PSA: Rum and coke and vodka cranberries got old AGES ago. So let’s set aside the boring basics and expand our palettes abroad. I love finding mixology inspiration through travel, and got the idea to add a fun gelatin twist to Spain’s famous Sangria and Italy’s delicious Limoncello. To give more of an hors d’oeuvres look, ditch the plastic shot cups to save turtles and upgrade your party from college rave to cocktail soiree.
Looking to add a few more countries to your world travel cocktail menu? Click here to check out more of my international drink recipes.
Sangria
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1/4 cup brandy (optional)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 (3-oz.) box of orange Jell-O
- 1/2 granny smith apple diced
- 1 clementine or 1/2 orange sliced in small pieces
- 1/2 cup raspberries sliced or fruit of choice (i.e. grapes, berries, lemons)
Instructions:
- Place diced fruit in a food container or glass bake dish (I used a 1 L / 34 fl. oz food container)
- Pour water into a small saucepan and bring to boil
- Once boiling, add Jell-O and stir until dissolved
- Remove from heat and add wine (brandy addition optional)
- Pour mixture over fruit in container/glass dish
- Refrigerate until set (approx. 2 hours)
- Once solid, vertically cut slowly with a sharp knife then horizontally cut into desired servings
- Serve with small plates and forks
Limoncello
Ingredients:
- 2 envelopes (1/2 box) unflavored gelatin
- 3/4 cup limoncello
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 lemon peeled and cut into small pieces
- 1 tbs sugar
- 8 tbs water (stronger option: sub in a portion vodka)
Instructions:
- Place cut lemon pieces in a food container or glass bake dish (I used a 1 L / 34 fl. oz glass bake)
- Combine limoncello & lemon juice (& optional vodka)
- Pour water into small saucepan and bring to boil
- Once boiling, add gelatin and stir until dissolved
- Remove from heat and add lemon mixture
- Pour mixture over cut lemon pieces in container/glass dish
- Refrigerate until set (approx. 2 hours)
- Once solid, sprinkle lemon juice & sugar on top
- Then vertically cut slowly with a sharp knife then horizontally cut into desired servings
- Serve with small plates and forks
What’s your favorite international cocktail?