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Oscars

No, These The Substance-Inspired Jell-O Shots Did Not Make Me Younger

But they'll be a hit at your Oscars party.

February 25, 2025
Photo by Nea Arentzen

Horror movies or anything remotely scary—especially body horrors—are not my thing, so when it came to The Substance, I was more than reluctant to watch it. What I do love though, are actresses Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, so while I may have skipped over more scenes I’d like to admit, I did watch enough to understand what the substance is (aka, a green liquid the Demi Moore’s character injects into herself).

In the movie, Demi Moore uses it as an anti-aging treatment, which promises women a way to regain their youth and "perfection." It’s marketed as a new and revolutionary solution for aging, but instead of just refreshing the body, the substance creates a younger, idealized version of the person, while leaving their original self behind. While more than mildly disturbing, the concept is a nod to industry beauty standards, aging, and the pressure to stay "relevant" in a world that’s obsessed with youth.

@food52 The Oscars this year wouldn't be complete without The Substance... and neither would your watch party. In this Recipe Drop, @neaacooks is concocting a serum of her own to serve on Sunday, in the form of Midori Sour jello shots inspired by @solidwiggles . Get her recipe at the link in our bio #f52community ♬ Intergalactic Janet - Ley Soul

Even if horror might isn't your thing either, chances are if you’re reading this, you’ll be watching the Oscars. To liven up your watch party, I created a recipe for vibrantly green, vial-inspired, Midori sour, Substance shots in honor of not only the nomination, but the actresses themselves.

Photo by Nea Arentzen

You can find a more detailed step-by-step list here, but the recipe is as simple as any other Jell-O shot you might’ve made before. Full disclosure, the flavor was inspired by the Midori Sour shots by Solid Wiggles, a NYC business that makes the most artistic Jell-O I ever did see.

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For this recipe, here is what you’ll need:

• Unflavored gelatin (powdered)

• Vodka

• Midori liquor

• Lime juice

• Lemon juice

• Food coloring (optional)

The steps are no less complicated, and as long as you allow plenty of chilling time, they should be a big hit.


What else are you planning to make for your Oscars watch party? Let me know in the comments!

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Nea Arentzen

Written by: Nea Arentzen

Test Kitchen Content Creator & Recipe Developer at Food52

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