Watermelon Basil Martini Jello Shots Recipes

SOUR WATERMELON JELL-O SHOTS IN A WATERMELON RIND

Steps:

• Using a large chef's knife, cut the watermelon in half lengthwise through the stem. Trim a small portion from the underside of each half so it can sit on the work surface without wobbling. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet. Scoop out most of the flesh with a large spoon into a medium bowl, leaving about 1/8 inch of flesh above the white part of the rind (this will help the gelatin to adhere).
• Transfer the watermelon flesh and any juice from the bowl and rind to a blender and puree until very smooth, about 2 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth (or a coffee filter). Discard the solids and reserve the juice; you should have about 5 cups total.
• Measure 3 cups of the juice into a medium saucepan (save any remaining juice for another use). Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
• Meanwhile, whisk the watermelon-flavored and unflavored gelatin with the citric acid together in a large bowl, then whisk in the warm watermelon juice until all of the gelatin has dissolved, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the vodka until combined. Pour the gelatin mixture into the hallowed-out watermelon halves. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill until completely set, about 4 hours and up to 24 hours.
• Slice the watermelon in half lengthwise, then crosswise into small wedges. Serve chilled.

MARTINI JELLY SHOTS

Steps:

• Combine the seltzer water and olive juice in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Sprinkle the gelatin on top and leave it to bloom for 5 minutes.
• Microwave the bloomed gelatin mixture until dissolved, about 30 seconds. Stir in the vodka or gin and dry vermouth. Divide the mixture among twelve 2-ounce glasses and place an olive in each glass. Refrigerate until set, at least 3 hours.

WATERMELON AND BASIL MARTINI

Steps:

• Place 2 thin slices of cucumber in a bowl with basil leaves and sugar and smash with a fork until softened; pour in a teaspoon of watermelon vodka to loosen the mixture. Place crushed ice into a cocktail shaker and transfer cucumber-basil mixture into shaker; top with remaining watermelon vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup. Shake and strain into 2 chilled martini glasses; garnish each cocktail with 1 slice of peeled cucumber. Best enjoyed wearing flip-flops.