Rainbow Rind Jell-O Shots

Sure, people say “Taste the Rainbow,” but rarely will you hear someone say “Get Drunk Off the Rainbow.”

Well, folks, I’m here to give you an excuse to taste and be intoxicated by the rainbow. Hungry People, get ready for a fun and colorful adventure with Rainbow Rind Jell-O Shots!

Many of you may have scrolled past similar fruity shots served in lemon rinds, thinking it’s a difficult feat to accomplish. Some might believe there’s some sort of magic involved when it comes to getting that Jell-O to grow inside a lemon before slicing it into perfectly portioned slices.

But let me tell you, it all comes down to one thing: can you boil water correctly?

If you can, then great news, you can make Jell-O shot slices!

Here’s What You’ll Need

• lemons: Used for their rinds to serve as containers for the Jell-O shots.
• oranges: Also used for their rinds to serve as containers for the Jell-O shots.
• flavored gelatin (one of each color of the rainbow): Provides the base and color for the Jell-O shots.
• water: Used to dissolve the gelatin and create the Jell-O mixture.
• vodka or rum, chilled: Adds the desired alcoholic component to the Jell-O shots, giving them their boozy kick.

You can make these shots in any colors you’d like, but keep in mind the type of liquor you’ll be using. In the past, I’ve used single colors, but this time, I wanted to shake things up and literally make as many combinations as I could with the liquors I had on hand.

So, I decided to go with lemon vodka, rum, and tequila (just to keep things interesting). I then assigned a couple of flavors of Jell-O to each liquor: strawberry and blueberry Jell-O went with the lemon vodka, orange and grape Jell-O went with the rum, and lemon and lime Jell-O went with the tequila.

Cutting the Lemons

To ensure your Jell-O slices come out in uniform shapes and sizes, cutting the lemons and oranges properly is key.

Start by cutting just to the skin, being extra careful not to cut through the rind, on either end of the lemon to loosen the insides from the skin. Then, use your pointer and middle finger to slide between the edge of the rind and the start of the fruit. With a little practice, you should be able to pull the fruit off of the rind without smashing too much of it. I saved my orange insides (and a few lemons) to make a quick orange juice to enjoy while I prepared the rest of the ingredients.

Now, let’s move on to arranging the rinds. Place them in a dish so that the sides are touching. This way, you’ll ensure that none of the rinds fall over and spill while you’re pouring or transferring the shots to the refrigerator.

Next, it’s time to prepare each Jell-O flavor individually. There are a few ways to do this, but I found the easiest method was to heat one cup of water in a glass Pyrex measuring cup for 3 minutes in the microwave.

Then, pour in the Jell-O packet and dissolve it completely.

After that, simply stir in the cold liquor, and your liquid Jell-O is ready!

Now, from past failures, I’ve learned an important tip: it’s best to have slightly more water than alcohol to ensure the shots set correctly.

Use about 3 tablespoons less alcohol than water to avoid ending up with a watery mess. Then, pour the liquid Jell-O into each rind, filling them up to the top. You want these shots to be as full as possible so that cutting them into wedges becomes easier when the time comes.

Once you’ve filled the rinds, let the Jell-O set in the fridge for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight.

To make the cutting process easier, about an hour before you plan to cut the Jell-O shots, stick them in the freezer to stiffen up the rind. It’s much easier to cut through when it’s super cold. Don’t worry if the Jell-O freezes a little; it can be helpful!

One of the great things about Jell-O is that it doesn’t melt easily, unless it’s exposed to direct, super-hot sun. So, clean-up after these shots is a breeze, and it’s more environmentally friendly than using mini plastic cups if you happen to enjoy them outdoors!

Now, a word of caution: these colorful shots are effective, so be careful when consuming them!

They hit fast and hard, especially the tequila ones. While the shots in lemon rinds are about the equivalent of one shot, the larger ones in the orange rinds can pack a punch, potentially being two, or maybe even three shots per rind. Remember to drink responsibly and know your limits.

Tips & Tricks

• Ensure the rinds are stable: When arranging the rinds in the pan, make sure they are touching and upright to prevent any liquid from spilling out. This will help maintain the shape of the shots.
• Use hot water to dissolve the gelatin: Heating the water to a boiling point before adding the gelatin can help ensure it dissolves completely and forms a smooth mixture.
• Maintain the right balance of alcohol and water: To ensure proper setting of the Jell-O shots, it’s important to have slightly more water than alcohol. Use about 3 tablespoons less alcohol than water to avoid ending up with a watery texture.
• Chill the shots adequately: Allow the Jell-O shots to set in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight. This will ensure they are fully set and ready to be enjoyed.
• Freeze the shots before slicing: About an hour before serving, place the shots in the freezer to firm up the rinds. This will make it easier to cut through and create clean slices.
• Be cautious with alcohol content: These shots can be potent, so consume them responsibly. They may hit fast and hard, especially the tequila ones. Remember to drink in moderation and be aware of your limits.
• Experiment with flavors: Don’t be afraid to mix and match different flavored gelatins and liquors to create unique combinations. Let your creativity shine and explore various flavor options.
• Have fun and enjoy: Making Rainbow Rind Jell-O Shots is a fun and creative process. So, relax, have fun, and impress your friends with these vibrant and boozy treats!

So, Hungry People, here’s to a night you probably won’t remember, with the friends you’ll never forget!

Cheers to Rainbow Rind Jell-O Shots—taste the rainbow and let it intoxicate you in the most delightful way possible.

Champagne Jell-O Shots