Keep those summer vibes going all year long with the jiggly and delicious Watermelon Slice Jell-O Shots.
It was a summertime pool party like any other… At first glance, anyway.
The house was colossal, and a prime example of West Coast opulence. A cliffside residence that overlooked the deep blue churning of the Pacific Ocean, this dreamlike domicile resembled something out of a movie from the 1980s. At any moment as I walked around with my mouth agape, I half-expected Roy Scheider or Willem Dafoe to walk out of any door, wearing sunglasses with their robe askew, reciting villainous dialogue. Instead, I kept running into different bars that had been set up by a catering company, all serving whatever beverage I might want.
One of these kiosks had a tray of watermelon slices up for grabs, and grab them I did. In fact, I had about four of them before I realized they weren’t actual slices of watermelon. The jiggling gelatin texture that each one had didn’t really tip me off at first. The flavor was so sweet and rich—with a little something extra, as well—that I was too distracted by the relaxing effect that almost immediately settled in. It was only when I stumbled back to an empty tray that I realized what I had been eating. And one of the barkeeps helped out by telling me what they were.
And once I realized that I had been slurping up a handful of very potent Watermelon Slice Jell-O Shots instead of actual watermelon slices, I cut myself off.
What is the best alcohol to use in Watermelon Slice Jell-O Shots?
You’ll want a clean and clear vodka, one that is smooth and crisp, as well as unflavored. With the Jell-O’s flavor, it’ll mix nicely without overpowering or disappearing amongst the fruity notes, be it strawberry or watermelon, like our recipe recommends. If you’re looking for a sweeter taste, you can opt for a watermelon- or strawberry-infused spirit, as many popular brands produce them.
Ingredients
- 1 small, round watermelon
- 1 packet unflavored gelatin
- 1 large box (6 ounces) Watermelon or Strawberry Jell-O
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 cup vodka chilled
Instructions
Prepare the Watermelon Mold & Juice:
- Wash the watermelon and cut it in half lengthwise. Scoop out most of the red flesh, but leave a thin layer attached to the inside of the rind.
- Take about 2 cups of the scooped-out flesh and place it in a blender. Blend until completely smooth and sieve it through a fine-mesh. You need 1 cup of strained watermelon juice. Chill it in the fridge.
Make the Jell-O Mixture:
- Pour your 1 cup of chilled watermelon juice into a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the packet of unflavored gelatin evenly over the surface. Let it sit undisturbed for 5 minutes.
- Add the Watermelon Jell-O powder to the bowl. Carefully pour the boiling water over the top.
- Whisk immediately and thoroughly for about 2-3 minutes and stir in the 1 cup of chilled vodka.
Fill, Chill, and Serve
- Gently pour the red Jell-O mixture into your prepared watermelon rinds, filling them to the top. Carefully place the filled rinds in the refrigerator. Let them chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Once completely set, place a watermelon half Jell-O-side down on a cutting board. Use a large, sharp knife to cut it into 1-inch wedges.
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
Here’s an instance where you can have some fun by turning your garnish into glassware, so to speak. Make sure you follow the recipe’s instructions to successfully wind up with “slices” of watermelon that are boozy Jell-O treats.
Can you use regular glassware to serve these shots?
Of course. And if you’re going to be serving these shooters at a party where kids might be running around, it’ll probably be a good idea to not have them look so inviting, lest someone accidentally slurp one up.
Other Jell-O shots worth trying
While they may take some planning ahead of your next soirée, Jell-O shots offer your friends and loved ones some spirit-filled fun in the form of flavorful and jiggly gelatin shooters. If you’re of a mind to serve these at your next get-together, check out these recipes to see what strikes your fancy.
- Champagne Jell-O Shots – Have some sparkling shooters at your next shindig.
- Margarita Jell-O Shots – The classic cocktail gets the Jell-O treatment in this party favorite.
- Tequila Sunrise Jell-O Shots – Another popular mixture gets served up in this jiggling recipe.
- Fireball Jell-O Shots – Bring a little heat with these cinnamon whiskey-tinged treats.
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