R is for: Ruby Red{zone} Greyhound Jello Shots

Since I launched this blog in October of last year, I’ve learned a ton about food blogging, photography, recipe writing, and html code. I’ve also learned that people really love jello shots. Out of the 93 posts I’ve done, my top two in terms of page views (by a landslide) are the Jolly Jello Shots and the Lemon Peel Jello Shots. And coming in at number 4? The Pomegranate Rosé Jello Shots.

I figured Super Bowl was a great time to roll out another delicious alcohol drink in gelatin form. I thought long and hard about different variations…football shaped shots, referee striped shots, or red and blue shots to represent the two teams playing this weekend.

But in the end, I decided to go more for an interesting flavor combo, and something that you can continue to make long after the Super Bowl outcome has been decided. Greyhounds. Let me also say that I love Greyhounds. Nothing beats vodka with fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice. I’ve always liked them, but Lion Pub really sealed the deal for me. (Next time you go there, definitely order one).

To make them, you’ll need some fresh squeezed grapefruit juice. (A cup to be exact). Carefully juice your grapefruit and strain the juice to remove any pulp or seeds. (Removing the pulp will reduce your liquid a tad, so you’ll want to start out with slightly more than a cup).

Just like the Lemon Peel Jello Shots, we’re actually going to use the grapefruit peels as an easy way to hold the jello shots. Using a grapefruit knife and spoon, remove the pulp, making sure not to poke any holes in the peel.

Pour the grapefruit juice in a small saucepan and sprinkle with 1.5 to 2 packets of Knox unflavored gelatin (depending on how firm you like your shots to be). Now, because my juice wasn’t too pink (like, at all), I also added 1/8 teaspoon of cherry jello to give it a little more pink color. (A drop of pink food coloring would also do the trick.) Let it soak for a minute or two. Add 1/4 cup of sugar and heat until gelatin and sugar have dissolved, about five minutes.

Pour in vodka and water and transfer to something with a pour spout (like a measuring cup). Place grapefruit halves in a muffin pan to keep them stabilized and pour in the grapefruit juice mixture.

Don’t be afraid to fill them up full. The jello will shrink slightly while it sets. For me, this recipe yielded exactly six grapefruit halves. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight.

Once jello has completely set, cut each “cup” in half, and then in half again. Six grapefruit halves will make 24 shots. To turn it into a drinking game, take a Ruby Red{zone} shot every time your team gets into the red zone. Enjoy! (And always drink responsibly).