Easy layered Red, White, and Blue Jello Shots perfect for Labor Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, or any day you want a patriotic Jell-o Shot!
Red White and Blue Jello Shots
I love themed desserts and cocktails for the holidays! It is so much fun creating a treat everyone will love that looks amazing.
These Vodka layered Jello Shots are easy to make and look fantastic. You will need to plan time for each layer to set so make sure you make them the day before an event, so you don't have to stress about getting them done.
We have seen these served in shot glasses but prefer to serve them in plastic shot cups. For the most part, we tend to see these patriotic Jell-O shots enjoyed outside at parties, barbecues, and holiday parties.
I also don't know how you easily enjoy the jello shots with a spoon or other utensil to remove them from the glass shot glass.
These are not just 4th of July jello shots they are great for Labor Day, Memorial Day, or any day you want a fun patriotic jello shot.
Ingredients
This is a quick overview of the simple ingredients that you'll need to make Red White and Blue Jello Shots! Specific measurements and step-by-step instructions are included in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Red Jell-O - Strawberry, Cherry, Black Cherry, Cranberry
- Clear Unflavored Gelatin
- Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Blue Jell-O - Berry Blue
- Vodka
Garnish - Red, white, and blue sprinkles, whipped cream, maraschino cherry, candy or a mixture on top.
Vodka - You can use any flavor of vodka you enjoy. We used vanilla vodka but also love making these vodka jello shots with whipped cream vodka or other flavor vodka.
If you are not a fan of vodka you can also use coconut rum, tequila, or other clear liquor.
Jell-O - You can use any Jello flavor that fits the red, white, and blue colors. Just make sure the flavors taste good together.
Equipment Needed
Jell-O Shot Cups - We suggest using two-ounce Jell-O shot cups.
Measuring Cups
OXO angled jiggers - these are our go-to measuring tools for cocktails. They work perfectly for pouring in layers for cocktails. You want something with a spout to easily pour with.
Heat resistant mixing bowl - We use a 4 cup Pyrex large measuring cup, and it works fantastic.
Baking Sheet - We suggest making these on a baking sheet with sides. This will help prevent any liquid from dripping onto counters and possibly staining them.
How to make Red White and Blue Jello Shots
I've included complete instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, but here's a quick version.
Step 1 - Decide which order you want to do the layers.
It is up to you if you want to have the shots start or end with red or blue.
Prep your Jello Shot Cups in a tray or baking dish so they don't slide around and any spills are captured by the tray.
Step 2 - Red Layer
For the red layer we use cherry jello but you can also use raspberry or strawberry jello.
Combine boiling water and red jello packets and stir until combined. Add in vodka and stir. Pour into jello shot cups about ⅓ of the way up the cup.
Try to pour evenly across all of the plastic cups. Place in the refrigerator to set. Make sure they are fully set before adding the white layer or the colors will mix together.
We use an angled measuring cup to pour the vodka jello shot mixture into the plastic cups.
Step 3 - White Layer
Combine boiling water with unflavored gelatin in a bowl. Make sure all of the gelatin powder blooms and mixes with the water before moving to the next step.
If the gelatin does not combine your white layer will not set properly.
Combine sweetened condensed milk to the gelatin mixture and stir to combine. Add in vodka and let cool before pouring into the jello shot cups to create the 2nd layer.
Transfer to the fridge and let cool completely until set.
Step 4 - Blue Layer
For the blue layer we use blue gelatin to make the blue layered jello shots.
Combine boiling water and blue Jello in a bowl and stir until dissolved. Add in vodka and stir together.
Carefully pour blue jell-o over the white layers until the jello shot cup is close to full.
Place the tray of jello shots in the fridge and allow to set before serving.
Preparation and Storage
Make Ahead – These can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just keep them covered in the fridge.
Storage – Store covered in the refrigerator before serving.
Freezing/How to freeze – We do not suggest freezing Jello. The texture will change and it will not taste as great.
Recipe Variations
Substitutions - You can substitute whiskey, tequila, Gin, or a flavored vodka for the plain vodka we used. Just make sure the flavors work with the Jello flavors you picked.
Vegetarian Option -Plant based gelatin can be used to make these vegetarian.
Vegan Option –Vegan Jello mixes can be used to make these vegan
Gluten Free - Jello is considered Gluten Free
Alcohol Free Option – To make these a mocktail you can just use water or a NA Non Alcoholic Flavored Vodka
Smaller Serving Size – The serving size on the recipe card below can be change to make a smaller serving.
Larger Group/More servings – This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for large events. Just make sure you have enough fridge space to store them.
Sugar Free –Sugar Free Jello can be used to lower the sugar content.
Recipe Tips
Make sure each layer is completely set before adding the next one to prevent the colors from bleeding together.
If you are making multiple trays of jello shots you can layer the trays on top of each other to save space in the fridge. Add lids evenly to the bottom layer of jello shots and then place the next tray on top of the lids.
To change the amount of alcohol in the Jell-o Shots you can decrease the cups of vodka and replace it with cold water.
This recipe can be doubled or tripled if you are making red white and blue jello shots for a party or event.
This recipe can be adapted to make Halloween, Christmas, or other holiday jello shots.
FAQs about Jello Shots
How long do Jello Shots Last?
You can store the Jello Shots in the refrigerator for up to 5 days without the flavor really changing. We tend to make them the day before an event.
How long do Jello Shots take to set?
If you are wondering how much time it will take for your Jello Shots to set it is going to depend on the type and size of Jello Shots you are making.
On average we find most Jello Shots set in around 2 hours. If you can leave them in longer that will help you get a solid Jello shot.
What to serve with
Desserts - Bisquick Apple Cobber, Kool Aid Pie, Cherry Pie Cake
Main/entrée -Hot dogs (Boiled, Air fried, Barbecue), Hot dog chili, Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork, Balsamic Chicken Skewers
Sides/Salads - Watermelon Salad, Snickers Salad, Asparagus (Air fried, Bacon wrapped), Kool Aid Pickles, Macaroni Salad
Drinks - Kool Aid Slushie, Strawberry Lemonade, Frosted Lemonade, Sweet Iced Tea, Watermelon Aqua Fresca
When to serve
- 4th of July
- Memorial Day
- Labor Day
- Summer Barbecue
- Pool Party
- Olympics
- Election Night
- Military homecoming/appreciation
- Flag Day
Great Red, White, and Blue Recipes
Red white and blue angel food cake
Red white and blue cake mix cookies
Red white and blue cocktail shot
Check out all of our Cocktail Recipes and Blue Cocktails
Don't miss all of our vodka jello shot recipes.
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Red, White, and Blue Jello Shots
Ingredients
- 3 Ounce Cherry Jell-o
- 3 Ounce Berry Blue Jell-O
- 3 Ounce Unflavored Gelatin 3 packets of knox unflavored gelatin
- 1.5 cups Vodka
- 14 Ounce Sweetened Condensed Milk
Instructions
- Prep your Jello Shot Cups in a tray or baking dish so they don't slide around and any spills are captured by the tray.
Red Layer
- Combine 1 cup boiling water and red jello packets and stir until combined. Add in ½ cup vodka and ½ cup water stir. Pour into jello shot cups about ⅓ of the way up the cup.
- Try to pour evenly across all of the plastic cups. Place in the refrigerator to set. Make sure they are fully set before adding the white layer or the colors will mix together.
White Layer
- Combine 1 cup boiling water with unflavored gelatin in a bowl. Make sure all of the gelatin powder blooms and mixes with the water before moving to the next step.
- Combine sweetened condensed milk to the gelatin mixture and stir to combine. Add in ½ cup vodka, let cool before pouring into the jello shot cups to create the 2nd layer. Transfer to the fridge and let cool completely until set.
Blue Layer
- Combine 1 cup boiling water and blue Jello in a bowl and stir until dissolved. Add in ½ cup vodka and ½ cup water, stir together.
- Carefully pour blue jell-o over the white layers until the jello shot cup is close to full. Place the tray of jello shots in the fridge and allow to set before serving.
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