Looking for a fun party shot to celebrate Memorial Day, Labor Day, or the Fourth of July? Then check out my red white & blue Jello shots! These patriotic shots are layered for a fun look, and feature a vodka base to bring the party, and a perfect make-ahead option!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Red, white, and blue Jello shots are a festive, fun way to celebrate patriotic holidays like the Fourth of July or Memorial Day! After all, nearly everyone knows the name Jello, so it’s no surprise that you can incorporate it into all sorts of seasonal parties!
Their vibrant layered colors look great on your food table, and they’re easy to make ahead and serve in batches. You don’t even need a stove – I just use my microwave for a quick option to prep each layer.
I make these fun patriotic Jello shots with berry vodka (it’s perfect for summer) but this recipe is super customizable to your preferences. You can even mix and match different alcohols for the different layers if you like!
Katie’s tip
No time to wait for layers to set? Try my layered Red White and Blue Shots or Red White and Blue Margaritas instead!
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Ingredients Needed
- 3 ounce box red Jell-o
- 3 ounce box blue Jell-o
- ½ ounce plain gelatin (2 packets of Knox)
- 1 cup berry vodka, divided
- ½ cup coconut rum (such as Malibu)
- 7 ounces sweetened condensed milk (half a can) or ½ cup coconut milk
- 4 cups water, divided
- 30 2-ounce jello shot cups
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Any red Jello is fine: strawberry, cherry, or raspberry are common (I have cherry)
- Same for the blue Jello: I have berry blue Jello, but you can use blue raspberry or ocean water (or similar)
- You can also use plain vodka, but I think berry pairs well with the flavors (feel free to substitute other flavored vodka as well, like strawberry, cherry, or blue raspberry). If you don’t like coconut rum, you can use extra vodka for this layer as well (as long as it’s a clear liquor)
- For the sweetened condensed milk, you can use regular or coconut for a non-dairy option!
Variations
- Stronger. For stronger shots, use ¾ cup liquor and ¼ cup cold water for each layer
- Lower Sugar. Substitute sugar-free Jello, or use plain gelatin for every layer and add only as much sugar as you want (or use a fruit juice in place of the cold water to add a little natural sweetness)
- Alcohol-Free. To make a mocktail version, simply omit the alcohol! You can either use all water in place of it, or swap in a fruit juice for the liquor (like cherry juice for red, pineapple or white grape juice for white, and blue drink of choice for the blue)
Step By Step Instructions
- Boil 1 cup of water (I use my 1000W microwave and it takes about 2 minutes but you can also use a kettle or pan on the stove). Then, add the blue Jello and whisk until fully dissolved. If you use a microwave safe measuring cup, you can do this right in the cup for easy pouring! Stir in ½ cup of vodka and ½ cup of cold water, mixing until well combined
- Pour the blue Jello mixture into the base of your Jello cups (or disposable shot glasses), filling them about â…“ full. Use a sheet pan or tray to catch drips and make transferring easier. Refrigerate at least 1 hour, or until firm to the touch (I usually do 2 hours to be safe)
- Mix the unflavored gelatin with another 1 cup of boiling water. Allow the gelatin to bloom for 1 minute. Stir in the ½ cup coconut rum and sweetened condensed milk until fully dissolved
- Carefully pour the white layer on top of the blue layer, so that each cup is now about â…” full. Refrigerate for another hour or more, until firm on the top
- Boil another cup of water, then add the red Jello, whisking until fully dissolved. Add the remaining ½ cup berry vodka and ½ cup cold water and mix
- Top the white Jello layer in the cups evenly with the red layer, then refrigerate at least another hour (or overnight is fine). Add any toppings or garnishes you like, and enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
- Grilled Favorites: Burgers, hot dogs, BBQ chicken, or pulled pork sliders are classic pairings for summer celebrations. Try my Hot Dog Burnt Ends or Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Leg Quarters for some great options!
- Fresh Finger Foods: Think fruit skewers (especially with strawberries, blueberries, and melon), deviled eggs, or caprese bites. Make my Air Fryer Deviled Eggs and skip the stove in the summer heat!
- Chips and Dips: Serve with guacamole, salsa, or a creamy ranch dip and chips or pretzels
- Desserts: Pair with light desserts like lemon bars, sugar cookies with patriotic sprinkles, or a fruit trifle for a sweet finish. Try my Fourth of July Bark or Red White and Blue Strawberries for an extra festive option!
Recipe FAQs
What’s the Best Alcohol to Use for Jello Shots?
Vodka is the most popular choice because it’s neutral in flavor and pairs well with most Jello varieties. However, flavored vodkas, white rum, tequila, or even fruity liqueurs can also be great depending on the flavor profile you’re going for!
How to Make Jello Harden Faster?
To speed up the setting process, use very cold water or even a few ice cubes (removed before chilling) when mixing the Jello. Dividing the mixture into smaller cups also assists in quicker cooling and firming—typically down to about 1–2 hours.
Can I Double the Recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely double the recipe! Just be sure to maintain the same ratio of Jello mix to boiling and cold liquids. If you’re using alcohol, make sure to preserve the ratio to water, or the shots may not set properly.
Are Jello Shots as Strong as Regular Shots?
Jello shots are generally weaker than standard shots. A typical Jello shot contains less alcohol per serving, especially when diluted with water and gelatin. However, you can adjust the alcohol content slightly—just don’t overdo it, or they won’t firm up correctly.
Tips For the Best Red White and Blue Jello Shots
- You can prepare these shots 1-2 days in advance for easy party planning! Just add any garnishes right before serving
- Make sure to let each layer set fully before adding the next one to maintain clean stripes when layering! The white layer will be thicker texturally than the others (this is normal)
- Feel free to use other cup sizes for serving, but note that the number you need will vary, and Jello setting times may vary depending how thick each layer is!
- If your layers are bleeding colors, make sure to let the layers set well, use extra cold water when making a new layer, and/or let the fresh layer cool for about 15 minutes before pouring, which should all help prevent this from happening
Storage and Serving Tips
- Serve Cold: Always serve Jello shots chilled for the best texture and flavor!
- Use Mini Spoons or Picks: Add mini cocktail spoons, toothpicks, or small decorative picks to make them easier (and neater) to eat (you can run the toothpick around the outside edge to help release the shot)
- Garnishes are optional, but you can add whipped cream or Cool Whip, patriotic sprinkles, blueberries or cherries, or a mini flag pick just before serving for a fun holiday look!
- Jello shots keep for up to a week in the fridge. Use a lid or plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out or absorbing odors
- Watermelon Jello Shots
Final Thoughts
A red white & blue layered Jello shot is perfect for your patriotic celebrations and summer in general! With a fruity taste and a kick of alcohol, they’re fun and crowd-pleasing – always a favorite at my backyard barbecues!
Thanks to the fun layered colors, you can serve these as Fourth of July Jello shots, but they’re equally good for Memorial Day or Labor Day, too! Plus, you can easily make them a day or two ahead, cutting down on stress when hosting.
Feel free to experiment with different flavors of Jello and different liquors to customize them just to your liking!
Red White & Blue Jello Shots (With Vodka and Malibu)
Equipment
- Microwave safe bowl (or large microwave safe measuring cup)
- Spatula (or whisk/spoon)
Ingredients
- 3 ounce box red Jello
- 3 ounce box blue Jello
- ½ ounce unflavored gelatin (2 Knox packets)
- 1 cup mixed berry vodka (divided)
- ½ cup coconut rum (such as Malibu)
- 7 ounces sweetened condensed milk (half a can)
- 4 ounces water (divided)
Instructions
- Boil 1 cup of water (I use my 1000W microwave and it takes about 2 minutes but you can also use a kettle or pan on the stove). Then, add the blue Jello and whisk until fully dissolved. If you use a microwave safe measuring cup, you can do this right in the cup for easy pouring! Stir in ½ cup of vodka and ½ cup of cold water, mixing until well combined3 ounce box blue Jello, 4 ounces water, 1 cup mixed berry vodka
- Pour the blue Jello mixture into the base of your Jello cups (or disposable shot glasses), filling them about â…“ full. Use a sheet pan or tray to catch drips and make transferring easier. Refrigerate at least 1 hour, or until firm to the touch (I usually do closer to 2 hours to be safe)
- Mix the unflavored gelatin with another 1 cup of boiling water. Allow the gelatin to bloom for 1 minute. Stir in the ½ cup coconut rum and sweetened condensed milk until fully dissolved½ ounce unflavored gelatin, ½ cup coconut rum, 4 ounces water, 7 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- Carefully pour the white layer on top of the blue layer, so that each cup is now about â…” full. Refrigerate for another hour or more, until firm on the top
- Boil another cup of water, then add the red Jello, whisking until fully dissolved. Add the remaining ½ cup berry vodka and ½ cup cold water and mix3 ounce box red Jello, 1 cup mixed berry vodka, 4 ounces water
- Top the white Jello layer in the cups evenly with the red layer, then refrigerate at least another hour (or overnight is fine)
- Add any toppings or garnishes you like, and enjoy!
Notes
- If your layers are bleeding colors, make sure to let the layers set well in between pours, use extra cold water when making a new layer, and/or let the fresh layer cool for about 15 minutes before pouring, which should all help prevent this from happening!
- Any red Jello is fine: strawberry, cherry, or raspberry are common. Same for the blue Jello: berry blue, blue raspberry, or ocean water are good options
- You can also use plain vodka, but I think mixed berry (or the Smirnoff red white and berry) pairs well with the flavors. You can substitute other flavored vodka as well, like strawberry, cherry, or blue raspberry. If you don’t like coconut rum, you can use extra vodka for this layer as well (or anything else, as long as it’s a clear liquor)
- For the sweetened condensed milk, you can use regular or coconut for a non-dairy option!
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, size of cups, any toppings added, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
