Jello shots are a popular party drink made by mixing liquor into flavored gelatin. Putting jello shots in the freezer is a common practice to help them set up fully. However, this can have some interesting effects on the texture and potency of the jello shots.
Do jello shots need to be refrigerated?
Jello shots do need to be refrigerated in order to set up properly. The gelatin requires cold temperatures to solidify and take shape. Leaving jello shots out at room temperature will prevent them from setting up correctly.
Jello powder packages provide refrigeration instructions for standard jello preparations. They recommend refrigerating jello for around 4 hours to completely set. However, jello shots require a bit longer in the fridge due to the added liquor.
Why put jello shots in the freezer?
There are a few reasons why you may want to put jello shots in the freezer:
- To speed up setting time – Jello shots will solidify faster in the freezer than the refrigerator due to the colder temperature. Freezing can cut the setting time down to 1-2 hours instead of 4-5.
- To achieve a thicker texture – The freezing process extracts more water from the gelatin, resulting in a thicker, firmer consistency.
- To make flavors more bold – The cold can intensify flavors, making jello shots taste more vibrant.
- To add visual appeal – Freezing creates ice crystals and opacity in the jello, giving it a frosty, sparkly appearance.
What happens when you freeze jello shots?
Freezing jello shots has some noteworthy effects on their final form and texture. Here is what happens:
They set up faster
As mentioned, the freezing cold temperature makes jello shots set up much faster than refrigerating. The intense cold causes the gelatin molecules to bind together rapidly into a solid gel.
They become thicker and more rigid
The coldtemperature of the freezer dehydrates the jello shots to a small degree by extracting water. This removal of moisture makes the final jello a thicker, firmer solid with a more pronounced gelatin structure.
They can separate into layers
Freezing may cause the alcoholic and gelatin components of a jello shot to separateslightly. Upon thawing, you may notice two distinct layers – a clear liquor layer on top and an opaque jello layer on bottom. Mixing the layers recombines the shot.
They develop ice crystals
During the freezing process, ice crystals can form throughout the jello shot. These crystals add an icy, grainy texture. The extent of crystallization depends on the alcohol content – shots with more liquor tend to freeze more solidly.
They become cloudy and opaque
Freezing alters the translucent appearance of jello shots, turning them an opaque white color. The development of ice crystals scatters light, giving the jello a cloudy, frosty look.
How long can you store jello shots in the freezer?
Properly frozen jello shots can be stored in the freezer for 2-3 weeks. The freezer prevents any further setting of the gelatin and locks in the shot’s texture.
Over an extended period, freezing may degrade the gelatin molecules causing weeping or Syneresis – when liquid seeps out weakening the gel structure. For best quality, jello shots are best consumed within 1-2 weeks.
Thawing and serving jello shots
When ready to serve, frozen jello shots need to be thawed gently to prevent cracking or liquefying. There are a few methods for properly thawing shots:
- Refrigerator thawing – Letting shots thaw overnight in the fridge allows them to transition slowly above freezing. This helps maintain their shape.
- Room temperature thawing – Sitting shots out at room temp for 1-2 hours thaws them while keeping their form intact.
- Running cool water – Placing shots in a bowl of cool water for 5-10 minutes gently thaws them.
- Microwave thawing – Microwaving can thaw shots very quickly but may overheat the gelatin and liquefy them if not careful. Use 30 second intervals at 50% power.
The thawed jello shots can then be served chilled, at room temperature, or even placed briefly back in the freezer to re-firm if needed. Take shots out of molds just before serving.
Do frozen jello shots get you drunker?
Frozen jello shots do not contain any more alcohol than refrigerated ones. However, the texture and thickness changes may make them seem more potent.
Freezing concentrates the gelatin, leaving less moisture and giving a thicker, firmer shot. This can make the alcohol flavor more pronounced. The icy texture also enhances the coldness making them seem more refreshing.
Additionally, it takes a bit longer to consume frozen jello shots than soft refrigerated ones. The extended time for alcohol absorption may increase intoxication.
Tips for perfect frozen jello shots
Follow these tips for flawlessly freezing jello shots:
- Use 100 proof liquor – Higher proof alcohol blends more smoothly into gelatin.
- Underfill molds – Leave some headspace for expansion during freezing.
- Freeze in a single layer – Avoid stacking molds to prevent sticking.
- Freeze completely – Freeze for at least 2 hours for solid shots.
- Thaw properly – Gently thaw shots in fridge or cool water bath to preserve shape.
Potential problems with freezing jello shots
Freezing jello shots can sometimes lead to issues like:
- Cracking or crumbling – Shots may split or crack if frozen too quickly.
- Separation – Layers dividing liquor and jello can occur after thawing.
- Bleeding colors – Some jello flavors or liquors may bleed together if freezer time is prolonged.
- Soggy consistency – Letting shots thaw too quickly can turn texture mushy.
- Dulled flavors – Extended freezing can dull more nuanced flavor notes.
Proper freezing and thawing technique helps avoid most of these potential problems.
Fun ideas for frozen jello shots
The icy nature of frozen jello shots lends itself to some creative and fun serving ideas:
- Shot glass luge – Create a mini ice luge by freezing shots in a long dixie cup mold.
- Jello shot popsicles – Pour into popsicle molds with sticks for boozy pops.
- Layered brain freeze shots – Make two colored layers by freezing each separately before combining.
- Rock candy rims – Roll frozen shot edges in colored sugar crystals before serving.
- Frosty flavors – Opt forcooling flavors like mint, cucumber, or lemon.
Conclusion
Freezing jello shots allows you to achieve fun textures and have them ready to grab from the freezer. Just be mindful of properly thawing to maintain the best flavor and mouthfeel. Get creative with flavors, molds, and serving methods to take advantage of their frosty uniqueness.