How have I– the coffee fanatic– just discovered the existence of coffee jelly?! I was falling down an Instagram worm-hole the other day and stumbled across a photo of coffee jelly and my mind was blown. This popular Japanese drink is exactly what it sounds like: coffee flavored jelly that is usually served with sweetened milk. It’s like jello for adults! Of course, I had to make some for myself since I don’t know of any place around me that sells coffee jelly and I needed to try it ASAP. The recipe couldn’t be easier. It is a simple mix of unflavored gelatin and coffee. This cold coffee drink was a welcome reprieve from the summer heat and so fun to eat– I hope you give this a try!

INGREDIENTS
Jelly ingredients
- 1 tablespoon powdered unflavored gelatin
- 2 cups hot coffee (brewed strong)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Coffee drink ingredients
- cold milk or nut milk
- simple syrup or agave syrup
- 1 shot espresso (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Add sugar to the hot coffee into a small tray until dissolved (I used a small square Tupperware). Add the powdered gelatin to the hot coffee and whisk until dissolved. Cover with the lid and place in the refrigerator until it sets, at least a few hours or overnight.
- Run a knife around the edges and slice into large cubes. Fill a cup halfway with cold milk and add simple syrup (1:1 water and sugar boiled until sugar is melted and cooled) or agave syrup to taste. I like to make this drink a bit sweet, but add as much as you like. Add coffee jelly cubes and top with an optional shot of espresso. Add a few ice cubes if you want to make this drink cold.
since i dont eat gelatin, im going to try it with agar agar and report back because i need this baby in my life.
How’d it go with agar agar?