Root Beer Barrel Jello Shots

Your favorite childhood drink gets a grown-up makeover with flavored vodka and sambuca! MORE + LESS -

Jelly Shot Test Kitchen

May 11, 2017

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Recommended pan: Standard loaf pan (approximately 8" x 4"), or flexible silicone mold.
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If using a flexible silicone mold, prepare the mold by spraying lightly with cooking spray, and then wiping the cavities clean with a paper towel. This will result in a very slight residue which will help unmold the jello shots without affecting their taste or appearance. If setting in a pan, no prep is needed!
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Pour root beer into a saucepan and sprinkle with gelatin. Allow to soak for a few minutes. Heat on low, stirring constantly, until gelatin is fully dissolved (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat.
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Stir in the vodka and sambuca. Pour into pan or molds, and chill until set, several hours or overnight.
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To serve, cut or unmold the jello shots. Cut the wooden coffee stirrers into lengths of about 2 inches. Insert a segment into each jello shot.

Nutrition Information

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More About This Recipe

Root Beer was my childhood favorite flavor. Root beer flavored anything, really, root beer popsicles, and root beer hard candy. As an adult, I was over the moon when I found a root beer flavored vodka! The first jelly shot I tried with the flavored vodka was a Root Beer Barrel, which also contained, not surprisingly, root beer and a little Sambuca (a licorice flavored liqueur). The jelly shots were set in a silicon mold. A silicone mini muffin pan would also do the job, or a standard non-reactive metal or glass loaf pan. Regarding vodkas, we tested both plain vodka and root beer flavored vodka, and although the jelly shots made with plain vodka were still good, the root beer flavored vodka really makes a difference. The Sambuca is essential to bring back some of the root-beer-y-ness. You can definitely use plain vodka in the jelly shots if you like, just use a touch less vodka than called for in the recipe, and replace with a touch more Sambuca! I love to serve these “popsicle style” using a segment of a coffee stirrer as the popsicle stick. (Insert just before serving.) The popsicle shape is not just a nostalgic and fun reference, but easy for guests to grab! Hope you enjoy!