Mojito Jell-O Shots with White Rum and Fresh Mint

• Recipe by Michael Symon

Instead of combining vodka with flavored Jell-O mix, Michael Symon concocts a refreshing mojito and stirs unflavored gelatin into the mint-and-lime-spiced rum drink to mold a fun and sophisticated version of the lowbrow shot.

Ingredients

1. 1 cup water
2. 1 cup sugar
3. 2 tablespoons plus 3/4 teaspoon powdered unflavored gelatin (from 3 envelopes)
4. 1 cup fresh lime juice
5. 1 cup lightly packed mint leaves
6. 1 cup white rum

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, cook the water with the sugar over moderate heat until the water is simmering and the sugar dissolves, about 4 minutes. Sprinkle the gelatin over the sugar syrup and whisk constantly over low heat until the gelatin has dissolved, about 1 minute.
2. Put the lime juice and mint leaves in a medium heatproof bowl and pour in the sugar syrup. Let steep for 15 minutes. Stir in the rum. Strain the mojito mixture into a large measuring cup, pressing on the mint leaves with the back of a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible.
3. Arrange 30 small paper cups on a rimmed baking sheet. Carefully pour the mojito Jell-O mixture into the paper cups and refrigerate the shots until they are chilled, about 3 hours. Serve cold.

Make Ahead

The Jell-O shots can be covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days.