4th of July Jello Shots
Celebrate the 4th of July with these fabulously festive layered red white and blue jello shots, made with vodka.
Red White & Blue Jello Shots
Celebrate America’s birthday with these boozy layered beauties – perfect for a fun and festive 4th of July!
Jello shots aren’t just for college parties anymore! I think they are a fun way to serve “cocktails” at a party because you don’t have to worry about them getting watered down and they look fabulous on a party platter!
This recipe is easy to prepare. You’ll simply mix up three different colors of gelatin – but be sure to use our instructions in this post instead of on the back of the box, because we’ve made a few adjustments! You will make each layer one at a time – each layer will probably take about 20 minutes to make. Then the jello sets in the fridge for a couple hours. So while it looks like these take a while to make, the bulk of the time is simply spent in the fridge, so you can do other things while the gelatin sets up.
Not only are there layers of colors, there are layers of flavors! You can also customize the taste of this recipe by using your favorite flavors of jello. For the red jello you could use cherry, strawberry, watermelon, raspberry, or any other jello that is red in color. For the blue jello you can use berry blue or blue raspberry.
Related: If you love the look of these 4th of July jello shots, but want something that you can drink, try our layered red white and blue shot recipe!
Ingredients
For the Blue Layer (Bottom):
- 1 box of blue raspberry jello (3oz box)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1/2 cup vodka
For the White Layer (Middle):
- 2 packets of unflavored gelatin (0.25oz packets of Knox gelatin)
- 1/2 cup cold water (for blooming the gelatin)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
For the Red Layer (Top):
- 1 box of red Jell-O (3oz box – cherry or strawberry would work)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1/2 cup vodka
Optional Garnish Ideas:
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- Whipped cream
- Red, white, and blue sprinkles
Helpful Kitchen Tools
Note: This recipe is intended for readers 21+; please enjoy responsibly!
Instructions
To Make the Blue Layer (Bottom):
- Dissolve the blue jello mix in 1 cup of boiling water.
- Stir in 1/2 cup of vodka and 1/2 cup of cold water.
- Pour the jello mixture into your 1 oz shot glasses, filling up to one-third of the way.
- Place in the refrigerator to set, about 2-3 hours.
To Make the White Layer (Middle):
- Sprinkle 2 packets of unflavored gelatin over ½ cup of cold water. Let it sit for a few minutes to “bloom.”
- Add 1 cup boiling water and whisk until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
- Stir in the sweetened condensed milk until well mixed. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Once the blue layer is set, gently pour the white gelatin mixture over it to fill another third of the glasses. Return to the fridge and let set for another 2-3 hours.
To Make the Red Layer (Top):
- Dissolve the red Jell-O in 1 cup of boiling water.
- Mix in ½ cup vodka and ½ cup cold water.
- Once the white layer is set, carefully add the red layer on top, filling up to the top of the glasses.
- Refrigerate until set, about 2-3 hours or overnight for best results.
Prep Tips
- Yield – This recipe will make about 40-50 jello shots when using 1oz plastic shot glasses. You could alternatively use larger 2oz cups, with a yield of 20-25 servings.
- Garnish – I recommend waiting to add any garnishes until you’re ready to serve. These 4th of July jello shots looks extra festive when topped with a swirl of whipped cream and patriotic sprinkles.
- Storage – Jello shots can be made ahead of time and kept refrigerated until ready to serve. They can stay good for a few days in the refrigerator. If making in advance, I recommend using plastic cups with lids so the jello will stay freshest.
- Non-Alcoholic Version – To make these a family friendly treat (without alcohol), simply substitute cold water in place of the vodka.
More 4th of July Recipes
- Red, White & Blue Fudge
- Firecracker Pretzel Rods
- American Flag Fruit Kabobs
- Instant Pot Red White and Blue Cheesecake
- Red White & Blue Poke Cake
- Red White and Blue Swirl Donuts
- Bomb Pop Brownie Bites
- Red White & Blue Swirl Cupcakes
- 4th of July Jello Ribbon Salad
4th of July Jello Shot Recipe (Printable Recipe Card)
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4th of July Jello Shots
Equipment
- 1 Medium Saucepan
- 40 1 ounce Plastic Shot Glasses
Ingredients
For the Blue Layer (Bottom):
- 3 oz blue raspberry jello mix
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1/2 cup vodka
For the White Layer (Middle):
- 2 packets of unflavored gelatin
- 1/2 cup cold water for blooming the gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
For the Red Layer (Top):
- 3 oz cherry jello mix cherry or strawberry would work
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1/2 cup vodka
Optional Garnish Ideas:
- Whipped cream
- Red white, and blue sprinkles
Instructions
To Make the Blue Layer (Bottom):
- Dissolve the blue gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water.
- Stir in 1/2 cup of vodka and 1/2 cup of cold water.
- Pour the jello mixture into your 1 oz shot glasses, filling up to one-third of the way.
- Place in the refrigerator to set, about 2-3 hours.
To Make the White Layer (Middle):
- Sprinkle 2 packets of unflavored gelatin over ½ cup of cold water. Let it sit for a few minutes to "bloom."
- Add 1 cup boiling water and stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
- Stir in the sweetened condensed milk until well mixed. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Once the blue layer is set, gently pour the white gelatin mixture over it to fill another third of the glasses. Return to the refrigerator and let set for another 2-3 hours.
To Make the Red Layer (Top):
- Dissolve the red Jell-O in 1 cup of boiling water.
- Mix in ½ cup vodka and ½ cup cold water.
- Once the white layer is set, carefully add the red layer on top, filling up to the top of the glasses.
- Refrigerate until set, about 2-3 hours or overnight for best results.
Notes
Nutrition
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