seconds. Dry off the bottom, and invert the mold onto a non-stick cookie sheet. Give it a little shake, and the jelly shots should come out! Hope that helps!
Thanks for the note and your support for JSTK! You rock the casbah! Hope you enjoy the book and have mucho happy jelly shotting! XOXOX Michelle
I discovered your blog not too long ago, and I was immediately hooked! I got my copy of your book in the mail a few days ago, and I am so excited to try some of these recipes! I love the colors and layout of the design. Very cheery and fun!
Hi! Just wanted to say that I love the blog, and recently bought your book. It's amazing! I made the cosmopolitan jelly shots and they were a huge hit, can't wait to make more, I'm looking forward to trying some of my own favorite drinks. Thanks for the great ideas, lovely pictures, and super fun book!
I found your blog via the epicute site ( http://stuff.icanhascheezburger.com/2011/08/08/cute-kawaii-stuff-epicute-cupcake-jello-shots/ )
I've really enjoyed browsing through everything, and was so excited to see the mojito jelly shot, but can't find the recipe. Help??
Hi Meandering Mel, the Mojito jelly shot recipe is in the boo ... So we can't share it as it belongs to the publisher. We do have the Elderflower Mojito recipe on the blog! Hope you give it a try! XO M.
I need a range of jelly shots to sit in a buffet. They will sit on chilled plates which are in turn sitting on trays of dry ice and water to keep them chilled and give an effect. Would agar agar be a better medium than knox, and will it make the shots kind of rubbery?
Awesome blog you have here! The jelly shots are just so beautiful, keep up the great work.
Hi, I bought your book recently and I was wondering where I can find cranberry concentrate. I googled it and most of the stuff that comes up is a health supplement liquid or pill.
hi! i am a dedicated vegetarian who would love to get in on this action. it is unfortunate that gelatin is made of animals, and truthfully, i miss gelatin-based sweets more than most meats. as there are a number of alternatives that provide similar results (after years of abstaining, i am now buying newly gelatin-free skittles by weight, and noticing zero difference in consistency), i would appreciate any tips and/or recommendations for making animal-friendly jelly shots using pectin, alternative starches, or whatever else may do the job without interfering with my lifestyle. thanks!!
Hi several atoms, thanks for the note! The Tips page has info on our experiments with agar agar. Here's the link: http://jelly-shot-test-kitchen.blogspot.com/p/serving-tips.html. Hope you enjoy! XO M.
For international site visitors, ie those from Australia, who cannot buy gelatin in envelopes, how much gelatin is in an envelope???
For international site visitors, ie those from Australia, who cannot buy gelatin in envelopes, how much gelatin is in an envelope???
All these jello shots recipes sounds tasty.
Hi there. Great site!!
I was reading your FAQ's and noticed you mentioned a recipe for Giraffe spotted vodka redbull jelly shots but I can't seem to find the recipe anywhere. I am hosting my sisters stagette at the end of August and the theme surrounds her "Wild Past" so I am using a lot of fun safari type decor etc for the event. Anyways, these jelly shots would be perfect for this event. Can you send me the recipe by chance??
Salud! Kate
Hi there. Great site!!
I was reading your FAQ's and noticed you mentioned a recipe for Giraffe spotted vodka redbull jelly shots but I can't seem to find the recipe anywhere. I am hosting my sisters stagette at the end of August and the theme surrounds her "Wild Past" so I am using a lot of fun safari type decor etc for the event. Anyways, these jelly shots would be perfect for this event. Can you send me the recipe by chance??
Salud! Kate
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