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!
XO, Michelle
Michelle Palm created the Jelly Shot Test Kitchen blog after discovering a lack of cocktail-style jelly shot recipes. Look for her posts here, and check her Tablespoon member profile often to see what she’s already gelled up!
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