Fancy Jell-O Shots Rise in Popularity Across US
7 reported
A single-source report from Eater describes a trend of elevated Jell-O shots, led by the Brooklyn-based culinary team Solid Wiggles. Solid Wiggles was founded in 2020 when co-founder and pastry chef Jena Derman made an experimental batch for a friend’s birthday. The team now produces elaborate cocktail jelly cubes, such as mango mezcal margarita and espresso martini shots, available at bars and restaurants across New York City including Shy Shy, Milady’s, and Bad Roman. Similar aesthetic jelly shots have emerged at venues like Vandell in Los Angeles, Oma’s Hideaway in Portland, Oregon, and Bub City in Chicago. In June 2026, Solid Wiggles co-founders Derman and Jack Schramm released a debut cocktail jelly cookbook with two skill levels, “Party Animal” and “Party Pro,” featuring photography by Hugo Yu. The article notes that the trend has also appeared in DIY home-kit form with brands like Gelée and on social media.
What’s reported
Solid Wiggles was founded in 2020 by co-founders Jena Derman and Jack Schramm.
Solid Wiggles’ jelly shots are available at New York City locations including Shy Shy, Milady’s, Bad Roman, and over a dozen others.
The team has eight full-time employees and a rotating cast of delivery drivers.
In June 2026, Derman and Schramm released a cocktail jelly cookbook with two levels: “Party Animal” (beginner) and “Party Pro” (advanced).
The cookbook features photography by Hugo Yu, who had never worked on a cookbook before.
Similar jelly shots are served at Vandell in Los Angeles, Oma’s Hideaway in Portland, Oregon, and Bub City in Chicago.
DIY jelly-making kits are available from brands like Gelée, and creators such as @eatnunchi, @adventuresinjelly, and @thubuser share jelly content on Instagram.
Key figures
Jena Derman: co-founder and pastry chef of Solid Wiggles
Jack Schramm: co-founder of Solid Wiggles
Hugo Yu: photographer for the cookbook
Sources: eater.com
