Patriotic Jell-O Shots (Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic)
These Patriotic Jell-O Shots are an easy 4th of July treat that you can make with or without alcohol, so both kids and adults can enjoy them. Their red, white, and blue colors make them great for the 4th of July or Memorial Day. They’re easy to put together—just layer, chill, and serve!
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How to Make Patriotic Jell-O Shots
Ingredients you’ll need for blue layer at the bottom
Ingredients you’ll need for white layer at the middle
Ingredients you’ll need for red layer at the top
Step by Step Guide
1. Let’s start by making the blue layer at the bottom. Gather all the ingredients you’ll need.
2. Dissolve 1 box of blue Jell-O in 1 cup of boiling water.
3. Stir in ½ cup vodka if serving as an alcoholic treat, then add ½ cup cold water.
4. Pour the mixture into 1 oz shot glasses, filling them about a third of the way. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours until fully set.
5. While waiting for the blue mixture to set in the cups, let’s prepare the white layer.
6. Sprinkle 2 packets of unflavored gelatin over ½ cup cold water and let it “bloom” for a few minutes.
7. Add 1 cup boiling water and stir until the gelatin dissolves.
8. Mix in 1 can of sweetened condensed milk and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
9. Once the blue layer is set, gently pour the white mixture over it, filling another third of the glasses. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours.
10. While waiting, gather all the ingredients for the red layer, and let’s start mixing.
11. Dissolve 1 box of red Jell-O in 1 cup of boiling water.
12. Stir in ½ cup vodka and ½ cup cold water.
13. Once the white layer is set, carefully pour the red mixture on top, filling to the brim. Refrigerate for another 2-3 hours or overnight for best results.
14. Right before serving, top each Jell-O shot with a dollop of whipped cream. Add a pinch of red, white, and blue sprinkles for a festive finish.
Serve and Enjoy!
Important Recipe Notes
- Make sure each Jell-O layer is fully set before adding the next to keep the colors from mixing.
- Use clear plastic shot cups or small jars so the red, white, and blue layers really shine.
- For non-alcoholic versions, just swap the alcohol for cold water or juice.
- Want to make them ahead? These Jell-O shots can be made up to 3 days in advance.
- To store leftover, keep them covered in the fridge until ready to serve. A baking sheet with a lid or plastic wrap over the top works great. Avoid leaving them out too long in the heat, especially the alcoholic ones—they’ll melt and lose their shape.
Patriotic Jell-O Shots (Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic Version)
Ingredients
Blue Layer (Bottom)
- 1 box of blue Jell-O (e.g., berry blue)
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup cold water
- ½ cup vodka
White Layer (Middle)
- 2 packets of unflavored gelatin
- ½ cup cold water (for blooming the gelatin)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
Red Layer (Top)
- 1 box of red Jell-O (e.g., cherry or strawberry)
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup cold water
- ½ cup vodka (optional, omit for a non-alcoholic version)
For Garnish
- Whipped cream
- Red, white, and blue sprinkles
Instructions
Blue Layer (Bottom)
- Let's start by making the blue layer at the bottom. Gather all the ingredients you'll need.
- Dissolve 1 box of blue Jell-O in 1 cup of boiling water.
- Stir in ½ cup vodka if serving as an alcoholic treat, then add ½ cup cold water.
- Pour the mixture into 1 oz shot glasses, filling them about a third of the way. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours until fully set.
White Layer (Middle)
- While waiting for the blue mixture to set in the cups, let's prepare the white layer.
- Sprinkle 2 packets of unflavored gelatin over ½ cup cold water and let it "bloom" for a few minutes.
- Add 1 cup boiling water and stir until the gelatin dissolves.
- Mix in 1 can of sweetened condensed milk and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
- Once the blue layer is set, gently pour the white mixture over it, filling another third of the glasses. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours.
Red Layer (Top)
- While waiting, gather all the ingredients for the red layer, and let's start mixing.
- Dissolve 1 box of red Jell-O in 1 cup of boiling water.
- Stir in ½ cup vodka and ½ cup cold water.
- Once the white layer is set, carefully pour the red mixture on top, filling to the brim. Refrigerate for another 2-3 hours or overnight for best results.
- Right before serving, top each Jell-O shot with a dollop of whipped cream. Add a pinch of red, white, and blue sprinkles for a festive finish.
Check Out More Patriotic Recipe Ideas!
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