Not all Jell-O treats are created equal. Some taste exactly like the artificially flavored, jiggly cubes you’ve had since childhood. Others are a bit more intriguing and interesting — something you didn’t think was possible with Jell-O. One small change somewhere along the way, and this gelatin dessert feels brand new. Maybe it’s some of the most unusual Jell-O flavors of all time, condensed into those opaque little sweet treats. But it could also be a quick swap of ingredients, in which a fizzy drink — soda, sparkling water, tonic, or some kind of ale — is used instead of regular water. That’s all it takes for this overly-familiar classic to feel like the playful delight you had for the very first time again.
Those beverages have something that water most certainly doesn’t: carbonation. The fizzy microbubbles tingle lightly on the tip of your tongue as you drink them, and you can expect a similar effect in your Jell-O treat. Whereas the water base merely exists, this one shimmers with excitement, adding a fun mouthfeel and enhanced characteristic. Strawberry Jell-O suddenly tastes like fireworks of fruity flavors, while an orange soda base will give you dreamy little creamsicle bites. No matter the flavor of your Jell-O, rest assured, it won’t be ordinary or boring anymore.
A gateway to brand-new Jell-O flavors
More than just a textural boost, this ingredient swap is your chance to try out new flavor combinations. Did you know that with a tonic water base, lime juice, and gin, you can have glow-in-the-dark Jell-O shots? Lit up under UV light, it’s an effortless party treat. There’s also root beer Jell-O shots — just the kind of crowd-pleaser your summer get-togethers call for.
Soft drinks alone also offer endless possibilities. Needless to say, Sprite goes great with just about any Jell-O flavor. Coca-Cola and maraschino cherries make for a classic duo, one that offers a nostalgic indulgence with every cloying Jell-O shot. Throwing a get-together and need a delicious meal closure? Take it one step further and make a bowl of Coke salad with the same gelatin base, cherry pie filling, and finish it off with fresh cherries and whipped cream. 7-Up, when mixed with a lime Jell-O base and cream cheese, will give you a vibrant green sweet treat perfect for the holidays.
Another fantastic match for lime or lemon Jell-O is ginger ale. Zesty, sweet, and subtly spicy, it’s the unexpected flavor combination you never thought possible. Add a splash of grenadine and you’ve got your very own gelatinous version of a classic Shirley Temple mocktail. Almond liqueur and sugar, on the other hand, give you something that tastes just like marzipan, all encapsulated in tiny, jiggling square cubes. And on New Year’s Eve, try stirring champagne into the gelatin and ginger ale mixture for a sophisticated adult twist.
