I have mentioned, oh, once or twice at least, my obsession with boozy Jello. These little summery beauties mixed that obsession with my love for party food and determination to try one of the many things I’ve pinned on Pinterest (I accomplish this about once a blue moon).
Since party food tastes better with company, I invited some girlfriends over for a Bubbles & BBQ party on Saturday. We had a serious spread of goodies — numerous cheeses, pasta salad, homemade pickles, Caprese salad and even a bowl of larb with butter lettuce. There were also some crazy good bacon-wrapped, shrimp-and-cheese stuffed jalapeños. Yeah, my friends can throw down when it comes to eating!
While there was good food galore, I like to think the watermelon jellies were the most adorable offering of the day. Which is a good thing because they were a total pain to make. I’m always pleased when overly fussy projects turn out as cute as desired!
Not to deter you from trying these — because even made without alcohol they really do make quite the impression. Just give yourself plenty of time to put them together. And maybe drink a cocktail while you do it.
Start by cutting the limes in half from top to bottom and juicing them, then get to work on hollowing them out. This was harder than I expected. I’ve heard (and can imagine) that lemons and oranges are much easier but limes are pretty stubborn. I thought I’d be smart and try blanching the lime shells to get the flesh out easier. All this did was turn the rind from a bright green to a dull green (boo!). Luckily it was fairly unnoticeable when they were sliced. The best thing to do would be to invest in a grapefruit spoon to scrape as much of the pulp out as possible.
Once the limes are scraped clean, rinse them and pat them dry. Put them cut side up in a muffin tin and then carefully pour the Jello mixture into the shells and let them chill until set, preferably overnight.
Then enjoy the cuteness you have created — oh, and beware. These little Jello-y jewels pack a punch!
Boozy Watermelon Slices
- 1 small seedless watermelon — pureed and passed through a sieve (should get 2 cups of juice)
- 1/4 cup sugar (or to taste depending on the sweetness of the melon)
- 2 packets of unflavored gelatin
- squeeze of lime (optional)
- 2/3 cup vodka (I used Smirnoff Watermelon Vodka)
- 3-4 limes, halved, juiced and scraped clean of flesh
- 1 TB untoasted black sesame seeds
Put 2/3 cup of watermelon juice into a small saucepan and sprinkle the gelatin over it. Allow to bloom for a few minutes.
Add sugar and heat mixture over very low heat, stirring constantly, until gelatin and sugar dissolve, about 3-4 minutes. Add in vodka, squeeze of lime and another 2/3 cup of watermelon juice.
* a note about the added sugar — the lime pith does impart a touch of bitterness to the shots so the sugar is a nice addition. However, it’s not necessary.
Pour into lime “molds” and chill until set. Slice each lime half into thirds and sprinkle slices with sesame seeds.
The cuteness never ends. You’re lucky there’s alcohol in most of these cute little things you make…
I know! Really cute food is my kryptonite. I’m glad the addition of booze redeems them! And trust me — these were boooozy. 😉
Oh, I do trust you. 😉
I think that’s the best Pinteresty thing I’ve ever seen!
I was pretty impressed with myself. =)
so cute! Love love love 🙂
They were pretty adorable — cute enough that I will do them again though maybe just in orange and lemon peels. But think of the cocktail possibilities — endless!
Epic!
Thanks! =)
I know for a fact I’ll never make these, because they’re too much trouble, but I love seeing them turn out so well for you! You and your pals really know how to throw a party!
They were a bit of a struggle but I’m excited to try them again with oranges. I really love having fun with boozy Jello — it’s like my favorite pet project. Plus with friends who make such tasty food I have to make something special to stand out! =)
Such a great idea. And, wow, what a gorgeous spread. Perfect boozy, fruity pairing. 😉
Thanks! I was pretty excited about them! =)
What a beautiful post with beautiful photos. The boozy ‘watermelon’ slices look so real. At first I thought they were really watermelons….you are so innovative. Thanks I wish I could eat one right now!
Way too much fun in this post! That spread looks amazing and your boozy watermelon shots are so adorable. Very creative!
Thank you! I felt like both the BBQ and the jelly shots were definitely a success. And I’m already itching to try a new jello cocktail – I think it instilled a bit of college nostalgia. =)
Adorable!!! Martha would be proud!
Thanks! I think she would be too — cute food that gets you drunk is like a win-win. =)
Those are so cute! Totally making these for my next party!
Thanks! They require some effort but I think the end result is totally worth it. Let me know if you give them a try!
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