Jello shots are a fun and festive way to enjoy a drink with a twist. These colorful and tasty treats are made by mixing gelatin with water and alcohol, and then pouring the liquid into small cups or molds to set. Jello shots are perfect for parties, celebrations, or just a casual night in with friends.
But what if you want to make jello shots ahead of time, or have some leftovers that you don’t want to waste? Can you put jello shots in the freezer to preserve them or speed up the setting process? The answer is yes, but with some caveats.
In this post, we will explain what happens when you put jello shots in the freezer, how to do it properly, and what are the pros and cons of freezing jello shots. By the end of this post, you will be able to decide whether freezing jello shots is a good idea for you or not.
What Happens When You Put Jello Shots in the Freezer?
Jello shots are made with gelatin, which is a protein that forms a semi-solid network when dissolved in hot water and cooled. Gelatin can set at room temperature, but it sets faster and firmer in the refrigerator. However, gelatin does not freeze well, as the freezing process breaks down the protein structure and causes it to lose its shape and texture.
When you put jello shots in the freezer, they will freeze, but the alcohol in the jello shots will prevent them from freezing solid. This means that when you take the jello shots out of the freezer, they will be slushy, grainy, or watery, depending on how long they were frozen and how much alcohol they contain.
Some people may enjoy this slushy texture, especially on a hot summer day. However, others may find it unpleasant or unappealing, as it differs from the smooth and bouncy texture of regular jello shots. Also, freezing jello shots may affect their flavor and potency, as some of the alcohol may evaporate or separate from the gelatin.
How to Freeze Jello Shots Properly?
If you decide to freeze jello shots, either to make them ahead of time or to use up leftovers, you should follow some tips to ensure the best results. Here are some steps you can take to freeze jello shots properly:
- Choose the right recipe – Not all jello shot recipes are suitable for freezing. Some recipes may contain ingredients that do not freeze well, such as dairy products, fruit juices, or carbonated drinks. These ingredients may cause the jello shots to curdle, crystallize, or lose their flavor when frozen. You should choose a simple recipe that only uses gelatin, water, and alcohol for freezing jello shots. You should also avoid using too much alcohol, as this will lower the freezing point of the jello shots and make them softer and runnier when thawed. A good ratio is one part alcohol to two parts water.
- Use small and sturdy containers – The size and shape of your containers will affect how your jello shots freeze and thaw. You should use small and sturdy containers that can withstand freezing temperatures and prevent leakage or spillage. You can use plastic shot glasses, silicone molds, ice cube trays, or mini muffin pans for freezing jello shots. You should also spray your containers with cooking spray or oil before pouring the liquid to make it easier to remove the jello shots later.
- Cover your containers tightly – To prevent your jello shots from drying out, absorbing odors, or losing flavor in the freezer, you should cover your containers tightly with plastic wrap, foil, or lids. You should also label your containers with the date and name of the recipe for easy identification.
- Freeze your jello shots for a short time – The longer you freeze your jello shots, the more they will lose their quality and texture. You should freeze your jello shots for no more than a few hours if you want to speed up the setting process, or no more than a few days if you want to store them for later use. You should also avoid refreezing your jello shots once they are thawed, as this will further damage their structure and flavor.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Freezing Jello Shots?
Freezing jello shots can have some advantages and disadvantages depending on your preferences and needs. Here are some of the pros and cons of freezing jello shots:
Pros
- You can make them ahead of time – Freezing jello shots can save you time and hassle if you want to prepare them for a party or event in advance. You can make a large batch of jello shots whenever you have time and freeze them until you need them. This way, you can avoid the stress of making them at the last minute or worrying about them setting properly in the fridge.
- You can use up leftovers – Freezing jello shots can also help you use up leftovers that you don’t want to waste or consume right away. You can freeze your leftover jello shots and enjoy them later as a treat or a dessert. This way, you can avoid throwing away good food or drinking too much alcohol in one sitting.
- You can enjoy a slushy texture – Freezing jello shots can also give you a different and refreshing texture that some people may like. You can enjoy a slushy, icy, or watery texture that can cool you down on a hot day or add some variety to your drink. You can also experiment with different flavors and colors to make your frozen jello shots more fun and appealing.
Cons
- You may lose the original texture and flavor – Freezing jello shots can also ruin the original texture and flavor that make them so popular and enjoyable. You may lose the smooth and bouncy texture that makes jello shots easy to eat and fun to play with. You may also lose the sweet and fruity flavor that balances the alcohol and makes jello shots delicious. Instead, you may end up with a grainy and bland texture that is hard to swallow and unpleasant to taste.
- You may affect the potency and safety of the alcohol – Freezing jello shots can also affect the potency and safety of the alcohol that is in them. You may reduce the alcohol content and strength of your jello shots by freezing them, as some of the alcohol may evaporate or separate from the gelatin. You may also increase the risk of bacterial growth and spoilage by freezing them, as freezing does not kill bacteria or prevent them from multiplying once thawed.
Conclusion
Jello shots are a fun and festive way to enjoy a drink with a twist. However, if you want to freeze them, you should be aware of what happens when you put jello shots in the freezer, how to do it properly, and what are the pros and cons of freezing jello shots.
In this post, we have explained that freezing jello shots can be done for various reasons, but it can also have some drawbacks. Freezing jello shots can change their texture, flavor, potency, and safety, depending on how long they are frozen and how much alcohol they contain.
We hope this post has helped you find out whether freezing jello shots is a good idea for you or not. If you decide to freeze jello shots, make sure to follow our tips to ensure the best results. If you prefer to enjoy jello shots in their original form, make sure to refrigerate them properly and consume them within a few days.
