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Science Shooters: Petri Dish Jello Shots

I’ll never forget the time I presented these at a Halloween party – the looks on people’s faces were priceless! Half were intrigued, the other half utterly disgusted, but everyone was talking about them. There’s something undeniably fun about serving up “bacteria” in a petri dish, especially when it’s a delicious, boozy jello shot. They are conversation starters, a quirky and memorable addition to any themed gathering.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 20
Yield: 20 petri dishes
Dietary Type: Not Vegan

Ingredients

3 (3 ounce) boxes Jello gelatin (assorted colors)
¾ – 1 ½ cup vodka, chilled
1 (¼ ounce) packet unflavored gelatin (like Knox)
2 tablespoons sour cream
Decorating gels (like DecACake Writing Gel)
Water
20 Petri Dishes (purchased online or locally)

Equipment Needed

Medium bowls
Measuring cups
Whisk
Microwave-safe bowl
Ziploc bag

Instructions

First, place your vodka bottle in the freezer to get it ice-cold. This is important for achieving the right consistency in the jello shots.
Select a few different Jello colors. Contrasting colors will create the most visually appealing “bacteria” colonies in the petri dishes. Pour each Jello packet into a separate medium bowl.
Bring approximately 3 cups of water to a boil. Pour ¾ cup of the boiling water into each bowl containing the Jello powder.
Stir each bowl vigorously until all the Jello powder is completely dissolved. This ensures a smooth texture in your final product.
In each bowl, add ½ cup of a cold water/cold vodka mixture. The ratio of vodka to water is flexible, but the total volume should equal ½ cup. A common starting point is ¼ cup vodka and ¼ cup water. Using more vodka will result in a softer jello shot, while less vodka will produce a firmer texture.
Carefully pour the Jello mixture into the petri dishes, filling each dish to the indicated line (if present). Avoid overfilling.
Place the filled petri dishes in the refrigerator for approximately 1 hour with the lids off. This allows the surface to set slightly before adding the “bacteria.”
While the jello base is setting, prepare the “microorganisms.” Pour ¼ cup of water into a small, microwave-safe bowl.
Sprinkle the packet of unflavored gelatin over the water and let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the gelatin to absorb the water. This is called “blooming” the gelatin.
Microwave the gelatin mixture for 20-25 seconds to completely dissolve the gelatin. Be careful not to overheat it.
Stir in the sour cream and mix until smooth. The sour cream will create an opaque, slightly textured “bacteria” effect.
Pour the sour cream mixture into a ziploc bag and allow it to cool slightly, kneading the bag from time to time to prevent it from solidifying unevenly. The mixture should be cool but still runny enough to drizzle. If it begins to solidify too much, microwave it for a few seconds to return it to a liquid state.
Cut a small corner off the ziploc bag. This will create a makeshift piping bag for applying the “bacteria” to the jello.
Drip and drizzle the gooey sour cream mixture onto the surface of the colored Jello in each petri dish, creating patterns that resemble bacterial and fungal colonies.
For some of the larger “colonies,” top them with contrasting decorating gel to add color and dimension.
Return the petri dishes to the refrigerator for another 15 minutes to allow the “bacteria” to set slightly.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Experiment with different types of alcohol. Flavored vodkas or even light rum can add a unique twist to the flavor profile.
For a less sour “bacteria,” substitute the sour cream with plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt.
If you’re having trouble getting the “bacteria” to adhere to the jello, try lightly scoring the surface of the jello with a fork before adding the sour cream mixture.
Gel food coloring can be used instead of decorating gels for more vibrant colors in the “bacteria”.
Be creative with the “bacteria” design! Use different piping techniques to create a variety of shapes and textures.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Science Shooters are best served chilled directly from the refrigerator. They make a fantastic addition to Halloween parties, science-themed events, or any occasion where you want to add a touch of quirky fun.

Store any leftover jello shots in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3-5 days. Due to the gelatin content, they are not suitable for freezing. It’s best to consume them within a few days to maintain their optimal texture and flavor.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	71.3 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	2 g	3%
Total Fat	0.2 g	0%
Saturated Fat	0.1 g	0%
Cholesterol	0.6 mg	0%
Sodium	61.1 mg	2%
Total Carbohydrate	11.6 g	3%
Dietary Fiber	0 g	0%
Sugars	11 g	44%
Protein	1.3 g	2%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and measurements.

Variations & Substitutions

Non-Alcoholic Version: Simply omit the vodka and replace it with an equal amount of cold water. These are perfect for kids’ parties or for those who prefer a non-alcoholic treat.
Vegan Version: This requires more extensive substitutions. Use vegan gelatin alternative like agar-agar for both the jello and “bacteria”, a plant-based sour cream alternative and vegan-friendly decorating gel.
Fruit Flavors: Instead of using plain Jello gelatin, opt for fruit-flavored varieties. This will add a natural sweetness and a different flavor profile to your shooters.
Layered Effect: Create a layered effect by pouring different colors of Jello into the petri dishes in stages, allowing each layer to set slightly before adding the next.
Edible “Bacteria”: Use edible glitter, sprinkles, or small candy pieces to create a more visually interesting and textured “bacteria” effect.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Where can I find petri dishes?
A: Petri dishes can be easily purchased online from retailers like Amazon or from laboratory supply stores.

Q: Can I use regular gelatin instead of unflavored gelatin for the “bacteria”?
A: Unflavored gelatin is recommended for the “bacteria” as it provides a neutral base for the sour cream and allows for better color control. Flavored gelatin will add unwanted sweetness and potentially clash with the Jello flavor.

Q: How can I prevent the Jello from being too soft?
A: Ensure you use the correct ratio of liquid to Jello powder and don’t increase the vodka amount too much. Also, allowing the Jello to set for the full recommended time is crucial.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes, these jello shots can be made up to 3-5 days in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator.

Q: What if I don’t have decorating gels?
A: Decorating gels are optional. You can use gel food coloring mixed with a small amount of corn syrup for a similar effect or simply omit them altogether.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – a recipe for Science Shooters that’s guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors, colors, and “bacteria” designs to make them truly unique. These are more than just jello shots; they’re an experience, a conversation starter, and a delightfully quirky treat. Get creative, have fun, and let your inner mad scientist shine! I’d love to hear about your creations and any variations you try, so please share your feedback and photos. Perhaps pair these with some “toxic waste” cocktails or “brain” cupcakes for the ultimate spooky spread!

Science Shooters (Or Petri Dish Jello Shots) Recipe