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Give a “healthy” twist to the good-time Jell-O shooter by adding fresh juices in the prettiest palette.
– coconut milk + coconut water + white rum
– hibiscus tea + gin
– ruby red grapefruit + tequila
– watermelon juice + vodka
To fill an ice cube tray (which should be made of soft silicone, for easy removal), you’ll need 16 oz of liquid (13 fl. oz juice and 3 fl. oz booze), as well 2 small packets of unflavored gelatin (around 4 tbsp).
Boil 4 oz. of the juice, then mix in the gelatin with a fork or whisk until it dissolves. Remove from heat, add in the remaining juice, mix together well, and pour into the tray. Place in the fridge for around 3 hours, then pop out the cubes onto a baking sheet covered with wax paper. Refrigerate until serving.
For the over-the-top party, make over-the-top shots in a jumbo mold. True Brands Colossal Ice Cube Tray, Domino, $12.58
Cocktails get a stylish upgrade with this ice tray that makes spheres in a beautiful design. True Brands Neptune Silicone Ice Tray, Domino, $12.58
Star spangled shots: great for the Fourth (or any night, really). Stars Ice Tray, Sur La Table, $5.96
Any color drink will look lovely against this cornflower blue stoneware tray—perfect for passing. Vietri Forma Surf Rectangular Platter, Domino, $128.99
Give vintage plates a new (albeit unexpected) purpose. Longchamps Majolica Oyster Plates, Chairish, $400
This will look great on a hors d’oeuvres table, and its wipeable surface makes sticky clean-up a cinch.
A luxurious tray is an interesting contrast to an accessible aperitif. ANNA new york by RabLabs Kiva Large Platter, Domino, $535
Stack cocktail napkins next to the bar—nothing says “party” like pom-poms. Chez M’Lain Scarlett Cocktail Napkin Set of 6, Taigan, $94
Fun drinks need napkins to match; these whimsical ones are an instant conversation starter. August Morgan Thirsty Cocktail Napkins Set/4 in Gift Box, Domino, $36.99
Flamingo stir sticks in shades of pink add levity to cocktail hour. True Brands Flamingo Stir Sticks by TrueZoo, Domino, $8.49
A nod to vintage cocktail bars, these tongs add elegance to any serving tray. Use them for ice or for choosing your Jell-O shot. Crate&Barrel Orb Gold Ice Tongs, $9.95
Try seashell-tipped skewers for easy serving with a beachy vibe. William-Wayne & Co. Variety of Seashells Skewers, Domino, $12.50
This story is part of our special 100 Days of Summer series. You can find more tips and fun ideas here.
Related reading:
NYC Bartenders Share Their Favorite Summer Cocktails The 7 Best Negroni Cocktails in NYC This Bar is Known As The Willy Wonka of Cocktails, And Here’s Why