Apple Cider Bourbon Bacon Jello Shots

5 from 1 vote

Apple Cider Bourbon Bacon Jello Shots

You had me at bacon, however, add in fall apple cider and bourbon and I want to scream, Yes, Please!

I made these for our adult Halloween Trick or Treat event in our neighborhood and it went over really well. Rumor had it that my jello shots were the hit of the hood. Try it for your next Autumn event this is perfect for Friendsgiving!

Prep Time10

Cook Time30

Infuse The Bourbob1

Total Time1 40

Servings:

Calories: 172kcal

Equipment

1 2-Qt Mason Jar For Infusing the bourbon
20 Jello Shot Cups I buy the condiment cups w lids
2 Baking Racks
2 Cookie Sheets

Ingredients

For The Bourbon

10-12 Ounces Bourbon I used Makers Mark
4 Slices Bacon for infusing the Bourbon

For The Jello Shot

.25 oz Unflavored Gelatin
1 Cup Apple Cider
2 Tbs Brown Sugar

For The Candied Bacon

3/4 Pound Bacon Thick-Sliced quality bacon for the tasty garnish on the top of the jello shot
1 Cup Brown Sugar
2.5 Tsp Cayenne Pepper
1.5 Tsp Cinnamon
1 Tbs Black Pepper
1/4 Cup Cold Water
1/2 Cup Boiling Water

Instructions

For The Bourbon

Start at least 1 day ahead of time by infusing the bourbon. To accomplish this crisp up the 4 slices of bacon and drop into a Mason Jar with the Bourbon.
Let it sit on the counter for 2 hours and then drop into the refrigerator until the next day.
Remove the jar from the refrigerator and scoop off the bacon fat that has congealed on the top. You now have a bacon-infused Bourbon. (Note that some of the Bourbon may have been absorbed by the bacon, not to worry we took that into account.)

For The Jello Shot

Bring a half cup of water to a boil
Working quickly, mix the cold water and packet of gelatin together in a bowl
Add the boiled water then the brown sugar and lastly the cider, and Bourbon and stir together. (If you want to control the strength of the cocktail for those not quite yet Bourbon fans, you can always pour the bourbon mixture separate and make them a bit lighter. Cool for one hour
Pour into the Jello Shot cups. Using a small funner or a turkey baster. Let them cool for another hour.
Once cool to the touch. Place the filled shot cups in the refrigerator to set the mixture up. (I like to use the plastic condiment cups that have covers so that I can easily stack them in the refrigerator You can use a small cookie sheet to keep them flat. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

For The Candied Bacon

Cut the bacon into smaller bite-sized pieces before cooking it as this will sit in or on the shot glass.
Mix together the brown sugar, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and cinnamon
Dredge the bacon sliced in the brown sugar mixture,
Place on a rack on top of a sheet pan that has a layer of parchment paper and aluminum foil under the rack.
Cook for 10 minutes at 350 F then up to another 30 mins depending on the thickness of the bacon. See Full Recipe and Video for Bacon Link in Notes
Enjoy!

Notes

These will make 18-20 jello shots depending on the size of your cups and how much you fill them

Full Recipe and Video for Candied Bacon

For the best flavor, cook the candied bacon 30 minutes before serving and top the cold jello shot with the warm candied bacon. I was unable to do this for the Trick or Treat event, but if I was having an indoor event I would definitely serve them with the bacon warm.

Did you know you can freeze Jello Shots?

Nutrition