Mint Julep Jello Shots

More About This Recipe

• Our Mint Julep Jelly Shots shake up tradition with a fun new twist that’ll get your Derby party galloping! There are two gotta-haves at the Kentucky Derby: horses, and mint juleps. Why mint juleps? Odds are they go well with the big brimmed hats and that My Old Kentucky Home song they sing at the beginning of the race. Speaking of the race -- this is a fast one, people, so don’t blink. The best way to keep pace is to start the party early so you don’t get your jockeys in a bunch. This is where Mint Julep Jelly Shots come in. The drink version is fine (or should I say, refined), but these jelly shots are winner’s-circle ready and are so much more fun! If you were at the track, you'd line up to get your bet in before race time. In this case, you'll just line up your ingredients instead: Sparkling water, clear whiskey, sugar, unflavored gelatin, and fresh mint leaves. That's it! Mint julep cocktails are served in silver cups -- so if you're tradition-minded, serve up your Mint Julep Jelly Shots on a silver tray. Don't forget the mint garnish (just like the cocktail version)! Serve your shots with micro-mini espresso spoons to really peg the cute meter. (Find the spoons super cheap at kitchen stores.) If you only have one mold, keep the extra gelatin mixture from setting by putting it in a pan of warm water on the counter. This way, you can make the second batch after the first is set.
• Mint juleps are traditionally made with Kentucky bourbon, but we used clear Kentucky White Whiskey in this recipe to make it light colored instead of dark bourbon colored. Use bourbon if you would prefer, or if you are not a bourbon or whiskey fan, substitute vodka (one of the flavored vodkas would be great -- cake, vanilla, or marshmallow). If you don’t have a mold, just use a glass pan instead (9x9 or loaf size works). Spray the pan with cooking spray and gently wipe with paper towel. Pour all the liquid into the pan and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight until fully set. Cut the gelatin into small squares to serve. Now all bets are ON that yours will be the best Derby party ever! Cheers!