How classy Jell-O shots became the boozy treat of the season

"This holiday season, an unexpected treat has stepped into the limelight and onto the buffet table at many a festive gathering: the Jell-O shot. But the shot in question, which is currently going viral on TikTok and popping up on high-end menus across New York City, is nothing like the ones you probably remember from the sticky basement of a college frat party. Instead, these treats are sleek, refined, classy, and coveted-in short, the opposite of electric green slime in a plastic cup."

"Brooklyn-based Solid Wiggles, cofounded by pastry chef Jena Derman and mixologist Jack Schramm, is among the pioneers of this Jell-O shot revival. Founded in 2020, the company describes its mission as "reimagining the nostalgic Jell-O shot" with its "cocktail jellies" that double as edible art. Flavors include margarita, espresso martini, and mezcal negroni, all presented in eye-catching cubes with expertly layered colors, flavors, and designs. A 40-piece, full-menu sampler costs $115."

"After just five years in business, Solid Wiggles are on the menu at 20 bars and restaurants in the U.S., including NYC's ultrapopular restaurant Tatiana, helmed by James Beard award-winning chef Kwame Onwuachi. According to Derman, the brand's sales have roughly doubled every year for the past three years, and it's gearing up to release its own cookbook with Penguin Random House in 2026."

Jell-O shots have been reinvented as refined 'cocktail jellies' that emphasize sleek presentation, layered flavors, and edible-art designs. Brooklyn-based Solid Wiggles, cofounded by pastry chef Jena Derman and mixologist Jack Schramm in 2020, sells flavors such as margarita, espresso martini, and mezcal negroni in eye-catching cubes; a 40-piece sampler costs $115. Solid Wiggles appear on menus at about 20 U.S. bars and restaurants, including Tatiana in NYC. Sales have roughly doubled annually for the past three years, and a cookbook is scheduled with Penguin Random House in 2026. The revival is amplified by TikTok virality and high-end restaurant adoption.

Read at Fast Company