Celebrate the USA with Red White and Blue Jello Shots at your next gathering. Easy to make, layered vodka Jell-O shots are a fruity and festive dessert that’s a hit at every party we have. A great make ahead treat.

Red white and blue layered jello shots with an American flag on top.

The world could use more adult beverages right now and with the 4th of July right around the corner, this Red White and Blue Jello Shot recipe is just the thing to help you celebrate. I haven’t had a Jello Shot in years but this summer I’ve been downing them like candy. And this one is no exception.

Whether your having a party of 5 of 50, these easy jello shots are always a crowd pleaser. A little larger than the average shot, they’re more like a boozy dessert treat than an actual shot. But who’s going to mad about that.

The best part, you can make these up to 2 days in advance so your party planning is breezy and easy.

The Best Jello Shots

You can make a one layer jello shot or you can make a jaw dropper like these Red White and Blue shots. They don’t take much more effort, just a little more hands on time because you will have to wait for the layers to set up before adding the next color.

And they make the BEST 4th of July Jello Shots….which these make an appearance every single year. It’s like fireworks for your mouth.

Red white and blue jello shots on a white background.

How To Make Vodka Jello Shots

The process for making this jello shot recipe is fairly simple and is exactly the same for both colored layers. We like to use glass shot glasses when we’re at home but if you need a disposable option, these are the jello shot cups we used in the pictures.

For the red layer:

Add the strawberry gelatin to a bowl.

Stir in the boiling water and stir until dissolved.

Add the vodka.

Divide among the shot glasses.

Chill until set.

For the white layer:

Add two packets unflavored gelatin to a bowl.

Stir in two cups boiling water and stir until dissolved.

Add 1 can sweetened condensed milk OR coconut cream (I love coconut cream here but play it safe because not everyone is a coconut fan.)

Divide among the shot glasses.

Chill until set.

For the blue layer:

Add the blue gelatin to a bowl.

Stir in the boiling water and stir until dissolved.

Add the vodka.

Divide among the shot glasses.

Chill until set.

Close up of a layered red white and blue vodka jello shot.

You can make a non-alcoholic jello cup for the kids by omitting the vodka and replacing with cold water instead. I alternate the colors so we know which one contains vodka and which one is kid-friendly.

They’re fantastic for Memorial Day and Labor Day parties, too. Or you can mix up the colors and serve them at your next Halloween party, tailgate and more!

Top with a dollop of whipped cream and add festive sprinkles for a bit more fun. 

Pro Tips

  • TIMING – It will take AT LEAST 1 HOUR for each layer of your jello shot to set. Be sure not to rush the layering because the colors will bleed together if they’re not set completely. And vodka takes longer to set up so be patient.
  • BOIL – Make sure the boiling water that is added to the gelatin is, in fact, boiling and not just hot. This helps the jello to bloom.
  • CHILL – Chill the vodka before adding it to the jello to help speed up the process. Warm vodka will take longer to set than chilled vodka.

Red white and blue jello shots on a white background.

Storage

You can make your jello shots up to 3 days in advance. Store them covered or in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

If you’re topping with whipped cream, wait until right before serving to add it or it could cause the jello to break down and become watery.

Looking for more RED, WHITE and BLUE food ideas? We love this easy Berry Tiramisu, another great make ahead option. Or try this Watermelon salad. 

Kids flip over these Red, white and blue Smoothie Popsicles, too…..and they’re healthy!

Refreshing and simple, this Watermelon Blueberry Feta Salad with Cucumbers recipe is the perfect summertime side dish! Ready in minutes!! | TheSuburbanSoapbox.com

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Close up of a layered red white and blue vodka jello shot.

Get the Recipe: RED WHITE AND BLUE JELLO SHOTS

Festive layered Jello Shots are perfect for the 4th of July!
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Ingredients

For the red layer:

  • 3 ounces strawberry gelatin
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup vodka

For the white layer:

  • 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk, 1 can

For the blue layer:

  • 3 ounces berry blue gelatin
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup vodka

Equipment

  • shot glasses

Instructions 

For the red layer:

  • Add the strawberry gelatin to a bowl.
  • Pour the boiling water over the gelatin and stir until dissolved.
  • Add the vodka, stirring to combine. Allow to cool for 5 minutes.
  • Divide the jello mixture evenly among the shot glasses filling 1/3 of the way.
  • Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for 1 hour or until set.

For the white layer:

  • Add the gelatin to a bowl and stir in the boiling water until completely dissolved.
  • Add the sweetened condensed milk, or coconut cream, if using. Allow to cool for 5 minutes.
  • Divide the white jello evenly among the shot glasses filling 1/3 of the way. (Your glasses will not be 2/3 filled.)
  • Transfer the jello shots to the refrigerator and chill for 1 hour or until the white layer is set.

For the blue layer:

  • Add the blue gelatin to a bowl and stir in the boiling water until completely dissolved.
  • Stir in the vodka. Allow to cool for 5 minutes.
  • Divid the jello mixture evenly among the shot glasses until filled just below the rim.
  • Transfer to the refirgerator and chill for 1 hour or until set.

Notes

To ensure your layers don't "bleed" together, allow the jello to set up completely before adding a new layer.
Use a spoon or small measuring cup to pour the layers into the shot glass. Be sure to do this slowly so the colors don't bleed together. I like to pour the next color along the side of the glass to decrease the chance it will breach the surface of the previous layer.
Calories: 256kcal, Carbohydrates: 31g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 3g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 11mg, Sodium: 115mg, Potassium: 123mg, Sugar: 30g, Vitamin A: 88IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 95mg, Iron: 1mg