Name: Espresso Martini Jello Shots
Total time: 9 h 20 min
Yield: Makes 64 shots
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons unflavored gelatin; 1 cup cold water; 1½ cups (10½ ounces) sugar; 1¼ cups brewed espresso or cold-brew coffee; 1 cup vodka; ¾ cup coffee liqueur

Why This Recipe Works

Once made with cheap booze and packaged Jell-O, these jiggly treats have gone upscale. Mixologists around the country are revamping them with premium spirits and sophisticated flavors. Our base recipe makes it easy to customize jello shots to your liking with different liquors and mixers. Our formula includes enough alcohol for a burn that’s pleasant, not overpowering, and enough gelatin so the shots hold their shape yet stay soft enough to melt in your mouth.

Before You Begin

The jello shots are best enjoyed cold; if portioning in advance, be sure to return them to the refrigerator until serving.

Instructions

Sprinkle 3 tablespoons unflavored gelatin over 1 cup cold water in medium saucepan and let sit until gelatin softens, about 5 minutes. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until gelatin dissolves and mixture is steaming, about 1 minute. Transfer to large bowl.

Add 1½ cups (10½ ounces) sugar, 1¼ cups espresso, 1 cup vodka, and ¾ cup coffee liqueur and whisk to dissolve sugar, about 1 minute. Strain through fine-mesh strainer into lightly greased 8-inch square baking pan. Let cool at room temperature, about 1 hour.

Cover and refrigerate until firm, at least 8 hours or up to 2 days. Turn jelly out of pan. Cut into 1-inch squares and serve.