Flavor-of-the-Month: Mojito & Cosmo Bites

 

When Bridget of Bake at 350 announced that January's Flavor-of-the-Month theme would be "Boozy," I immediately started brainstorming for ideas.  For about 10 minutes.  Then I forgot about it.  For an entire month.  I don't know how, but Flavor-of-the-Month somehow slipped off my radar--which meant that I needed a quick no-bake entry for the event.  Enter the Cocktail Bite (aka Jell-O Shot), which you see pictured above in Mojito and Cosmopolitan-inspired flavors.  A quick mix and pour into 1¼-oz. paper cups, followed by a speedy photo shoot (what you see above hasn't even chilled and set yet!), and Voila! Done.  For more boozy ideas, please visit the Flavor-of-the-Month recipe linkup!

Mojito Cocktail Bites (makes eight 1-oz. portions)

12 mint leaves
½ of a lime, cut into small wedges
3 Tbl. sugar
2 Tbl. water
1 envelope unflavored gelatin (such as Knox®)
2 oz. white rum (I only had coconut rum)
¾ cup chilled lemon-lime soda

In a 1 cup glass measuring cup, muddle (aka, mash to heck with a spoon) the mint leaves, lime wedges, and sugar.  Add water and mix.  Remove lime wedges.  Sprinkle gelatin onto surface of mixture and allow to bloom for 5 minutes.  Place cup in the microwave and heat for 30-45 seconds, stopping to stir once.  The mixture should bubble slightly, and the gelatin will start to dissolve.  Once mixture is removed from microwave, continue to stir for about 2 minutes to completely dissolve gelatin.  

Stir in rum and chilled lemon-lime soda (go slow here to allow the carbonation to subside & avoid overflow).  Pour mixture into eight 1¼-ounce paper cups, using a spoon to hold back most of the mint leaves.  Place in refrigerator to chill until set and firm.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Cosmopolitan Cocktail Bites (makes eight 1-oz. portions)

¼ cup cranberry juice
1½ tsp. lime juice
2 Tbl. sugar
1 envelope unflavored gelatin (such as Knox®)
1½ oz. vodka
½ oz. orange liqueur (Cointreau, Grand Marnier, Triple Sec, etc.)
½ cup chilled lemon-lime soda

Combine cranberry juice, lime juice, and sugar in a 1 cup glass measuring cup.  Stir to combine, then sprinkle gelatin over the top and allow to bloom for 5 minutes.  Place cup in the microwave and heat for 30-45 seconds, stopping to stir once.  The mixture should bubble slightly, and the gelatin will start to dissolve.  Once mixture is removed from microwave, continue to stir for about 2 minutes to completely dissolve gelatin.  

Stir in vodka, orange liqueur, and chilled lemon-lime soda (go slow here to allow the carbonation to subside & avoid overflow).  Pour mixture into eight 1¼-ounce paper cups.  Place in refrigerator to chill until set and firm.