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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
Dissolve Gelatin: Stir continuously until the gelatin is completely dissolved into the mixture, creating a smooth liquid.
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.
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