Layered 4th Of July Jello Shots
These patriotic Red, White and Blue Jello Shots will be a big hit at all of your festive summer parties. Perfect for the 4th of July!
The different layers make these shots just so cute! A blue raspberry Jello layer, creamy white layer and cherry layer come together with the perfect mix of flavors! Vodka gives these shots their kick, but you can also make them non-alcoholic.
What was challenging to me was to figure out how to make the white Jello mixture for the white layer! I didn’t want it to be clear, rather I wanted this layer to be an opaque, solid white color. I found a recipe that used envelopes of unflavored gelatin with sweetened condensed milk, and it turned out exactly as I had imagined. It does not have a strong flavor, just a light and sweet custard flavor.
It is absolutely more work to make the colored layers, but it turns out so cute! I think playing into the color theme for the 4th is something your guests will appreciate, and if you agree, you could also make my 4th of July Puppy Chow, Red, White and Blue Pretzels, or Patriotic Trifles!
I don’t love whipped cream, so I topped these with some festive red, white and blue sprinkles. If you do like whipped cream, it’s a beautiful topping!
Recipe Substitutions and Additions
As always, there are plenty of ways you can make these Red, White and Blue Jello Shots your own! Here are a few ideas:
- This recipe calls for vodka, but I think a coconut rum would be delicious instead! You could also experiment with flavored alcohol. A berry vodka would work well!
- I used 1 oz Jello shot cups for this recipe, but I know some prefer the 2 oz cups. These larger cups work just fine; you’ll just halve the number of shots the recipe yields.
- I like Cherry Jello, but Strawberry Jello, Raspberry Jello, or any red Jello flavor works to make the red layer.
- For the blue Jello mix, I was able to find a Berry Blue flavor that worked well. Some stores carry Blue Raspberry, and that would work as a substitute. But again, any blue Jello flavor will work to make the blue layer.
- You can top these Jell-o shots with maraschino cherries, blueberries, or whipped cream and sprinkles so an extra pop of flair.
- You do not have to purchase cups with lids, but I do recommend it. Once the shots are set, the lid will make them make them super easy to transport.
Add vibrant color to your party spread by serving these alongside patriotic Fourth of July Sugar Cookies, vibrant Cherry Salsa with blue corn tortilla chips, Red White and Blue Pretzel Salad or Patriotic Cupcakes!
Red, White and Blue Jello Shots
Ingredients
- 3 ounces cherry Jello mix, 1 box
- 3 ounces berry blue Jello mix, 1 box
- 3 cups boiling water, divided
- 1.5 cups cold water, divided
- 1.5 cups vodka, divided
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk, 1 can
- .50 ounces unflavored gelatin, 2 envelopes
- patriotic star sprinkles, optional, for garnish
Equipment
Instructions
- Set your cups on a rimmed tray or baking sheet and clear a space in your fridge where the tray will fit.
- Blue Layer: In a large measuring cup with a spout, add 1 cup of boiling water and the blue Jell-o mix powder. Whisk until the powder is totally dissolved. Add 1/2 cup of cold water and 1/2 cup of vodka, whisk again. Carefully fill the bottom 1/3rd of the cups and transfer to the fridge for 30 minutes, or until the Jell-O is set.
- White Layer: In a large measuring cup with a spout, add 1/2 cup cold water and the 2 packages of unflavored gelatin. Let sit for 5 minutes until the mixture is thick. Then, stir in 1 cup of boiling water and mix until dissolved. Finally, add the sweetened condensed milk and 1/2 cup vodka, whisk to combine. Allow to cool for about 5 minutes, then pour on top of the blue layer until the cups are 2/3rds full. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until the white layer is set.
- Red Layer: In a large measuring cup with a spout, add 1 cup of boiling water and the red Jell-o mix powder. Whisk until the powder is totally dissolved. Add 1/2 cup of cold water and 1/2 cup of vodka, whisk again. Carefully fill the top 1/3rd of the cups and transfer to the fridge for two hours, or until all of the Jell-O layers are set.
- Keep refrigerated until ready to serve. Before serving, sprinkle with the star sprinkles or add a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
Storing Patriotic Jello-O Shots
Once set, the Jell-o Shots can be covered with a lid and stored in a refrigerator or cooler for up to a week.
I know the trays take up a lot of fridge space! This is why I recommend purchasing the plastic shot glasses with lids. Once the lid is placed, the shots can be transferred to a large Ziploc bag for longer storage.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Jello shots cold at your Labor Day or 4th of July party! Top with patriotic sprinkles on top or whipped cream. A maraschino cherry or blueberries are also great ideas to match the party theme!
If you’re looking for festive snacks to serve with them, I recommend this Patriotic Puppy Chow, or Red, White and Blue Mini Trifles!
