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Light and Festive Cranberry Orange Jello Shots

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Bright, refreshing jello shots made with real cranberry juice and fresh orange zest. Perfect for holiday parties, these are lighter and more sophisticated than traditional jello shots, with a perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240 ml) 100% cranberry juice (not cocktail)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) fresh orange juice (about 2–3 large oranges)
  • Zest of 1 large orange
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 packets (about 14 g each) unflavored gelatin powder
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) cold water
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) vodka or citrus-flavored vodka
  • Optional: Fresh cranberries and orange slices for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bloom the gelatin: Pour 1/2 cup cold water into a small bowl. Sprinkle gelatin evenly over the surface. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until it forms a solid, rubbery mass.
  2. Heat the juice mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine cranberry juice, orange juice, lemon juice, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves and mixture is warm but not boiling (remove from heat when tiny bubbles form around edges).
  3. Dissolve the gelatin: Remove saucepan from heat. Add bloomed gelatin to warm juice mixture. Whisk constantly until gelatin is completely dissolved and mixture is smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add alcohol and zest: Let mixture cool for about 5 minutes. Whisk in vodka and orange zest.
  5. Pour into cups: Place shot cups on a baking sheet. Carefully pour liquid mixture into each cup, filling about 3/4 full. Optionally, add a fresh cranberry or orange slice to each cup.
  6. Let them set: Transfer baking sheet to refrigerator. Let set for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  7. Garnish and serve: Once set, add extra zest or a rosemary sprig for garnish. Serve straight from the fridge.

Notes

Don’t boil the juice as it can weaken the gelatin. Fresh juice is essential for best flavor. Zest the orange before juicing. Letting them set overnight gives the best texture and flavor. For non-alcoholic version, replace vodka with additional cranberry juice or sparkling water.

Nutrition

Keywords: jello shots, cranberry orange, holiday party, easy recipe, festive, gelatin shots, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Eve

Find it online: https://bitesienna.com/light-and-festive-cranberry-orange-jello-shots-easy-recipe/