When you want to to add a splash of patriotic flair to your party, nothing beats some red, white, and blue jello shots. These vibrant and boozy treats are the perfect addition to any 4th of July, Memorial Day, or even Olympic Games-themed party.
Bursting with fruity flavors and sporting the colors of the American flag, these jello shots are as delicious as they are pretty.
It's a fun and easy recipe that's sure to impress!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Okay, so Jell-O - what's not to love, right? These shots put an adult twist on that favorite childhood dessert.
Making them red, white and blue turns them into a showstopper, a delightful centerpiece for any patriotic celebration.
Who can resist a boozy treat that brings joy and patriotism to the table?
Ingredients Needed
How to Make these Red, White, and Blue Jello Shots
I've made these Jell-O shots several times. The main variation is how you make the white layer. My favorite solution for this is to use Cool Whip, but check out the Substitutions and Variations for other alternatives.
Boozy Blue Layer
Start with the blue layer. Dissolve berry blue Jello in boiling water, then add vodka instead of cold water for the second step. Let this mixture cool a little at room temperature, then pour about an ounce into each of the shot glasses.
I use 3-ounce disposable shot glasses for these, but there are many options for this. I like the 3-ounce versions as they are nice and tall, the better to show off the layers 😁. (Plus they include the tiny little spoons)
And even thought they are disposable, they do wash up pretty well if you'd like to re-use them.
Place the glasses on a tray or plate and put it in the fridge for at least an hour to set.
White Layer
Once the blue layer is firm, it's time to add the white.
You can add Cool Whip with a spoon, but I have found it easiest (and cleanest!) to pipe it in using a pastry bag. Just fit a large tip (I use Wilton #12) on the bag and squeeze enough into the glass to make a good layer. Make sure the Cool Whip connects with the inside of the glass, all the way around.
Place the shot glasses back in the fridge while you prepare the red layer.
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Boozy Red Layer
Make the red Jello just like you did the blue. Once the liquid is all mixed, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to cool down.
If you add the red layer while it is still warm, it will mess with the Cool Whip. Here I started to add the red layer when it wasn't quite cool enough - notice the bits of Cool Whip starting to break away and float to the top.
As soon as I saw this, I realized I needed to wait a little longer. I stuck the red liquid in the fridge to cool for 10 minutes. Be careful if you do this - you don't want it to form solid jello before you get it in the glasses!
If you have an instant read thermometer, use it to measure and wait until the liquid temperature is 80F or lower.
Then slowly pour the red jello into the shot glasses to make the third layer.
Again, place the glasses back in the fridge for at least an hour to set.
Once all the layers are set, your red, white, and blue jello shots are ready to serve!
Substitutions and Variations
As I said above, I've tried different variations for making the white layer. Here are 2 versions you can try:
1- Gelatin + sweetened condensed milk. This is probably the most common version used. Simply heat 2 cups of water to boiling, and add 2 envelopes of Knox unflavored gelatin. Stir well to dissolve, then mix in a (14-ounce)can of sweetened condensed milk.
Allow this mixture to cool for about 30 minutes before pouring into the glasses on top of the blue layer. Allow at least one hour for the white layer to set before adding the red layer.
This method makes nice white layers, and the edges are very clean. It just takes a little longer than Cool Whip.
2- Lemon Jello + ice cream. I used to make layered Jello with ice cream in the summer for my kids, so I thought it would work for these shots. Just dissolve a small lemon Jello in boiling water, then add ¾ cup of vanilla ice cream. This mixture gets cool faster, because of the ice cream.
Layer this on top of the blue layer and allow it to set for an hour before adding the red layer.
This was a tasty version, for sure. Who doesn't love ice cream, right? But the Jello makes the color undeniably yellow instead of white, plus the ice cream creates 2 mini layers which wasn't the effect I wanted.
Ultimately, the reason I prefer using Cool Whip is that it's one less thing to "make". All you have to do is add the Cool Whip to the cups, by whatever method you prefer. No waiting for gelatin to dissolve or set, etc. It cuts out a lot of time, and that's something I always appreciate!
More Patriotic Recipes to Explore
📖 Recipe
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Red White & Blue Jello Shots
Ingredients
- 1 small berry blue Jello 3 ounce
- 1 small red Jello: cherry raspberry, or strawberry (3 ounce)
- 1 ½ cups vodka divided*
- 6- 8 ounces Cool Whip
Instructions
- Prepare 2- or 3-ounce plastic dessert cups by placing on a tray, plate, or muffin pan. You'll need 16 of the 3-ounce size, or about 20 of the 2-ounce size.
- Bring 1 cup of water to a boil on the stovetop or microwave.
- In a small bowl, dissolve the blue Jell-O in the boiling water. Once the Jello is fully dissolved, add ¾ cup vodka and stir gently to mix.
- Allow the blue mixture to cool a little, then pour it into the shot glasses, filling them about ⅓ with the liquid.
- Place the tray of glasses in the fridge for at least an hour. The blue layer will be firm.
- Place a layer of Cool Whip on top of the blue layer in each cup. You can either use a small spoon or a pastry bag fitted with a large tip to make an even layer. Place the cups back in the fridge while you prepare the red layer.
- Bring 1 cup of water to a boil on the stovetop or microwave.
- In a small bowl, dissolve the red Jell-O in the boiling water. Once the Jell-O is fully dissolved, add ¾ cup vodka and stir gently to mix.
- Let the red mixture sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to cool down. If you have an instant read thermometer, use it to monitor the temperature until the liquid cools to 80F.
- Gently pour the red liquid into each cup, over the Cool Whip.
- Place the tray of glasses back in the fridge to set, for at least an hour.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Ali
Hi! I just tried this recipe and it turned out well. It's such a fun recipe! Played with the measurements a bit. Gotta do what works best for you. Thanks for the tips!
Sula
I'm glad you got it to work your way!
Anne
These jello shots were fun! I had to make some without the alcohol for the kids, because they were way too excited about how they looked.
Sula
Yes they are fun either way!
Jenn
I made these today for our Fourth of July party, and they turned out so well! They stood out from all of the other snacks, and they tasted great too.
Sula
Isn't it so fun to make something on theme for a holiday? So glad you enjoyed them!
Shilpa
These jello shots are so festive. Perfect for the occasion.
Sula
Enjoy!
Angela Pagliarello
These jello shots are as delicious as they are beautiful.
Sula
Wonderful Angela, thank you for the kind review.
Jennifer Osborn
These turned out, so cute and festive for my party. Thanks for a great recipe.
Sula
You're welcome - enjoy!
Claire
Love this!
And love using cool chip instead of making a white jelly with condensed milk. It is whiter and also so much easier.
I had a test run yesterday before our big party.
I used some white rum instead of vodka as I love the coconut taste 🙂
It still set really well and looked so pretty.
Will make them again on the fourth.
Sula
Lovely, I love the rum idea, might have to try that out. Thanks for the great idea! 🙂
Sherry Ronning
I made a sample batch of these red, white, and blue jello shots and they turned out amazing! These alcohol Jello shots will be at my Fourth of July party. Thank you for a great recipe!
Sula
Cheers!
Sharon
These shots were awesome! I made a test run of them this weekend and we will definitely be enjoying these for the 4th.
Sula
Perfect!
Rachna
These jello shots look so pretty. Super easy too. Definitely making it over the long weekend. Thanks for the lovely idea.
Sula
Have fun!
Ellen
We tried these Jell-O shots out in advance of our July 4th party. SOOOO good! I know they will be a hit with our guests.
Sula
Yes always best to try first, its much more fun that way! LOL
Jessica
I don't know what it is about stripes, but they seriously catch my eye. These are the cutest jello shots! All the more festive with the sparkler accessories. These are going to make our 4th of July potluck this year.
Sula
I'm with you Jessica, I love the stripes! Super fun and so yummy!
Lisa
These jello shots are so fun for summer parties. I made a batch of virgin ones too for the kids too. Everyone loved them!
Sula
Sounds awesome! Fun for everyone!