Lemon Drop Jelly Shooters Recipe

Introduction

Lemon Drop Jelly Shooters are a fun, elegant twist on classic jello shots. Inspired by a French restaurant amuse-bouche, these sweet and zesty treats bring a touch of sophistication to any dinner party or special event with minimal prep time.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces (1/4 cup) quality vodka
• 3/4 ounce (1 ½ tablespoons) triple sec
• 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) fresh squeezed lemon juice (from 1/2 large lemon)
• 3/4 ounce (1 ½ tablespoons) simple sugar syrup (1 cup sugar + 1 cup water, heated until sugar is dissolved)
• 1 tablespoon gelatin powder
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• Mint leaves and edible flowers (such as pansies) for garnish
• 3 lemons, halved and hollowed for serving shells

Instructions

1. Step 1: Carefully half 3 lemons and scoop out the flesh to create lemon skin molds. Set these aside and save the lemon flesh to use for juice in the next step.
2. Step 2: In a small saucepan, combine vodka, triple sec, fresh lemon juice, and simple sugar syrup. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, bloom the gelatin by mixing the gelatin powder with cold water. Stir until it turns white and gelatinous.
4. Step 4: Gently warm the lemon drop mixture on low heat and add the bloomed gelatin. Stir constantly until the gelatin fully dissolves. Avoid letting the mixture get too hot.
5. Step 5: Pour the gelatin mixture into the hollowed lemon halves. Garnish each with a mint leaf and an edible flower for a delicate finish.
6. Step 6: Refrigerate the shooters for 1 to 2 hours, or until set firmly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use high-quality vodka and fresh lemon juice for the best flavor and clarity in your shooters.
• Try swapping triple sec for Cointreau or another orange liqueur for a slightly richer taste.
• For a non-alcoholic version, omit the vodka and triple sec and replace with citrus soda or lemon-flavored sparkling water.
• Garnish creatively with different edible flowers or small citrus zest twists for a personalized touch.

Storage

Store any leftover lemon drop jelly shooters covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed chilled and fresh, so reheat or leave at room temperature briefly before serving to soften slightly, if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the lemon shells ahead of time?

Yes, you can hollow out the lemon halves a few hours in advance and store them in the fridge covered with plastic wrap to prevent drying.

What if I don’t have gelatin powder?

You can use gelatin sheets instead; just bloom them in cold water, then stir into the warm mixture until dissolved. Make sure to adjust the quantity according to package instructions.

Lemon Drop Jelly Shooters Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 98 reviews

• Author: Lana
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 shooters 1x

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Description

Lemon Drop Jelly Shooters are an elegant twist on classic jello shots, served in natural lemon peel cups for a beautifully presented, zesty, and sweet amuse-bouche that is perfect for starting a dinner party or special event. These shooters combine vodka, triple sec, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup set with gelatin for a fun and flavorful treat with minimal prep time.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Liquids

• 2 ounces (1/4 cup) quality vodka
• 3/4 ounce (1 ½ tablespoons) triple sec
• 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) fresh squeezed lemon juice (from 1/2 large lemon)
• 3/4 ounce (1 ½ tablespoons) simple sugar syrup (made from 1 cup sugar + 1 cup water, heated until sugar is dissolved)

Gelatin Mix

• 1 tablespoon gelatin powder
• 2 tablespoons cold water

Garnish

• Mint leaves
• Edible flowers (such as pansies)
• 3 lemons (halved and hollowed to use as molds)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Lemon Molds: Half 3 lemons and carefully cut out the flesh to create lemon skin molds for your jelly shooters. Set these aside. You can squeeze the lemon flesh to extract juice for the recipe.
2. Mix Liquids: In a small saucepan, combine vodka, triple sec, fresh lemon juice, and simple sugar syrup to create the lemon drop mixture. Set this mixture aside.
3. Bloom Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin powder over cold water and let it sit until the gelatin absorbs the water and becomes white and firm, commonly referred to as blooming.
4. Heat and Combine: Gently warm the lemon drop mixture on the stove over low heat. Add the bloomed gelatin mixture to the warmed liquid. Be careful to avoid overheating; ensure the temperature is warm enough to dissolve the gelatin but not boiling.
5. Dissolve Gelatin: Stir continuously until the gelatin is completely dissolved into the mixture, creating a smooth liquid.
6. Pour and Garnish: Carefully pour the gelatin mixture into the prepared lemon peel molds. Garnish each shooter with mint leaves and edible flowers for an elegant presentation.
7. Set in Fridge: Place the filled lemon molds in the refrigerator and chill for 1 to 2 hours or until the gelatin is fully set and firm.

Notes

• Use quality vodka for the best flavor in your shooters.
• Ensure the gelatin mixture does not boil, as high heat can degrade gelatin’s setting ability.
• Simple syrup can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to two weeks.
• The size of the lemon halves will affect the number of shooters you get; adjust quantities accordingly.
• For a non-alcoholic version, substitute vodka and triple sec with lemon-flavored sparkling water or juice (note this will change the texture and setting properties).
• Use fresh mint and edible flowers that are safe for consumption for best garnish results.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: French-inspired

Keywords: jello shots, lemon drop, vodka shooters, party appetizers, edible flower garnish, gelatin dessert, lemon peel molds