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Festive Cranberry Vodka Christmas Jello Shots

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These Festive Cranberry Vodka Christmas Jello Shots are bright, tart, sweet, and just boozy enough to get the party started. They’re the result of twelve batches, one dive bar memory, and a whole lot of determination to get it right.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (480 ml) cranberry juice cocktail
  • 3 tablespoons (about 4 packets) unflavored gelatin
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240 ml) vodka
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) orange liqueur (triple sec or Cointreau)
  • 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) cold water (for blooming gelatin)

Instructions

  1. Bloom the gelatin: In a 2-cup measuring cup, sprinkle the 3 tablespoons of unflavored gelatin over the 1/2 cup of cold water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes without stirring until it becomes a thick, spongy mass.
  2. Heat the cranberry juice: Pour 1 cup of the cranberry juice cocktail into a small saucepan along with the 1/2 cup of sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture is hot but not boiling (about 160°F/71°C).
  3. Combine the bloomed gelatin with the hot juice: Remove the saucepan from heat. Pour the bloomed gelatin mixture into the hot cranberry juice and whisk gently but thoroughly until the gelatin is completely dissolved (about 2 minutes).
  4. Add the remaining juice and alcohol: Pour in the remaining 1 cup of cold cranberry juice cocktail, the 1 cup of vodka, and the 1/4 cup of orange liqueur. Whisk until fully combined. Skim off any foam with a spoon or strain through a fine-mesh strainer.
  5. Fill the shot cups: Place shot cups on a baking sheet. Carefully pour the cranberry mixture into each cup, filling them about 3/4 full.
  6. Add the garnishes: While the mixture is still liquid, drop 2-3 fresh cranberries into each cup. If using rosemary, snip tiny pieces and add them now.
  7. Refrigerate until set: Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and let the jello shots set for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  8. Serve and enjoy: Once fully set, serve cold straight from the refrigerator.

Notes

Don’t boil the juice as it can affect the gelatin set. The vodka and orange liqueur should be at room temperature when added. Skim any foam for a clear appearance. For best results, make the night before and let set overnight. The flavor improves after 24 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: jello shots, cranberry vodka, Christmas, holiday, party, gelatin shots

Find it online: https://lolaspoon.com/festive-cranberry-vodka-christmas-jello-shots/