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Cozy Cranberry Vodka Christmas Jello Shots

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These festive jello shots combine tart cranberry juice, vodka, and a hint of cinnamon for a grown-up holiday treat. Quick to prepare and perfect for parties, they’re a nostalgic twist on a classic dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (480 ml) cranberry juice cocktail
  • 1 cup (240 ml) vodka (e.g., Absolut or Tito’s)
  • 3 tablespoons unflavored gelatin (about 4 packets, e.g., Knox)
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) orange juice
  • 1 small cinnamon stick
  • 12–15 fresh cranberries (for garnish)
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
  • Sanding sugar or edible glitter (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your workspace. Arrange 20-24 plastic shot cups on a baking sheet, ensuring they are stable.
  2. Bloom the gelatin. In a small bowl, sprinkle 3 tablespoons of unflavored gelatin over 1/2 cup (120 ml) of cold cranberry juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes a lumpy sponge.
  3. Heat the base. In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining 1.5 cups (360 ml) of cranberry juice, the sugar, and the cinnamon stick. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is steaming but not boiling (about 3-4 minutes).
  4. Add the bloomed gelatin. Remove the saucepan from heat. Remove the cinnamon stick with tongs. Add the bloomed gelatin mixture to the hot juice and whisk gently until completely dissolved (about 2 minutes). No lumps allowed.
  5. Cool the mixture slightly. Let the gelatin mixture cool for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. It should be warm but not hot.
  6. Add the alcohol. Pour in 1 cup of vodka and 2 tablespoons of orange juice. Whisk gently to combine.
  7. Fill the cups. Use a funnel to pour the liquid into each shot cup, filling them about 3/4 full. Leave a little room at the top for garnishes.
  8. Add garnishes. Drop 1-2 fresh cranberries into each cup. If desired, add a small rosemary sprig.
  9. Refrigerate. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and let the shots set for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Do not move them during this time.
  10. Finish and serve. Once set, snap the lids on. If using sanding sugar or edible glitter, sprinkle it on top just before serving. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Notes

Do not boil the juice as it can damage the gelatin’s setting power. Ensure vodka is at room temperature before adding to prevent graininess. For best results, refrigerate overnight. Do not freeze.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry jello shots, Christmas jello shots, vodka jello shots, holiday party recipe, cranberry vodka shots

Find it online: https://jollyfork.com/cozy-cranberry-vodka-christmas-jello-shots-easy-party-recipe/