Sour Green Apple Jello Shots combine green apple jello with apple vodka and citric acid for a tangy, mouth-puckering party shot that's ready in just 2 hours.
Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl and combining your green apple jello powder with the citric acid. This step is important because it ensures the citric acid distributes evenly throughout the mixture instead of creating pockets of intense sourness.
Pour the boiling water directly over the jello and citric acid mixture, then stir continuously until everything has completely dissolved. You shouldn't see any granules or powder at the bottom of the bowl – take your time with this step to ensure a smooth texture.
Add the cold water and your choice of apple vodka or sour apple schnapps to the bowl, giving everything a good stir to combine. The mixture should be smooth and uniform in color with no separation between the liquids.
Carefully fill each 2-ounce shot cup about three-quarters full with your jello mixture. Leaving that little bit of room at the top makes them easier to eat and gives you space for garnishes if you want to dress them up.
Transfer the filled shot cups to your refrigerator and let them chill for at least 2 hours until they're completely set. They should jiggle when you tap them but hold their shape firmly – if they're still liquidy at all, give them more time.
When you're ready to serve, add a dollop of whipped topping and a thin slice of green apple to each shot if desired. Don't add these garnishes ahead of time though, as the whipped cream can break down and the apple slices will brown.
Notes
Use a frosting bag fitted with an Ateco #824 tip to pipe the whipped topping in perfect swirls for a professional presentation
Don't skip the citric acid if you really want that authentic sour apple candy experience – it's what makes these special
Keep the apple slices thin and brush them with a little lemon juice to prevent browning if you're prepping ahead
Make sure your water is truly boiling before adding it, or the jello might not dissolve completely and you'll get a grainy texture
For easier pouring, transfer the jello mixture to a measuring cup with a spout after mixing
Check that your shots are fully set before adding garnishes by gently tapping one – it should be firm and jiggly, not liquid