The Best Type Of Vodka To Use In Jell-O Shots

Making Jell-O shots for a get-together is a fantastic way to infuse a little fun into a party, but they aren't just there for looks. Using the right kind of liquor is key. We spoke with the chief mixologist and spirits educator at Total Wine & More, Molly Horn, about how to pick out the most fitting hooch for your gelatinous goodies.

"I recommend a corn-based vodka — these are crisp and clean vodkas with a hint of sweetness, which works perfectly with any of the Jell-O flavors available," Horn said. Corn-based vodkas are easy to find at your local liquor store, but you don't necessarily want to break the bank when making what should be an inexpensive party treat. Horn's specific suggestion is a vodka that bar managers think is a winner: "A vodka like Tito's, which is smooth (you don't want anything harsh) and also pocket-friendly."

Of course, vodka is somewhat bland compared to the flavor of other spirits. Using alternative liquors grants you an opportunity to infuse extra flavor into your Jell-O shots. "Rum is a great full-proof spirit as even white rum has subtle sweet tropical fruit and citrus notes (since it is made from sugar cane or molasses)," Horn said. "You can also use a flavored rum such as Malibu, which can add delicious, sweet coconut notes while still having a consistency closer to a traditional Jell-O shot with a lower alcohol percentage!" If you want a shot with even less horsepower, even a run-of-the-mill domestic beer works well with some flavors of Jell-O such as lime.

With the perfect spirit in hand, you are ready to make crowd-pleasing Jell-O shots, but there are some nuances to keep in mind. Horn noted that one mishap she has seen too often is folks not understanding how to measure dry versus liquid ingredients. "One common mistake, especially if you are used to cooking or baking, is that people see a recipe call for '8 ounces' and think to use a scale." For full accuracy, measure liquids by volume, not weight.

Something else that can turn your concoctions into a disaster is impatience. Horn said, "Another seemingly simple challenge is making sure the gelatin completely dissolves in the boiling water before adding cold water (or, of course, room-temperature liquor)." It might take longer than you think, so diligence is essential in this crucial step.

One nice thing about making Jell-O shots is you can prepare them ahead of time, but like storing prepped batch cocktails before an event, timing is key. Horn said, "For Jell-O shots, it's best to avoid making them too far in advance, as you will start to lose some of that delicate bounce!" Jell-O shots should remain safe to consume for 7 to 10 days, but by the end of that timeframe, they may start looking a bit weepy as water can begin separating from the gelatin. For pristine texture and flavor, prep Jell-O shots no more than five days in advance, keeping them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.