Jello shots are a delectable means to consume alcohol without the unpleasant afterburn. However, that does not mean you have to skip the alcoholic taste you have grown to love.
If you want your Jello shots to resemble real alcohol shots more, you might be wondering how you can make strong Jello shots. I looked into it, and here is what I found!
How To Make Strong Jello Shots?
To make strong Jello shots, you have to increase the amount of alcohol you use. However, there is a limit to how much alcohol you can use because too much alcohol can prevent the Jello shots from setting. Generally, up to sixteen to nineteen ounces of alcohol are the limit, especially if you are using 80 proof spirits.
In case you are interested to learn more about how you can make your Jello shots stronger and whether there is a limit to the alcohol that Jello can take, keep reading!
How Much Alcohol Can You Put In Jello Shots?
Determining the amount of alcohol you can put in Jello shots depends on several factors, including the type of gelatin, alcohol, and recipe you use.
If you are going to use a beverage with low alcohol content, you have more leeway as to the quantity of that beverage you can mix with your Jello shots.
However, if you are using liquor like vodka which typically has 40% alcohol by volume (ABV) or 80 proof, you might only be able up to nineteen ounces of vodka.
What Is The Most Vodka You Can Put In Jello Shots?
Vodka has a high alcohol content, which means that there is a limit to the amount of vodka you can put in a Jello shot and still expect the Jello shot to set.
Typically, if you use four ounces of boiling water to dissolve the Jello mix, you can use two cups of liquor to replace the cold water that is usually added to the Jello solution.
However, if you use vodka that has an ABV higher than 40%, you have to lower the amount of vodka you use because too much alcohol will prevent the Jello shots from setting.
Can I Put More Vodka In Jello Shots?
You can put more vodka in Jello shots provided that you adjust the ratio of Jello mix, boiling water, and cold water accordingly.
To simplify the adjustment, you can replace the cold water with chilled vodka completely.
Regarding the differences in brands and recipes people follow, a trial-and-error process is necessary to determine how much vodka your Jello shots can take and still set.
How Strong Should Jello Shots Be?
Jello shots can have varying strengths depending on your preferences. There is no ideal ABV for Jello shots because Jello shots are often made to taste.
That said, most Jello shot recipes are formulated to produce Jello shots that have approximately 10% ABV each.
What Happens If You Put Too Much Alcohol In Jello Shots?
If you put too much alcohol in Jello shots, they won’t set. Alcohol has properties that hinder the Jello’s properties from binding the ingredients and giving them a solid shape.
No matter how long you leave the Jello shots in the fridge, Jello shots will not be as firm as you want them to be.
At most, it will be impossible to leave impressions on Jello shots but the Jello shots may still move from side to side when you tilt the container.
What Is The Best Alcohol To Put In Jello Shots?
Sticking to clear spirits with a minimum of 40% ABV is the best choice for Jello shots and the spirits that fall under this category are unflavored vodka and white rum.
Nonetheless, vodka is the most favored spirit when it comes to Jello shots because vodka also has the most neutral flavor, therefore allowing the Jello shot’s distinct taste to shine.
However, it is possible to use spirits like whiskey, brandy, and tequila as well as they can give your Jello shots a unique taste and elevate the flavors that the Jello comes in.
What Is The Ratio Of Water To Vodka In Jello Shots?
Generally, Jello shots are made with half a cup of cold water and half a cup of vodka. As for the boiling water used to dissolve the Jello mix, the boiling water should be no more than a full cup.
Nevertheless, ratios vary depending on the brand of Jello you are using. It is best to follow the instructions on the back of the box and to increase them equally.
In case you are not following a specific recipe, you can also try a ratio of four ounces of water to five or six ounces of vodka.
Is Rum Or Vodka Better For Jello Shots?
Vodka is the better spirit for Jello shots because vodka is neutral. Unlike rum, which is sweeter and has more nuanced notes, vodka is almost completely tasteless.
When Making Jello Shots Does The Alcohol Have To Be Cold?
If you are going to mix the alcohol with the boiling water and Jello powder solution, chilling the alcohol in the freezer for a little while will prevent the alcohol from dissolving.
It is crucial to note that alcohol evaporates in high temperatures, so if you add lukewarm alcohol to a boiling solution, you might end up with Jello shots with a lower ABV.
However, if you do not want to chill the alcohol before adding the alcohol, make sure to pour the alcohol in the Jello after the Jello has cooled off.
How Long Do You Let Jello Cool Before Adding Alcohol?
Once the Jello is warm to the touch and does not cause any burning sensation, you can safely add the alcohol because the alcohol will no longer burn off.
Take a look at our related articles to discover how long Jello takes to set, how long Jello shots last, and how many Jello shots there are per box.
Conclusion
Making strong Jello shots can be tricky, but with the right ratio of gelatin, vodka, cold water, and hot water, it is possible to make Jello shots that are strong enough to suit your taste.
However, there is a limit to the amount of alcohol you can use that will still allow the Jello shots to set. Typically, the limit for alcohol in Jello shots is sixteen to nineteen ounces.
Moreover, if you use the maximum amount of alcohol that Jello shots can take, you will have Jello shots that will taste just like real shots.