This July 4th I have decided to take a new and
fresh approach to red, white & blue fun.
The Red:
Watermelon Basil Martini Jello Shots
Recommended Pan: 1-pound loaf pan (approximately 8” x 4”/20 x 10 cm)
1/2 cup water
5 tablespoons frozen limeaid concentrate (thawed)
2 envelopes Knox gelatin
2/3 cup vodka or Hendricks Gin
2/3 cup watermelon basil juice (recipe follows)
1 drop rosewater (if desired)
1/4 inch thick seedless watermelon slices, for garnish (if desired)
Pour water and limeaid concentrate into a small saucepan and sprinkle with the 2 envelopes of gelatin. Allow the gelatin to soak for a minute or two. Heat over very low heat until gelatin is dissolved, stirring constantly, about 5 minutes. Stir in the vodka or gin and watermelon juice. Add rosewater if desired. Pour mixture into loaf pan or molds. Place in refrigerator to cool, several hours or overnight.
To serve, cut into desired shapes (or unmold). Cut shapes out of the watermelon slices with a cookie cutter or a sharp knife. Place one shot on each watermelon shape. Makes 18 to 24 jelly shots.
Watermelon Basil Juice
1/2 pound seedless watermelon chunks (about 2 cups)
10 large fresh basil leaves (about 1/4 cup)
Food processor and strainer
Place watermelon and basil in the bowl of the food processor and process until very smooth. Strain through fine mesh strainer to remove any solids.
The White & The Blue:
Total time: 25 minutes, plus overnight chilling
Servings: About 20 Shots (more if you use 1/2 ounce molds instead of an ice tray)
Servings: About 20 Shots (more if you use 1/2 ounce molds instead of an ice tray)
10 1/2 ounces Stoli Blueberry vodka
2 ounces simple syrup* (add more if blueberries are sour)
3 1/2 (1/4 ounce) packets of gelatin powder
2 ounces simple syrup* (add more if blueberries are sour)
3 1/2 (1/4 ounce) packets of gelatin powder
About 60 fresh blueberries (more if the blueberries are small)
1. Off heat, combine the vodka and simple syrup in a small saucepan. Add gelatin powder to the vodka mixture.
2. Heat the saucepan over low heat, stirring, until the gelatin is dissolved and incorporated into the vodka mixture, about 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat.
3. Place a few blueberries in the bottom of each individual ice cube mold, and carefully pour the vodka mixture into each. Refrigerate the ice cube tray until set, preferably overnight. These cocktails will keep, refrigerated, for as long as 2 days.
*To make simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan, and stir over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.
