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These Red, White, and Blue Jello Shots will get your party started this 4th of July! Each layer of Jello is infused with vodka for a fun patriotic treat.
Fun Patriotic Jello Shots With Vodka
The 4th of July is one of the highlights of summer, and it’s even more fun when you make a batch of these Red, White, and Blue Jello shots. They’re easy to whip up, they look pretty, and they taste delicious, too!
While they look like your typical layered Jello treat, these Jello shots with vodka pack quite a punch! But don’t worry—if you prefer to make them without the alcohol, I have an easy swap that will make them perfect for guests of all ages, or you can make my 4th of July Fruit & Jello Cups instead.
Which Alcohol Is Best for Jello Shots?
Jello shots are typically made with vodka, but another popular option is white rum. Really, you can use any spirit you like, but keep in mind that if you use an alcohol with a more distinctive flavor, you won’t be able to taste the Jello as much. You’ll also want to avoid anything too dark, otherwise the colors in your shots will be muddied.
If you want your Jello shots to be extra fruity, you can use a flavored vodka that complements the flavors in the layers. Otherwise, just pick up a bottle of unflavored vodka at the store.
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
- Red Jello – You can use cherry, raspberry or strawberry flavor.
- Blue Jello – Berry blue or blue raspberry flavor will work.
- Boiling water
- Cold water
- Vodka
- Sweetened condensed milk – Be sure to buy sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk. Evaporated milk isn’t sweet!
- Unflavored gelatin
- One-ounce disposable cups with lids
- Star sprinkles – These are optional, but a fun touch!
Non-Alcoholic Version
Want to make Red, White, and Blue Jello Shots without the alcohol? You can swap the vodka for extra water or use sparkling juice instead. Just be sure to use a liquid that’s light in color. Sparkling white grape juice or pear juice is perfect!
How to Make Red, White, and Blue Jello Shots
Since each layer has to set before you add the next, these patriotic Jello shots take a little bit longer to set than a typical Jello shot with vodka. Be sure to allow enough time before your party!
Prepare. Set all the cups on a large tray and clear enough space in your refrigerator for it.
Make the blue layer. Whisk the blue Jello with a cup of boiling water in a measuring cup or a mixing bowl with a spout. Once the Jello is dissolved, whisk in 1/2 cup of cold water and 1/2 cup of vodka. Pour this into each of the cups, filling them 1/3 of the way full. Chill for 30 minutes.
Make the white layer. Combine the unflavored gelatin with 1/2 cup of cold water in a measuring cup or bowl with a spout. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken, then stir in a cup of boiling water. Once dissolved, whisk in the sweetened condensed milk and 1/2 cup of vodka. Cool slightly, then pour this over the blue layer. Now, each cup should be 2/3 of the way full. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Make the red layer. Whisk the red Jello with a cup of boiling water in a measuring cup or mixing bowl with a spout. Once the Jello is dissolved, whisk in 1/2 cup of cold water and 1/2 cup of vodka. Pour this into each of the Jello cups, then chill for 2 hours, or until they’re fully set.
Finish. Top the Jello shots with star sprinkles if you’re using them, then add the lids. Keep the Jello shots refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few pointers to help you make sure your Red, White, and Blue Jello shots turn out perfect!
- Using different size cups. Want to use 2-ounce cups instead? That’s fine, but keep in mind you’ll get half the number of Jello shots.
- Doubling and tripling. You can easily double or triple this recipe, as long as you have room in your fridge!
- Adding more toppings. In addition to sprinkles, you can add cherries, blueberries, or whipped cream for some extra flair.
- Transporting your Jello shots. Once the Jello shots are set and the lids are on, they’re pretty sturdy. As long as they’re kept chilled, you can easily throw them in a bag or cooler and bring them to a party.
How to Store Jello Shots
Jello shots can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, but if you’re making them for a party, I recommend making them a day or two ahead of time so they’re super fresh when you serve them.
Can I Keep Jello Shots in a Cooler?
Yes, you can store these Red, White, and Blue Jello shots in a cooler full of ice if you’re going out or don’t want to have to go to the fridge every time a guest wants one. How long they last in the cooler depends on how hot it is outside—add more ice to the cooler as needed!
More Patriotic Dessert Ideas
- 4th of July Ice Cream Pie
- American Flag Cake
- 4th of July Cheesecake Ice Cream Cones
- 4th of July Ombre Cake
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Red White and Blue Jello Shots
Ingredients
- 1 3 ounce box of red jello (could use cherry, raspberry or strawberry flavor)
- 1 3 ounce box of blue jello (could use berry blue or blue raspberry flavor)
- 3 cups boiling water, divided
- 1 ½ cups cold water, divided
- 1 ½ cups vodka, divided
- 1 can 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 2 envelopes 0.25 ounces each, unflavored gelatin
- 60 1 ounce disposable cups with lids
- Star sprinkles, optional
Instructions
- On a tray set out the cups, set aside for later. This is also a good time to make sure you have room in your fridge for the tray of jello shots.
- Blue layer – In a large measuring cup with a spout or a mixing bowl with a spout add 1 cup of boiling water and the blue jello. Whisk until the jello is dissolved.
- Next add in ½ cup cold water and ½ cup vodka. Whisk again.
- Carefully pour the mixture into the cups, filling about ⅓ full.
- Place the tray with the cups in the fridge for 30 minutes or until the blue jello is firm.
- White layer – In a measuring cup with a spout or bowl with a spout, add 1/2 cup cold water and 2 packages of unflavored gelatin. Let sit for 5 minutes until the mixture is thick.
- Stir in 1 cup of boiling water and mix until dissolved.
- Next add in the sweetened condensed milk and 1/2 cup vodka. Let this mixture cool slightly and then pour on top of the blue layer, filling until ⅔ full. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until set.
- Red layer – In a large measuring cup with a spout or a mixing bowl with a spout add 1 cup of boiling water and the red jello.Whisk until the jello is all dissolved.
- Next add in ½ cup of cold water and ½ cup of vodka. Whisk again. Fill the cups up the rest of the way with the red mixture.
- Place in the fridge for 2 hours or until fully set.
- Sprinkle with star sprinkles, optional, add the lids and serve. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve. These will last a week in the fridge!
