Jell-O, that gelatine-based dessert that many of us remember from childhood, is easy to make at home. Kids love it but did you know that you can take it to the next level and turn it into a treat for adults?
That’s right! By mixing in some alcohol and setting the dessert in shot glasses, you can make a knock-out treat for your next party. Just make sure the kids don’t get hold of them!
How Are Jello Shots Made?
Jello shots are wonderful party cocktails that can be made in any flavor or color that takes your fancy or matches your theme. You can even layer different colors!
While they can be made from scratch with gelatin, sugar, and other ingredients, the easiest way is to use store-bought jello packets and your choice of alcohol.
Vodka is recommended because it will not overpower the flavor of the jello or spoil the color. However, gin is also a good option.
All you need is water, your choice of spirits (don’t waste your money on expensive stuff here – regular vodka or gin will do), jello packets, and small molds.
Simply heat the water, dissolve the jello powder in it, then add the vodka. Pour the jewel-colored liquid into your containers and leave to set in the fridge for a couple of hours.
This sounds simple but why do some people struggle with jello shots not setting? Keep reading because we have some reasons and solutions for you.
Why Didn’t My Jello Shots Set? How Do I Fix Them?
1. Didn’t chill for long enough in the fridge
Depending on the size of your shot containers, the temperature of your fridge, and the temperature of the mixed liquid, your shots will need at least 2 hours to set. They may need up to 6 hours.
If you are struggling to get your jello shots to set, try leaving them in the fridge for another few hours and see what happens. If this fix doesn’t work, the cause may be something else.
2. Added fruit that prevented setting
Some types of fruit contain enzymes that break down the protein structure of the gelatin. These fruits include papaya, figs, pineapple, guava, kiwis, and ginger. Such ingredients will prevent your jello shots from setting.
Not only do you need to keep enzymes in mind, but also the fruit’s acidity. Strongly acidic fruits like lemon, lime, passion fruit, and rhubarb cause the gelatin to not set.
So, if you want fruit with your shots, rather top the jello with fruit as a garnish after it has set.
To fix unset jello shots to which you have already added fruit, strain out the fruit and discard it. Now, dissolve another packet of jello in hot water, add some more vodka or gin, and mix this with the original mixture.
Pour it back into the molds (you’ll have more now but we’re sure none of your guests will complain about this).
3. Added too much liquid to the powdered jello
If your liquid to gelatin ratio is off, there will not be enough gelatin in the mixture to set the shots. We suggest using three ounces of flavored jello, one cup of hot water to dissolve it, half a cup of cold water, and half a cup of vodka or gin.
If you want them stronger, you can omit the half cup of cold water and use a full cup of vodka or gin instead. This will make about ten 2-ounce jello shots.
To fix jello shots to which you have added too much liquid, simply pour all the shots back into a mixing bowl or jug. Now, mix up another batch of jello in the same flavor, only this time omitting the cold water.
Once dissolved, combine the two mixtures, pour them into the molds, and reset them in the fridge.
4. Overheated the mixture
It is important to remember that gelatin’s setting capacity can be ruined if it is overheated. Specifically, its strength declines rapidly if heated over 100 degrees Celcius (212 degrees Fahrenheit).
This is why you shouldn’t dissolve the jello powder in boiling water but rather use water that is just off-boil. Never leave the mixture to boil on the stove.
To fix this problem, mix up another batch of jello in the same flavor as the first, being careful to use hot, not boiling water. Omit the cold water as you want a higher gelatin ratio. Combine the two and mold and set as before.
5. Using high-proof alcohol
You may be tempted to dissolve your jello powder in high-proof alcohol or even directly in vodka or gin. Big mistake. The alcohol will deny the gelatin access to water for hydrating and may even denature the proteins.
In this case, the jello will never set. To prevent this from happening, always dissolve the jello powder or gelatin in hot water, then add cold water, and lastly, add the alcohol.
To fix the problem, you’re going to have to mix up a fresh batch, doing it correctly his time, then adding the original mixture. Mold and set the jello shots as before. You now have a double batch!
How To Store Jello Shots
Jello shots must be kept in the refrigerator. Once they have set, cover them with the shot-container lids or use clingfilm. This will prevent them from absorbing odors and flavors from other foods in the fridge.
Many of our fixes will result in you having a double batch of jello shots so you may be wondering how long you can store them. We recommend keeping them for three to five days at the most.
After that, the texture will begin to change and the flavor will spoil.
To Conclude
We hope our article has helped you to understand why your jello shots may not have set firmly and how to fix the problem. Do give them a try at your next party – they’re easy to make, colorful, and lots of fun!