The Pancake-Making Tool That Makes Jell-O Shots Easier To Make

While the most passionate Jell-O shot devotees among us — sorority presidents, college campus-area bar owners, 1980s-era cosplayers — might have a dedicated dispenser among their barware, such as this tool from Shot Caller, most casual fans are free pouring. This method has been perfectly serviceable for time immemorial, save for the errant sticky splash here and there. But, if you happen to be an avid eater of buttermilk pancakes and have a special batter dispenser, like OXO Good Grips Precision model, you're one instrument closer to professional-grade boozy jiggle shots.

Like with the actual Jell-O shot dispenser, a pancake batter portioner gives you better control of the less viscous liquid, so it might be an even better application for the otherwise single-use gadget. Whereas that pancake batter, for example, is denser and slow-moving, thus easy to stop from accidentally spilling, the gelatin mix will flow more freely, quicker to turn into a mess with one wrong move. So, using a pancake batter dispenser not only enables more uniform pours for shot consistency, it's also better for keeping your preparation area tidy.

Devices aside, the best Jell-O shot recipe is going to be a little more complicated than simply mixing that iconic boxed powder with your selected spirit. Getting the proportions right is crucial for achieving an actual set finish versus a semi-suspended sludge. And, as in all things ABV, moderation is key. "It's very important to not put too much alcohol in it, because it will make the gelatin not set up right which is going to cause a whole other set of issues for you," bartender and recipe developer Kamaron Lockwood emphasized in Chowhound's how-to guide for making Jell-O shots, adding, "You're going to come back in four hours and your Jell-O shots are going to be still liquid-y and runny."

So, instead of drowning your mix with your favorite hooch for the occasion, swap only a 1/2 cup of the required water with vodka, rum, or tequila, and the like. You'll still begin making your Jell-O according to standard instructions by dissolving the powder in boiled water, but then you'll add that 1/2 cup of liquor to a 1/2 cup of cold water to blend. Then, you can transfer the booze-infused liquid Jell-O into the pancake batter dispenser, easily portion it into petite plastic cups or the shot molds of your choice (all without making a mess), refrigerate for about four hours, and serve.