These red, white and blue jello shots are the perfect party treat to add color and cheer to your summer celebrations. Made with fruity layers of flavored gelatin, sweetened milk, and a splash of vodka, they’re easy to assemble and always a crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or attending a festive get-together, these vibrant jello shots bring the fun.
What makes this recipe especially popular is how well it fits into the Fourth of July festivities. The iconic red, white, and blue color layers mimic the American flag and offer a fun, patriotic touch to your dessert or drinks table. They’re visually impressive, easy to prep in advance, and guaranteed to keep your guests coming back for seconds.
PRO TIPS for the best red white and blue jello shots Recipe
Let each layer fully set before adding the next to avoid mixing colors. Use a pourable measuring cup for clean, even layering. Chill your shot glasses before pouring for quicker setting. For easy transport or outdoor parties, use jello shot cups with lids.
Personalizing the recipe
You can personalize these jello shots by using your favorite vodka flavor—whipped or vanilla adds a creamier touch. You can also swap the blue or red jello flavors based on what you love most, or add fun garnishes like edible glitter or themed sprinkles for a festive look.
Ingredients
Red and blue jello provide the bold, vibrant color that gives these shots their patriotic look.
Unflavored gelatin and sweetened condensed milk create the smooth white middle layer, while vodka adds a grown-up twist.
Maraschino cherries are the perfect finishing touch, adding both flavor and flair. Check out this 4th of July Mocktail recipe here.
How to make red, white and blue jello
Start by clearing space in your fridge for a tray that fits all your jello shot containers. Arrange 34 to 40 small 1-ounce cups on a flat tray or baking sheet.
To make the blue layer, heat a cup of water until boiling and stir in the blue jello until dissolved. Add vodka and a splash of cold water, then let the mixture cool slightly before pouring it into each cup, filling them about one-third of the way. Place them in the fridge for at least an hour to set.
For the white layer, let unflavored gelatin bloom in cold water for five minutes. Pour in hot water to dissolve the gelatin, then stir in sweetened condensed milk and vodka.
Once the mixture cools to room temperature, pour it gently over the blue layer until each cup is about two-thirds full. Chill again for an hour to firm up.
Once the white layer has set, drop a maraschino cherry into each cup. Prepare the red layer by dissolving red jello in hot water, then mixing in vodka and a bit of cold water. Let it cool to room temperature before pouring over the cherry to fill each cup. Chill for one more hour until fully set.
Different Methods of Preparation
For a non-alcoholic version, replace the vodka with cold water or lemon-lime soda. You can also use fruit juice in the white layer instead of condensed milk for a lighter option. Instead of individual cups, layer the jello in a large tray and cut it into squares once set.
Different Methods of Serving
Serve the jello shots on a chilled platter with mini spoons, or keep them in lidded cups for easy grab-and-go at picnics or parties. Garnish with whipped cream or festive sprinkles just before serving for an extra celebratory touch.
How to store leftovers?
Store any leftover jello shots covered in the refrigerator for up to one week. Keep them in a single layer to avoid disturbing the layered appearance. Avoid freezing, as this changes the texture of the gelatin.
Jello Shots FAQ’s
Can I make these without alcohol?
Yes, simply swap the vodka with cold water or juice for a kid-friendly version.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. These are best made at least a day in advance to ensure all layers are fully set.
What if my layers mix?
Be sure to let each layer cool and fully set before pouring the next. Rushing this step is the most common cause of blending layers.
Can I use different flavors or colors?
Yes, you can switch the red and blue flavors or even add a fourth layer if you like. Just follow the same setting and pouring process.
Red, White, and Blue Jello Shots Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 small box red Jello strawberry, raspberry, cherry, etc
- 1 small box berry blue Jello
- 2 T unflavored gelatin
- 1 – 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 c vodka whipped, vanilla or unflavored, divided
- 4 c water divided
- Maraschino cherries with or without stems
Instructions
- Clear out a space in the fridge to accommodate a baking sheet or dish to hold all your jello shot containers.
- Line out 34-40 – 1 ounce containers.
- For the blue layer – In a 2 cup size measuring cup with a spout (or similar) heat 1 cup of water in the microwave for 2 minutes. It should be boiling.
- Add in the blue jello and stir until dissolved.
- Add in ¾ vodka and ¼ cold water. Stir until mixed well. Allow to cool slightly.
- Pour the blue jello mixture into each shot glass, filling about ⅓ of the way.
- Chill in the fridge for at least an hour to set.
- For the white layer – In the 2 cup measuring cup, add ½ cup cold water and the 2 T of unflavored gelatin. Allow to bloom for about 5 minutes.
- Add in 1 cup of boiling water and mix until dissolved.
- Add in the can of sweetened condensed milk and ½ c vodka. Mix well.
- Allow to cool to about room temperature and then pour over the red layer in each shot glass, filling until about ⅔ full.
- Chill in the fridge for another hour to set.
- For the red layer – once the white layer has set, place a cherry in each shot glass.
- In a 2 cup size measuring cup, heat 1 cup of water in the microwave for 2 minutes. It should be boiling.
- Add in the red jello and stir until dissolved.
- Add in ¾ vodka and ¼ cold water. Stir until mixed well. Allow to cool to room temperature.
- Pour the red jello mixture over the cherry, filling each shot glass to the top.
- Chill in the fridge for another hour to set.
Red, white and blue jello shots are an easy, festive treat that never fails to impress. Whether you go boozy or alcohol-free, this colorful recipe brings fun and flavor to any summer gathering—especially when celebrating Independence Day.
