Moscow Mule Jello Shots

I can vividly remember being out for drinks with Elsie and Emma about a year ago and hearing them order a drink that was unfamiliar to me—a Moscow Mule. I had no idea what the drink actually was, but the name intrigued me, and once I saw it brought to them in the shiny copper cups, I really had to know what this drink was. Thankfully, they are totally the kind of happy hour companions that let you try their cocktails, and it only took one sip of the sweet ginger drink to hook me. We've done a few twists on the classic cocktail here at the blog, but when I saw this Moscow Mule jello shot, well, let's just say the word "genius" came to mind, and I was driving to the grocery store for ingredients before I even knew what was happening. I mean, hello, it's two of our favorite things combined!

Moscow Mule Jello Shots
slightly adapted from Domesticate Me

1 cup ginger beer
4 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 envelopes of unflavored gelatin (about 5 1/2 teaspoons)
3/4 cup vodka
silicon ice cube tray

Squeeze 1-2 limes to get your lime juice and add that to a small saucepan with your ginger beer. Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin on top of the liquid (don't stir). Allow the gelatin to sit for 5 minutes. The gelatin will turn into a rubbery film on top. Turn the burner on to low-medium heat and stir until the gelatin dissolves. Be careful not to let it boil!

Use cooking spray or oil to lightly grease a silicon ice cube tray (wipe up any excess with a paper towel). Pour the vodka into a glass measuring cup or other container with a spout, add in the lime/ginger beer liquid, and stir to combine. Pour the liquid into the ice cube tray and place it in the fridge for at least 4 hours until set.

Push your jello cubes out from the bottom side of the tray (slide a knife around the edges as needed), and you're ready to serve! I love the cubes presented in Moscow Mule copper cups, so I would suggest that as a serving vessel if you have them (or it's just another excuse to buy some if you don't!).

Isn't that such a pretty copper cup? I like my regular Moscow Mules a little more on the lime side, so adjust the lime quantity by using more ginger beer if you're not as into lime. I know it's hard to wait the long hours until your jello shots have set in the fridge, but don't despair! You have all the ingredients to make a liquid version of the cocktail right in front of you while you wait for the jello version to be ready. Cheers! xo. Laura

Credits // Author and Photography: Laura Gummerman. Photos edited with A Beautiful Mess actions.