america’s jell-o shots 

Big questions for the weekend… what are you putting on the BBQ: pork ribs or beef brisket?  what kind of tunes will you be rocking to during the fireworks show: Texas country or throwback hip-hop?  and what better way to celebrate the birth of our great nation than with patriotic mojito jell-o shots?

Happy birthday, America!  Celebrate big, folks.

America’s Jell-O Shots
3 c water, divided
3 c sugar, divided
12 packets unflavored gelatin
2 1/4 c freshly squeezed lime juice, divided
18 mint sprigs, divided and leaves removed
2 1/4 c white rum, divided
red & blue food coloring

special equipment (optional):
silicone ice cube tray (1 oz per cube)

In a saucepan over medium heat, stir 1 c sugar into 1 c water until it dissolves. Lower heat to low and stir for another minute to cool. Slowly (very slowly!), stir in 4 packets of gelatin, one at a time, whisking until dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in 3/4 c lime juice and the torn leaves from 6 mint sprigs. Let steep for 15 minutes. Remove the mint leaves and stir in 3/4 c rum. Add 5-6 drops of blue food coloring and stir to distribute evenly.

If using a silicone ice cube tray, spray with Pam or other nonstick cooking oil and wipe lightly with a paper towel to remove excess. Pour 2 teaspoons of the mixture into each well. Refrigerate for 3-4 hours, until firm.

If using a 9″ x 13″ pan, spray with Pam or other nonstick cooking oil and wipe lightly with a paper towel to remove excess, then pour the mixture on the bottom of the pan. Refrigerate for 3-4 hours, until firm.

Repeat the process above two more times. Make sure to give it 3-4 hours to set between each layer. Leave food coloring out of the second mixture, and add red to the third mixture.

If using a silicone ice mold, simply pop the Jell-O shots out of each well. If using a 9″ x 13″ pan, use a knife to cut squares and remove carefully.