Fancy Jell-O Shots Rise in Popularity Across US
8 reported
A single-source report from Eater describes a trend of elevated, artful Jell-O shots gaining popularity in bars and restaurants across the United States. The report focuses on Solid Wiggles, a Brooklyn-based culinary team founded in 2020, which creates elaborate cocktail jelly cubes such as mango mezcal margarita and espresso martini shots. Solid Wiggles co-founders Jena Derman and Jack Schramm released a debut cocktail jelly cookbook in June 2026. The report notes that similar aesthetic jelly shots have emerged at venues in Los Angeles, Portland, and Chicago, as well as in DIY home-kit form and on social media. The article states that Solid Wiggles has grown to eight full-time employees and its products are available at over a dozen New York City locations.
What’s reported
Solid Wiggles was founded in 2020 when co-founder and pastry chef Jena Derman made the first batch for a friend’s birthday.
Solid Wiggles offers creations including mango mezcal margarita, aperitivo spritz, lychee martini, Hennessy colada, and espresso martini jelly shots.
The team’s jellies are available at New York City bars and restaurants such as Shy Shy, Milady’s, and Bad Roman, among over a dozen locations.
In June 2026, Derman and co-founder Jack Schramm released a debut cocktail jelly cookbook with a DIY jelly-making kit.
The cookbook includes two levels: “Party Animal” (beginner) and “Party Pro” (more advanced).
Solid Wiggles currently has eight full-time employees and a rotating cast of delivery drivers.
Other venues serving fancy Jell-O shots include Vandell in Los Angeles, Oma’s Hideaway in Portland, and Bub City in Chicago.
The article cites nostalgia for Jell-O and curiosity about edible art as reasons for the trend’s popularity.
Key figures
Jena Derman: co-founder and pastry chef of Solid Wiggles
Jack Schramm: co-founder of Solid Wiggles
Hugo Yu: photographer for the Solid Wiggles cookbook
Sources: eater.com
