Summer Ginger Smash (another gorgeous Jelly Shot by Intern Doug!)

Summer Ginger Smash - the best cocktail ingredients, including fancy rum and maraschino liqueur, held together with the barest smattering of mixers.  
I am away this week, so Intern Doug is manning the Test Kitchen solo . . . or so I thought.  Apparently, Intern Doug has been doing some hiring in my absence!  I was not sure whether to be proud of his initiative or frightened by his bold staffing moves until I saw Summer Ginger Smash -
the super fab pineapple and rum infused collaboration with new Assistant Intern James!  Well, perhaps its time to slacken Intern Doug's leash a notch.  (Oh, and lest I forget, welcome aboard Asst. Intern James!!)


Thanks guys for the hard work, wonderful recipe and beautiful photo!  (oh, and, Doug, I'll see you in my office upon my return . . .)


XO Michelle


P.S.  The cocktail inspiration for this jelly shot was taken from a recipe in the gorgeous and inspiring

Speakeasy: The Employees Only Guide to Classic Cocktails Reimagined - a book we Love Love Love, and also adore.  

Summer Ginger Smash
A quick word from Intern Doug: I enlisted brand-spanking-new Assistant Intern James to craft this delectable delight.  Finding exactly the right ingredients and quantities for this jelly shot proved to be quite challenging.  However, after much perseverance, we are proud to bring this Ginger Smash recipe to the Jelly Shot Test Kitchen.
Difficulty:  Moderate
Recommended Pan:  1-pound loaf pan (approximately 8” x 4”/20 x 10 cm)
Implements:  Muddler
Ingredients

• 1/8 cup canned pineapple juice (fresh pineapple juice won’t gel)
• 1/4 cup Bakers Ultrafine Sugar
• 12 thin slices of Ginger Root
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 2 envelopes Knox gelatin
• 1/4 cup Maraschino Liquor
• 1/4 cup Apfel – German Apple Schnapps
• 3/4 cup 10 Cane Rum
• Thin sliced Pineapple and crystalized Ginger strips for garnish, if desired (recipe below)

Cut 12 thin slices of ginger root and muddle with 1/4 cup of Maraschino liquor and strain.   Add the Apfel and 10 Can Rum and set aside.  Pour water, canned pineapple juice (fresh won’t gel), lime juice and sugar into a small saucepan and sprinkle with the gelatin. Allow the gelatin to soak for a minute or two. Heat over very low heat until gelatin is dissolved, stirring constantly, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.  Add the Maraschino muddled mix, Apfel and Rum and stir into the gelatin mixture. Pour mixture into loaf pan or molds. Place in refrigerator to set (several hours or overnight).
To serve, cut into desired shapes.  Garnish with thin slices of crystallized Ginger strips if desired.
Makes 18 to 24 jelly shots.