In a small pot, sprinkle unflavored gelatin over water and let sit for 5 minutes. Then add sugar and heat over medium-low heat until sugar and gelatin are completely dissolved. Set aside to cool a bit.
In a separate bowl, stir together vodka, grenadine syrup, and red food coloring.
When gelatin mixture is dissolved, stir into the vodka mixture.
For easy clean up and transfer to the fridge, place the mini pies into a baking dish. Pour mixture into mini pie crusts.
Transfer to the fridge and let chill for at least four hours.
When ready to serve, cut pies into quarters, remove from tins, and top each shot with a dollop of whipped topping and a maraschino cherry, if desired. (They're awesome plain, too!)