Ingredients
- 1 oz Spiced Rum
- 1 oz Coconut Rum
- 1 oz Melon Liqueur
- 1 oz Blue Curacao Liqueur
- 8 oz Boiling Water
- 3 oz Pineapple Jello
Garnish
- Pineapple Slices
Instructions
Prepare Jello:
- Add the pineapple jello to boiling water and stir until fully dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool.
Mix in Liquors:
- Once the jello mix has cooled, add the spiced rum, coconut rum, melon liqueur, and blue curacao. Stir well to combine.
Pour and Set:
- Pour the mixture into plastic shot glasses and place them in the refrigerator. Let them set for at least 3 hours.
Garnish and Serve:
- Once set, garnish each shot with a small pineapple slice. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The Liquid Marijuana cocktail itself emerged from the party bar scene, likely gaining traction in the late 1990s or early 2000s in regions known for vibrant nightlife and spring break culture. It's a product of the 'sweet and potent' era, designed for mass appeal rather than refined palates. Its exact genesis is murky, a common trait for popular, unpretentious mixed drinks.
This drink belongs to the 'tropical party drink' family, sharing DNA with other multi-liquor, fruit-forward concoctions like the Adios Motherfucker or various rum punches. The jello shot format, however, places it squarely in the 'novelty shot' category, where presentation and ease of consumption for a crowd take precedence over traditional cocktail craft. It's separated by its specific blend of rums and Midori, delivering a distinct, albeit sweet, flavor profile.
You'd typically encounter Liquid Marijuana Jello Shots at casual house parties, tailgates, or any event where the host wants to serve a fun, pre-batched alcoholic treat. They are a staple for celebrations that lean into playful indulgence, rather than sophisticated sipping. Don't expect to find these on a high-end cocktail bar menu, but they are a guaranteed hit at a backyard BBQ or a themed gathering.
What it tastes like
These jello shots are a sweet, tropical explosion. The Midori brings a pronounced melon flavor, while the spiced and coconut rums add a warm, beachy undertone. Pineapple juice brightens the profile with its tart sweetness, resulting in a cohesive, fruit-forward experience that masks the alcohol surprisingly well. It's essentially a boozy, jiggly fruit punch.
Given the blend of three distinct liqueurs and rums, the alcohol content in each shot can vary depending on the ratio. However, a typical Liquid Marijuana Jello Shot, made with a full cup of mixed spirits and juices, ends up around 10 percent alcohol by volume when set. This means you would need to consume roughly four of these jiggly treats to equal the alcohol content of one standard 12-ounce beer. They are designed for fun, not for lightweights.
The technique
Building these shots is straightforward: dissolve gelatin in boiling water, then stir in the cold mixed spirits and juice. Pour the mixture into small plastic cups, or specialty shot molds, and refrigerate until firm. This usually takes at least two to four hours, but overnight is always safer for proper setting. The key is to ensure the hot water fully dissolves the gelatin before adding the cold alcohol, to prevent a grainy texture.
The most crucial technique is to allow the gelatin and hot water mixture to cool slightly before adding the cold alcohol. Adding alcohol too early to very hot gelatin can cause some of the alcohol to evaporate, reducing potency and potentially affecting the set. A brief five-minute cool down makes all the difference.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Midori
- Use
- Original Midori for its consistent sweet melon profile and bright green color. Other melon liqueurs can work, but check the sweetness level.
- Skip
- Anything labeled 'sour apple' or 'watermelon' liqueur. The specific honeydew melon flavor of Midori is key here.
- Why
- Midori is the defining flavor and color component of the 'Liquid Marijuana' profile. Without it, the drink loses its iconic taste and hue.
Rums (Spiced & Coconut)
- Use
- Captain Morgan Spiced Rum and Malibu Coconut Rum are the classic choices for this drink. Their distinct flavors are expected.
- Skip
- High-proof, unaged white rums or dark, aged sipping rums. Their flavor profiles will overpower or clash with the sweet, tropical theme.
- Why
- The combination of spiced and coconut rum provides the essential tropical base, warmth, and a hint of exotic sweetness that defines the drink's character.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Tropical Twist
- Swap your Jell-O flavor
- Experiment with pineapple or orange flavored gelatin instead of lime for a different fruit base. This subtly shifts the overall tropical fruit profile while keeping the core rum and Midori flavors intact.
Blue Dream
- Add a splash of Blue Curacao
- For a more vibrant, almost neon green hue and an extra layer of citrus, incorporate a small amount of Blue Curacao into the cold liquid mixture. It deepens the color and adds a subtle orange zest.
Sour Patch
- Rim with sour sugar
- After the jello shots are set, dip the rim of the shot cups in a mix of sugar and citric acid. This provides a playful, tart contrast to the inherent sweetness of the jello shot.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Use a dark rum with a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg, or a standard white rum if you need to keep it light.
A good quality coconut liqueur or even a splash of coconut cream with white rum can approximate the flavor.
Any other melon liqueur will work in a pinch, though the specific honeydew sweetness of Midori is unique. Green apple liqueur offers a similar color but a different flavor profile.
Pour the mixture into a shallow baking dish, refrigerate until firm, then cut into squares or use cookie cutters for fun shapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Liquid Marijuana Jello Shots?
Liquid Marijuana Jello Shots typically contain Spiced Rum, Coconut Rum, Midori melon liqueur, pineapple juice, and gelatin. The specific ratios can vary by recipe.
What does Liquid Marijuana Jello Shots taste like?
They taste sweet and tropical, with prominent notes of melon, coconut, and pineapple. The rum adds a warm, underlying sweetness, making them a fruit-forward and palatable shot.
How strong are Liquid Marijuana Jello Shots?
A typical Liquid Marijuana Jello Shot contains about 10 percent alcohol by volume. This means roughly four shots are equivalent to the alcohol content of one standard 12-ounce beer.
Can I make Liquid Marijuana Jello Shots ahead of time?
Yes, these shots are ideal for making in advance. Prepare them at least four hours before serving, or preferably the day before, to ensure they are fully set and chilled.
How long do Liquid Marijuana Jello Shots last?
When properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Liquid Marijuana Jello Shots can last for up to five to seven days. Their texture and flavor are best within the first three days.
What kind of gelatin should I use?
A standard 3-ounce box of flavored gelatin, such as lime or pineapple, works best. The flavored gelatin contributes to both the taste and the iconic green color of the shots.
Why are my Liquid Marijuana Jello Shots not setting?
The most common reasons for jello shots not setting are too much alcohol, or adding the alcohol to gelatin that is too hot. Ensure your alcohol to total liquid ratio is correct, and let the hot gelatin cool slightly before mixing in the cold spirits.
Can I use different rums for Liquid Marijuana Jello Shots?
Absolutely. While spiced and coconut rums are traditional, you can experiment with other light or gold rums to adjust the flavor profile, but be mindful of how they might interact with the melon and pineapple notes.
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