And now, an Important Safety Tip . . .

Dangerous Goods: Batch 1 Lemon Drop Jelly Shots

Most frequent of the JSTK Frequently Asked Questions (and we are 100% serious) is, "JSTK, can you find a way to put more alcohol in jelly shots?"  First, JSTK is all about the delicious, lovely, wiggly cocktail fun and not necessarily the octane of same.  However, since the topic of has been broached, rest assured that the JSTK jelly shots are plenty booze-tastic to start with. 

To illustrate, recall the classic Vodka Jell-O shots in the little plastic cup?  Now, remember the effects?  Yeoouch - we do. . .  The ratio of water to booze in a classic Jell-O shot is 3:1!  On the other hand, the vast majority of JSTK shots employ ratios similar to their cocktail inspirations - a 2:1 or 1:1 ratio of mixer to hootch.  Significantly higher than a classic Jell-O shot.  The moral of the story?  Don't be fooled - they only TASTE like candy . . . jelly shots are indeed cocktails!

Now back to the question of taste . . . its true that some alcohols may be gelatinized in their virgin state.  Other cocktails, including certain vodka-heavy drinks, may taste like heaven shaken with ice, but gelatinized . . . do not compute.  Which brings us to the Lemon Drop, and the to Lemon Drop Incident alluded to in previous posts.

We do taste and fret over each recipe (in all fairness, the liquid form the inaugural batch of Lemon Drop Jelly Shot was true to classic cocktail proportions and as bright and citrus-y as any we have had).  Once the mix is right, we proceed to gelatinization.  We also sample a tidbit of the shot immediately after the mixture set up.  We are like kids on Christmas - just can't help ourselves.  (Anyway, initially gelantinized batch 1 of Lemon Drop was yum.)

However, some how, some way, sinister forces congregated in the dark recesses of the refrigerator, penetrated the foil-covered Lemon Drop Shot pan, and concentrated the vodka taste exponentially, completely drowning out the shot's intended lemon and sugar crystal goodness.  And that, gentle readers, is how brave tester Shari came to: 1) consume a jelly shot that was rendolent of rubbing alcohol; 2) scorch the delicate insides of her mouth; and 3) earn the distinction of being the first (and only!) unfortunate victim of what is now commonly referred to (at least in JSTK circles) as Lemon Drop Syndrome (LDS for short). 

Finally, we are pleased to report that JS Annie (our intrepid photographer) is back in state from her travels.  Watch for her travel notes and perhaps a new Jelly Shot or two (we don't want to jinx it, however we think we are VERY CLOSE to perfecting the Sambuca!).

Cheers,

JSTK

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September 12, 2009 Tester Feedback

 

Contestants for the 9/12 Test Plates

Pictured: Margarita, Tequila Sunrise, Key Lime Pie & Washington Apple

My oh my . . . tester feedback is piling up!  The September 12, 2009 batch of plates contained five flavors, four brand new recipes and a revamped Tequila Sunrise (using juice from concentrate rather than fresh squeezed).  Here's what our testers thought:

• Margarita - For this shot, we modified a classic margarita recipe and used 100% agave white tequila with a large crystal sugar garnish to allow for a true to life mouth feel of a margarita (i.e. the salty glass rim).  While testers agreed that a few crystals of salt could be accomodated with no ill effects, most felt that a full on salt garnish would be too literal a translation and bring the drink to the knife edge of well, a. . .  savory aspic.  Although all our testers liked this shot, some felt the gelatin medium certainly increased the intensity of the tequila flavor.  One tester surmised, ". . . perhaps use a touch less [tequila], or increase the cointreau, lime and simple syrup," which we have duly noted.   
• Key Lime Martini - This shot was a fairly literal interpretation of the key lime martini.  We suspected that the amount of alcohol (significant) in this shot might result in something close to the 'lemon drop incident" of earlier this month (as referenced in previous posts, although we owe this unfortunate series of events its own headline in blogland - if nothing else a cautionary tale for jelly shooters everywhere).  As such, we used Roses lime juice instead of fresh, and added a heathy dose of simple syrup to the mix.  While most testers thought this shot was good, they also found it to be on the tart side and indicated it would "benefit from a little sweetness".    
  

Key Lime Martini Jelly Shots

• Key Lime Pie Martini - It had a lime layer, it had a pie layer, and we also sent along a graham cracker crumb garnish for dipping (the crumbs provided a lovely soft, sweet counterpoint to the shots lime and cream layers).  It was "Yum!", "Yum!" and "Yummy!" across the board - this shot was universally loved by the testing panel, and we must admit it is at the head of the class for us as well.  
• Washington Apple - A brilliant and tasty suggestion from a tester.  We couldn't stop ourselves - photos of this adorable and delicious shot were already posted, several days ago (well ahead of this writing). The Washington Apple shot deemed a success by the majority of our tasting panel, apart a few testers who did not care for the slight whiskey finish at the end of the shot.  However, the dissenting testers were upfront about their lack of appreciation for that caramel colored spirit in general.  Whiskey drinkers, on the other hand, rejoiced! Declared the shot was "perfect", and "better than candy". You know who you are!
  
• Tequila Sunrise II - While we are always advocates for using freshest and best ingredients, this shot was just as delightful, but not identical, using juice from concentrate.   The concentrate version was slightly more acidic than the fresh squeezed, and the tequila taste was also slightly stronger as a result, as pointed out by a tester.  However, these imperfections are easily rectified with certain adjustments for type of juice, desired octane level and sweetness. 

A million thanks to our astute and generous testing panel for sacrificing their delicate palates in the name of jelly shot science!  More to come!
 
Cheers, JSTK

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Cosmopolitan Jelly Shots

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. 

Cosmopolitan Jelly Shot

• 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!)

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