Over the past two years, the rise of ‘classic’ cocktails has rapidly become a trend at events. Throwback mixed drinks of the 1960’s are once again on the rise. Thank you “Mad Men”! And it is not unusual to find hosts serving Martinis, Manhattans, and Gimlets to their guests.

Along with fashion and design, everything that was old is new again in the events industry, but it usually comes with a modern twist. And spirits should not be an exception.

Instead just serving a  simple gin & tonic or Old Fashioned, why not consider Jell-O shots!

And I am not talking about your average college Jell-O shot. We are going gourmet with an Old Fashioned Jelly Shot garnished with a maraschino cherry.

Old Fashion Jelly Shot
Old Fashion Jelly Shot


Old Fashioned Jelly Shot

Recommended Pan: 1-pound loaf pan (8″ x 4″/20 x 10 cm)

2/3 cup/165 ml soda water
2/3 cup/165 ml Bitters Syrup (see recipe below)
2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
2 1/2 teaspoons of unflavored gelatin
2/3 cup/165 ml Maker’s Mark Bourbon
Maraschino cherry halves for garnish

Combine the soda water, bitters syrup, and cherry juice in a small saucepan and sprinkle with gelatin. Allow the gelatin to soak for a two minutes. Heat over very low heat until the gelatin is dissolved, stirring constantly for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, add the bourbon, and stir well. Pour into the loaf pan lined with parchment, and refrigerate over night until fully set.

Remove from the pan and cut into 1″ x 1″ squares. Garnish with a maraschino cherry half.

Enjoy! And you can thank me later!

Bitters Syrup

1 1/2 cups/360 ml water
1 cup/200 g granulated sugar
9 tablespoons angostura bitters

Combine all ingredients in saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the mixture boils, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.

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