PrintSummer cocktails and jello shots
The introduction post that turned into a party got me thinking about upcoming summer parties, and the drinks that accompany them.
I host an annual chicken bbq on July 3rd....and one of the enduring favorites are jello shots. (So much so that I have to make non-alcohalic jello shots for the non drinkers...they were beginning to feel left out!)
Some of my favorite combinations are:
lime jello & tequila - Margarita jello shot
pineapple jello & rum
strawberry jello & rum - Strawberry Daquiri jello shot
I usually do a berry jello w/vodka too, but found the Pina Colada jello that came out last summer just didn't taste right w/rum as a shot...maybe it was me....
What I am lacking in though, is a really good cocktail that is fruity, but not too sweet. I'm not a fan of cranberry though.
What are your favorite summer time cocktails? Let's get ready for our parties......and happy hour!
Add a comment:
Previewing your comment:
HTML Hints
Some HTML is OK: <a href="URL">link</a>, <strong>strong</strong>, <em>em</em>
Comment Guidelines
Post whatever you want, just keep it seriously about eats, seriously. We reserve the right to delete off-topic or inflammatory comments. Learn more at our Comment Policy page.
If you see something not so nice, please, report an inappropriate comment.
Start Talking!
Need a question answered? Have advice to share? Start a Talk topic now!
Sign up to get your questions answered and share advice.
19 Comments:
go to -> www.SuckAndBlow.com click Recipe link; they have quit a few recipes. Or if you don't want to go thru the trouble you can buy pre-made tubes.
My favorite Pina Colada jello shot recipe can be found at -> http://members.aol.com/stepheoday/pinacolada.htm.
HelloChris at 5:16PM on 04/26/08
I can't wait until I have an opportunity to make these! http://tinyurl.com/33rsmm
valser at 6:44PM on 04/26/08
When I think o summer, I think of Mojitos. Not sure how to make a jello shot out of that one. ;-D
izatryt at 7:39PM on 04/26/08
I meant of summer. I need to take a typing class!
izatryt at 7:39PM on 04/26/08
@valser: those look amazing, i'm definitely going to have to try them!! :)
machellebelle at 8:39PM on 04/26/08
I second mojitos...sometimes with a fresh fruit puree in them. Completely fab and totally my fave.
ChelleyD01 at 9:22PM on 04/26/08
You can make almost any cocktail into a jello shot. Simply keep your alcohol to water/juice ratio to about 50/50 and avoid too much citrus (the jello won't set as well with too much). Bon Appetit did a gin and tonic jello shot a few years back that was lovely.
For mojitos, I'd use lime jello maybe, and perhaps do some sort of mint infused water and/or rum. I regularly do lemon drop shots, margarita shots, etc. Try subbing triple sec for about 1/4 to 1/3 of the base alcohol. If you use unflavored gelatin, the flavor possibilities are endless. Also, layered shots are fun and festive.
As for summer cocktails, mojitos and margaritas are sooo refreshing!
StripeyChef at 9:31PM on 04/26/08
I LOVE jello shots, especially strong ones, the kind that sneak up on you and you don't know until it's too late that you've had one too many. One summer I made 3 batches of jello shots to take to my sister in law's house for a party. Her people complained they were too strong and refused to eat them, ingrates, I showed them, I ate all of them myself just out of spite... hehe, ahem, I mean... grrr! :P
Southern_bella at 9:47PM on 04/26/08
Now I feel left out...I have never ever had jello shots (insert pouty face here:-))! I'm not even sure I can imagine - texturally - what it would be like...hmm...nope, I can't!
As for my favourite summer cocktails - I'm afraid I'm a boring wine person all year round, although, I may have an occasional golden margarita in summer. Well, and an occasional bottle of cold beer (I don't ever feel like drinking beer in winter for whatever reason), but that's not a cocktail:-).
brooke29 at 10:42PM on 04/26/08
How about sangria?
Red or white versions would probably pair pretty well after jello shots as you would be toning down the alcohol content (this may defeat the purpose, not sure what kind of party you want!). You can pair all different types of fruits for either version and make them as sweet as you like with different wines. I love freezing the fruit to act as ice cubes without watering down the wine.
I'm usually pretty good with some Coronas after jello shots on summer days--then a nice long nap after the alcohol catches up with me!
bobcatsteph3 at 10:51PM on 04/26/08
Thank you brooke29!!! I'm supposed to bring the jello shots to the SE party and I've never even tasted one, no less made them. I don't feel so ostrasizable now, thanks to you being as strange as me. We can hang our heads in the corner. Think anyone will notice I coined another nerdy word?
In the past couple of months, I have actually consumed two entire cases of beer. First, Killian's Red. Second, Yuengling. I used to think beer smelled like those yellow samples you have to bring to the doctor. Now, I actually like it! Talk about changing! I love wine, too. Whadda ya say, want to down a couple of jello shots and join the cool crowd? I'm curious and who knows, I might like them as much as beer!
PerkyMac at 10:51PM on 04/26/08
@Perky - apropos beer, you should try Grolsch once! It's my favourite beer ever and...well, now you know I'm biased so, of course, I'll tell you it's very good:-).
Boy, am I glad I'm not all by myself in that corner! (yep, ostrasizable, indeed!) And yes, I'm actually curious now too...with good company, I just might go for it!
brooke29 at 11:01PM on 04/26/08
@brooke29.........I'll do my best to be good company, but sheesh.......we've got most SEers (yes, they see the future!) coming and they are too cool for words. I will definitely try Grolsch. It will be my 3rd beer. Unfortunately, you have to buy by the case in PA, but with your recommendation, I'm not afraid.
I'd better find somebody experienced to make the Jello shots, now that my shameful secret is out in the open. Volunteers?
PerkyMac at 8:48AM on 04/27/08
@PeryMac & brooke29; You are not alone in the jello shot "virgin" crowd! I have never seen a jello shot let alone make one! The closet I came was buying a house warming gift for a couple who talked about jello shots like they were a breakfast beverage. So I went to the market and bought every flavor of jello, some plastic shot glasses and a bottle of vodka. When they opened the gift, the wife said "Oh. I never thought of making jello shots with vodka". So I asked why not and she said she makes them with grain alcohol. Go figure!
izatryt at 10:07AM on 04/27/08
I can't stand jello and jello shots aren't exactly a summer drink meerly a way to get drunk quickly. They remind me of college parties. Still may fav drink when its hot is a Bloody Caeser made with Absolute Peppar Vodka. The vodke is spicy like hot peppers. I use clamato juice and found rimming spices for my glass. Add a lemon wedge & celery stalk.
joanpieroni2 at 10:23AM on 04/27/08
seconding the sangria as a cocktail -- amazingly refreshing summer drink, and very easy to make. my go-to recipe is http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Classic-Spanish-Sangria/Detail.aspx
cafepeach at 2:28PM on 04/27/08
@valser: I HATE JELLO, but man those things look awesome. I will defintiely be making them for others. Thanks for that! My friends will definitely appreciate.
I like to have all types of mojitos, different margarita's-and getting creative with the mixtures (like peach and mango=YUM). Also included in my rotation are various types of rums mixed with sprite. I can not tell you how many people I have hooked on those mixes alone.
One to remember that does not get much love from people are martini's! You can do soooo many varities it's amazing. This also gives you an opportunity to use the fruits of the season-you can make fresh juice to mix with the alcohol you choose. I've made quite a few...last year the fave one I made was a watermelon martini. WOW. So fresh and light-and oh so good. I even had numerous guys asking me to make more..:)
Guess that's why I am always the bartender at every gathering.
Butrflygirly at 3:10PM on 04/27/08
@brooke29 - jello shots have the same texture as regular jello, you are just replacing the cold water with alcohol. They usually taste like a strong, sweet fruity shot....only in jello form. Does that make sense?
@perky...I'll make you some jello shots...come on over on the 3rd of July....
we usually have 5 or 6 different kinds.
@stripeychef...that gin & tonic jello shot sounds interesting...you could probably make any drink a jello shot if you just added plain gelatin.
btw....no....my life does not consist of downing jello shots every week-end....I only make them once a year for the most part...I just thought this would be a fun 'summer thinking' thread about the cocktails we like....and jello shots...not necessarily mixed together as one.
There are alot of great party ideas here though...thanks!
mepolo at 8:49AM on 04/28/08
more jello shot ideas can be found in this book. i don't have it but have been recommended it by several people.
french tart at 9:07AM on 04/28/08