Step 1: Begin by preparing your citrus juice. You'll want about 2 cups of fresh citrus juice – a mix of oranges, lemons, and limes works wonderfully for a balanced flavor. Strain it if you prefer a smoother gelatin, or leave a little pulp for added texture. Set aside 1/2 cup of the cold juice.
Step 2: In a small bowl, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin powder over the reserved 1/2 cup of cold citrus juice. This is called 'blooming' the gelatin, and it's a crucial step. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it swells and becomes thick and translucent.
Step 3: In a saucepan, gently heat the remaining 1 1/2 cups of citrus juice over medium-low heat. Do not bring it to a boil; you just want it warm enough to dissolve the bloomed gelatin and sweetener.
Step 4: Once the juice is warm (but not boiling), add your chosen natural sweetener (erythritol or stevia) to taste. Stir until completely dissolved.
Step 5: Add the bloomed gelatin mixture to the warm sweetened juice in the saucepan. Stir continuously until the gelatin is fully dissolved. It should become a clear, uniform liquid. This process should take only a minute or two.
Step 6: Remove the saucepan from the heat. If you like, you can add thin slices of fresh citrus fruit or a few berries to your serving dishes or a larger mold.
Step 7: Carefully pour the gelatin mixture into individual serving dishes, ramekins, or a larger mold. I love using glass containers for this, as they double as beautiful serving dishes and storage!
Step 8: Transfer the dishes to the refrigerator and chill for at least 3-4 hours, or until completely set. For best results, let it set overnight.
Step 9: Once set, your refreshing citrus gelatin delight is ready to enjoy! Garnish with a fresh mint sprig or a small citrus wedge if desired.