Celebrate the 4th of July with layered red, white, and blue Jell-O shots! These fun, colorful treats can be made with or without alcohol, making them perfect for all ages. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or a festive party, these Jell-O shots are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
Blue Layer (Bottom)
- Jell-O mix (berry blue) – Creates the vibrant blue layer.
- Boiling water – Dissolves the Jell-O powder.
- Cold water or vodka – For a non-alcoholic version, use water; for an alcoholic version, replace half with vodka.
White Layer (Middle)
- Unflavored gelatin – Provides structure and keeps the middle layer opaque.
- Cold water – Used to "bloom" the gelatin before dissolving.
- Boiling water – Fully dissolves the gelatin.
- Sweetened condensed milk – Adds sweetness and a creamy white color.
Red Layer (Top)
- Jell-O mix (cherry or strawberry) – Forms the bright red top layer.
- Boiling water – Dissolves the Jell-O powder.
- Cold water or vodka – Use water for a kid-friendly version or vodka for an adult-friendly option.
For Garnish
- Whipped cream – Adds a fun, festive topping.
- Red, white, and blue sprinkles – Perfect for extra holiday spirit!
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make 4th of July Patriotic Jell-O Shots
Blue Layer (Bottom): Dissolve the blue Jell-O in 1 cup of boiling water. For an alcoholic version, mix in ½ cup vodka and ½ cup cold water; for a non-alcoholic version, mix in 1 cup cold water. Pour the mixture into your 1 oz shot glasses, filling up to one-third of the way. Place in the refrigerator to set, about 2-3 hours.
White Layer (Middle): Sprinkle 2 packets of unflavored gelatin over ½ cup cold water. Let it sit for a few minutes to "bloom." Add 1 cup boiling water and stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk until well mixed. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. Once the blue layer is set, gently pour the white gelatin mixture over it to fill another third of the glasses. Return to the refrigerator and let set for another 2-3 hours.
Red Layer (Top): Dissolve the red Jell-O in 1 cup of boiling water. For an alcoholic version, mix in ½ cup vodka and ½ cup cold water; for a non-alcoholic version, mix in 1 cup cold water. Once the white layer is set, carefully add the red layer on top, filling up to the top of the glasses. Refrigerate until set, about 2-3 hours or overnight for best results.
Garnish: Just before serving, top each Jell-O shot with a small dollop of whipped cream. Sprinkle red, white, and blue sprinkles over the whipped cream for a festive finish.
Hint: For extra festive presentation, serve these Jell-O shots in clear mini cups with mini American flag toothpicks for a fun, party-ready look!
Substitutions & Variations
- Make them dairy-free – Swap sweetened condensed milk for coconut condensed milk for a lactose-free version.
- Try different flavors – Use raspberry Jell-O instead of cherry for a slightly different taste.
- Layer order swap – For a different look, try red on the bottom, white in the middle, and blue on top.
- Make them stronger – For extra boozy shots, replace more of the cold water with vodka (but not all of it, or they won’t set properly).
- Use molds instead of shot glasses – Pour the layers into silicone molds for fun, poppable shapes.
💭Crucial Success Tips
Let each layer fully set – If you pour the next layer too soon, the colors will mix and won’t have clean layers.
FAQ
Yes! They can be made up to 3-5 days in advance. Just wait to add whipped cream until just before serving.
Yes, but Jell-O needs some water to set properly. Stick to ½ cup vodka per layer for the best texture.
Absolutely! Rum, tequila, or flavored vodka work great. Coconut rum adds a fun tropical twist!
📖 Recipe
4th of July Patriotic Jell-O Shots
Celebrate with these Patriotic Jell-O Shots/Cups, a festive treat perfect for summer or patriotic gatherings. This recipe features three vibrant layers—a bold blue base, a creamy white middle, and a vivid red top—all topped with a dollop of whipped cream and festive sprinkles. Whether you choose the alcoholic version for an extra kick or the non-alcoholic one for a family-friendly twist, these colorful gelatin treats bring fun, flavor, and a true taste of celebration to any party.
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
- For Garnish:
- Whipped cream
- Red, white, and blue sprinkles
Instructions
- Blue Layer (Bottom): Dissolve the blue Jell-O in 1 cup of boiling water. For an alcoholic version, mix in ½ cup vodka and ½ cup cold water; for a non-alcoholic version, mix in 1 cup cold water. Pour the mixture into your 1 oz shot glasses, filling up to one-third of the way. Place in the refrigerator to set, about 2-3 hours.
- White Layer (Middle): Sprinkle 2 packets of unflavored gelatin over ½ cup cold water. Let it sit for a few minutes to "bloom." Add 1 cup boiling water and stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk until well mixed. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. Once the blue layer is set, gently pour the white gelatin mixture over it to fill another third of the glasses. Return to the refrigerator and let set for another 2-3 hours.
- Red Layer (Top): Dissolve the red Jell-O in 1 cup of boiling water. For an alcoholic version, mix in ½ cup vodka and ½ cup cold water; for a non-alcoholic version, mix in 1 cup cold water. Once the white layer is set, carefully add the red layer on top, filling up to the top of the glasses. Refrigerate until set, about 2-3 hours or overnight for best results.
- Garnish: Just before serving, top each Jell-O shot with a small dollop of whipped cream. Sprinkle red, white, and blue sprinkles over the whipped cream for a festive finish.
How to Store 4th of July Patriotic Jell-O Shots
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep them covered to prevent the whipped cream from melting.
- Freezer: Freezing is not recommended, as Jell-O shots can become too icy and change texture when thawed.
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