Have you ever eaten a Jell-O shot?
The alcoholic rainbow confections are almost as ubiquitous at college parties as those notorious red plastic cups. And yet, due to turning vegetarian at age 14, I’ve never actually tried one.
Not that I mind… Jell-O is too sweet and not chocolatey enough for me anyway. So when I recently came across a recipe for chocolate jello shots (without gelatin) in the cookbook Vegan Chocolate: Unapologetically Luscious and Decadent Dairy-Free Desserts by Fran Costigan, I was super excited to finally try them out.
I brought the homemade jello shots to a Friendsgiving party (basically Thanksgiving, but with friends instead of family). All of the same Thanksgiving foods are normally present at Friendsgiving: stuffing, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie, chocolate jello shots… well, maybe the jello shots were a little out of place. But no one seemed to mind!
Chocolate Jello Shots
- scant 1 1/2 tbsp agar flakes (3g)
- 1 cup water (240g)
- 1/3 cup sugar of choice (60g)
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup Dutch cocoa powder (25g)
- 1/4 cup vodka (I think water would work for an alcohol-free version, but I haven’t tried it) (60g)
In a small saucepan, stir together the water and agar flakes. Without turning on the heat, let sit 10-15 minutes. Bring to a boil, then cover and lower to a simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring very occasionally until the agar flakes are dissolved. Add all other ingredients except the vodka, and whisk to dissolve. Turn off the heat and add the vodka. Immediately pour into 9-10 shot glasses and refrigerate uncovered 20-30 minutes until gel has set. For best taste, be sure to use Dutch cocoa powder in this recipe. Please drink responsibly, and if you enjoy this recipe be sure to check out the book from which it was adapted: Vegan Chocolate: Unapologetically Luscious and Decadent Dairy-Free Desserts by Fran Costigan.
Questions of the Day:
Have you ever tried a Jell-O shot? And have you ever attended a Friendsgiving?
Link of the Day:
OW Katie, great great idea, cannot wait to try this out for a party in the future!!!
Chocolate Jell-O Shots! In all the college parties I attended, I never thought to try to make chocolate ones. I will have to try this with the flavored vodka I have (whipped cream, I think it will work nicely).
I’ve done many “Friendsgivings” and always get asked to bring the same dish – cornbread casserole (it’s not vegan, but I’m sure you could make a vegan version). My friends love it! They were super sad I couldn’t make it this year, both because they missed the dish and my company. I think Friendsgivings are a lovely way to celebrate and be thankful for the other very important people in your life 🙂
I was a varsity athlete in university, and for our rookie night we had to consume some pretty nasty things including a giant tupperware container full of jello shots and then vodka infused gummy bears. Needless to say I haven’t done jello shots since!
You are very thin. A little too thin…..
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this is a really gross comment.
I see that agar is available as flakes AND powder. Do you ever use the powder?
why Dutch chocolate in particular and not regular cocoa powder?
That’s a good question, I’m curious too. Wondering whether I can use my raw cacao.
I have agar powder, not flakes… How much would I sub in? Or is it not recommended?
Sorry, I’ve never actually tried it.
I’ve always wanted to try jello shots but haven’t because of the gelatin. I can’t wait to make these!
I never think of vodka and chocolate together. Although there are plenty of recipes with other ones, i.e. Creme de Cocoa, Bailey’s Irish Creme, etc…
I’m going to the store tomorrow to get the agar flakes because I’ve never heard of it before. I might substitute Apricot Brandy instead.
I came upon your blog yesterday, while looking for someone (anyone?) who would speak up in favor of carbs. I am so tired of hearing that one should not ingest carbs of any kind! I’m in my late 60’s and majored in home economics in college. I have baked forever and have never heard so much bad press about carbs. Your blog cheered me considerably and your recipes are amazing! I now have you on my “favorites” list and anticipate enjoying many chocolate treats to come…
Catherine from Charlotte