Mint Julep Jell-O Shots
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Ahh, Jell-O shots. What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear Jell-O shots? High school parties while parents were out of town? Dorm-room or frat-house parties in college? Probably not a high-falutin’ event like the Kentucky Derby, right? Here’s the thing about Jell-O shots… they seem to be making a resurgence among Generation X. Instead of serving cocktails at parties, Jell-O shots are being whipped up with complex flavor combinations and impeccably styled garnishes. They look like a piece of art, but taste just like their cocktail equivalents. With that in mind, I thought it would be fun to give the mint julep a Jell-O shot spin for the Kentucky Derby, which is taking place tomorrow.
Mint juleps are the Kentucky Derby drink of choice. Traditionally, it consists of bourbon, mint, sugar, and water, although there are also many variations that include lime. I, for one, love the addition of lime, as it reminds me of a mojito, so I chose to go the lime route when making these Jell-O shots. However, if you prefer your Mint Juleps without it, I provide a link below for a non-lime Mint Julep Jell-O shot.
The Kentucky Derby, also known as “The Run for the Roses” for the blanket of roses draped over the winner, is all about high-class, big hats, and drinks served in fancy silver cups. Grab a silver platter, a rose, and some mini cupcake liners, and suddenly your Jell-O shots have been transformed from frat house grunge to shabby chic.
Don’t forget to wash them down with some dessert! A piece of this Chocolate Bourbon Walnut Pie would be perfect!
One year ago: Margarita Cupcakes
Two years ago: Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix[/donotprint]
Mint Julep Jell-O Shots
Ingredients
- 2½ cups (625 ml) water
- ½ cup (22.5 g) heaping mint leaves, packed
- 18 ounces (510.29 g) packaged lime Jell-O
- 1 cup (240 ml) bourbon
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
Instructions
- Line a 9x9-inch square baking dish with plastic wrap, letting it hang over the sides of the pan; set aside.
- Combine the water and mint leaves in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 15 minutes.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the mint leaves from the saucepan and discard. Bring the water to a boil. Meanwhile, empty the Jell-O packets into a large bowl.
- When the water comes to a boil, pour it over the Jell-O in the bowl. Stir with a wooden spoon until it has completely dissolved. Stir in the bourbon and lime juice. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and refrigerate until set, 1 to 2 hours.
- Using the plastic wrap "handles", lift the square of Jell-O out of the pan. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice into squares. Garnish with mint leaves, if desired. Refrigerate leftovers.
Notes
Did you make this recipe?
Leave a review below, then snap a picture and tag @thebrowneyedbaker on Instagram so I can see it!
I was just wondering if this is all the water and bourbon needed for all three 6 oz packets of jello or just one packet  because for just one it calls for 2 cups boiling water and 2 cups cold water..just double checking before i make it this weekend! Thank you!Â
Hi Kadie, Yep! You don’t use as much as if you were making regular Jello because you want it to be denser so it’s more finger food-like. Hope that helps! Enjoy :)
Could these be made in little plastic shot cup for a party? Or would they stick?
Hi Angie, I think they would be fine in little cups. Enjoy!
if I use rum they would be “mojito shooter”? Thanks this is so cool.
Thanks, these were pretty tasty! Everyone was a little surprised when I offered them as a “starter” before a grillout this weekend but they were quickly devoured.
These are the cutest Jell-O shots I have ever seen. I bet they were amazing.
Those photo’s are wonderful. The last one made me think of Christmas. Such intense red and green would make any Christmas table even prettier.
Those are adorable!!! I was just playing around with making mint popsicles today. May have to try jello shots next – so fun!!
Excellent pics … These are so bright and colorful :-)
Love this idea! I bought some bourbon, mint and lime jello today at the store and it’s chilling in the fridge now! They’ll go great with my margarita and seven-layer dip tomorrow ;) Plus, my favorite color is green, so the color is right up my alley!
So much fun! Nice idea!
What a fun idea!!! I love the thought of making these classy again! (Wait…were they ever?) Haha! I have to admit though I’ve always had trouble getting alcoholic jelly to set :S where am I going wrong! I’ll have to give these a go and see how it pans out :)
Awesome!! Jello shots bring back some memories but I’ve never seen jello shots this classy before.
I’ve never had a Jello shot either. Looks like I missed out on some fun times in my youth :)
LOL! what a great idea!
GENIUS! Classy and nostalgic at the same time. They look great!
I have never had a jello shot! How sad is that? Now Ihave an excuse! This is a fantastic recipe!!
They look very limy! :)
love this idea!! who says jell-o shots aren’t for grown-ups?! :)
What a neat idea! This sounds yummy!
Leave it to you! I must try these right away!
Wow, these must be the most elegantly presented jello shots I’ve ever seen!
What beautiful colors in these pictures! And what a fun and tasty recipe too.
wow, I’ve never heard of these b4, Igotta try it!!!! Thank you :)
Total fun! I love the pics :)
Natalie
Honestly, I don’t know if jello shots will ever make me think of anything other than a raucous party. We used to mix them into cheap champagne and pretend like we were sophisticated because we couldn’t afford to buy good stuff (of much of anything) and somehow putting the two together was so much better.
But, it certainly seems like you’ve put lass back into jello. Maybe my opinion should be swayed…
Ooo these look so fun!!