If you’d like to omit the alcohol in this recipe for a purely nonalcoholic jellified dessert, then I recommend replacing the cola and cherry liqueur with Cherry Coke in equal amounts in the cola layer. Replace the rum in the maraschino layer with additional maraschino cherry juice.
Place 16-18 two ounce shot glasses on a large baking sheet.
Make the maraschino layer: Combine the cherry juice and rum in a 2 cup measure (or larger) with a pour spout.
Pour the cold water into a small microwave-safe condiment cup. Quickly stir in gelatin. Let stand until absorbed, about 2 minutes. Microwave the cup for 10 seconds, or until the gelatin is liquid. Pour the gelatin into the cherry mixture. Stir until combined and immediately divide between the shot glasses, pouring the cherry mixture about halfway up in each glass. Chill until set, about 1 hour, or speed setting in the freezer, about 15-20 minutes.
Make the cherry cola layer: Combine the Coca-Cola and cherry liqueur in a 2 cup measure (or larger) with a pour spout.
Pour the cold water into a small microwave-safe condiment cup. Quickly stir in gelatin. Let stand until absorbed, about 2 minutes. Microwave the cup for 10 seconds, or until the gelatin is liquid. Pour the gelatin into the Coca-Cola mixture (this will cause the cola to foam). Stir briefly and immediately divide between shot glasses, filling the glasses to the top. Chill until semi-soft, about 5-10 minutes in the refrigerator. Press cherries into the semi-soft cola layer. Chill until firm, about 1 hour.
Store the shots in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Serve with long toothpicks for easy removal of gelatin from the cups.
Notes
This recipe was updated 6/21/22. Some people had too much cola mixture leftover after portioning. Now the recipe should yield closer to even portions of cherry and cola mixtures.