Jell-O Shots—you either love them, or you excoriate them. James Audubon listed all the birds he encountered for the sake of completion, and Jell-O Shots are therefore included here. Of course, Audubon stuffed his birds in order to draw them, and that fate is wished upon the Jell-O Shot by many traditionalists. William Grimes in Straight Up or On the Rocks vilifies them as “abominations.” But “sucking slime,” as it is known to its devotees, is probably the best way to catch up on your Jell-O if no hospital visit is in sight. These thing-a-ma-jiggles are also perfect party treats for those who arrive late and want to get as dead drunk as everyone else in no time at all.

If you possess the culinary prowess to make Jell-O, you will master these little globs in no time. Ways to serve this treat are limited only by your imagination and by the varied supply of Jell-O flavors. Opinions vary minimally on the proper way to serve Jell-O Shots, and connoisseurs will assure you that the most fitting manner is in small paper cups. Experts will point out that these cups are easily appropriated from the condiment counter of any major fast-food establishment.

  • Yield: 1 drink
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Total: Under 5 mins 
  • Active: Under 5 mins 

Ingredients (3)

  • 1 package Jell-O flavored gelatin
  • 6 ounces boiling water
  • 6 ounces vodka, gin, or anything else

Instructions

  1. Pour the gelatin into a bowl; then add the boiling water, and stir until the gelatin dissolves. Add the vodka, stir, and pour into an ice cube tray or molds of your choice. Refrigerate until set. This batch will serve one heroic individual, or ten curious ones a shot each.

Variations:

General Knox: (From a barman called Seafarer John) Use unflavored gelatin and a Martini blend in place of straight vodka.

Lava Lamp: Drop Jell-O Shots in a glass of cold vodka.