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Photography by Michael Wiltbank

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.  

Ahead you’ll find all the goodies you need to make the most sophisticated of summery shots.
Photography by TRUE BRANDS

For the over-the-top party, make over-the-top shots in a jumbo mold.   True Brands Colossal Ice Cube Tray, Domino, $12.58

Photography by TRUE BRANDS

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

Photography by SUR LA TABLE

Star spangled shots: great for the Fourth (or any night, really).   Stars Ice Tray, Sur La Table, $5.96

Photography by VIETRI

Any color drink will look lovely against this cornflower blue stoneware tray—perfect for passing. Vietri Forma Surf Rectangular Platter, Domino, $128.99

Photography by LONGCHAMPS

Give vintage plates a new (albeit unexpected) purpose. Longchamps Majolica Oyster Plates, Chairish, $400

Photography by WILLIAM-WAYNE & CO.

This will look great on a hors d’oeuvres table, and its wipeable surface makes sticky clean-up a cinch.  

Photography by ANNA NEW YORK BY RABLABS

A luxurious tray is an interesting contrast to an accessible aperitif. ANNA new york by RabLabs Kiva Large Platter, Domino, $535

Photography by CHEZ M’LAIN

Stack cocktail napkins next to the bar—nothing says “party” like pom-poms. Chez M’Lain Scarlett Cocktail Napkin Set of 6, Taigan, $94

Photography by AUGUST MORGAN

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

Photography by TRUE BRANDS

Flamingo stir sticks in shades of pink add levity to cocktail hour. True Brands Flamingo Stir Sticks by TrueZoo, Domino, $8.49

Photography by CRATE&BARREL

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

Photography by WILLIAM-WAYNE & CO.

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