These 4th of July Jello Shots are the ultimate patriotic party treat! Made with vibrant red, white, and blue layers, flavored vodka, and topped with whipped cream and festive sprinkles, these layered Jello shots are guaranteed to be the star of your patriotic party!
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, pool party, cookout, or fireworks gathering, these patriotic Jello shots are always a crowd favorite. Not only do they look festive, but each colorful layer brings its own delicious flavor for a fun adult dessert that’s as impressive as it is easy to make.
We love making fun patriotic cocktails including our American Cocktail, Patriotic Sangria, & Red White and Blue Cocktail that are all perfect for any 4th of July party!
Why These 4th of Jello Shots Are Always A Party Favorite
- Easy To Make Ahead – Since each layer needs time to chill, these are the perfect make-ahead party recipe. Simply prepare them the day before and garnish just before serving.
- Fun Layered Presentation – The colorful red, white, and blue layers make these one of the most eye-catching desserts on any holiday dessert table.
- Great For Summer Parties – These refreshing vodka Jello shots are ideal for hot summer weather and pair perfectly with burgers, barbecue, and grilled favorites.
- Easy To Customize – Swap the flavored vodka, rum, or Jello flavors to create your own signature patriotic party drink.
Ingredients Needed
These patriotic layered Jello shots use just a few simple ingredients to create their festive look (get the full amounts in the recipe card below).
- Berry Blue Jello – Creates the patriotic blue layer and adds sweet berry flavor.
- Cherry Jello – Forms the vibrant red layer with classic cherry flavor.
- Gelatin – You will need a packets of unflavored gelatin used with the sweetened condensed milk to create the creamy white center layer.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – Adds sweetness and gives the white layer its signature creamy appearance.
- Flavored Vodka And Rum – Berry vodka, cherry vodka, and Malibu rum give each layer delicious flavor while keeping the recipe festive for adults.
- Patriotic Sprinkles – Optional. We like to use the red, white and blue star sprinkles.
How To Make 4th of July Jello Shots
Just a few simple steps that take about 15-20 minutes. The longest part is letting them chill for 4 hours.
- Make The Blue Layer. Prepare the blue gelatin mixture, divide it among the cups, and refrigerate until completely set.
- Add The White Layer. Mix the unflavored gelatin with the condensed milk mixture and carefully pour it over the chilled blue layer. Refrigerate again until firm.
- Finish With The Red Layer. Prepare the cherry gelatin mixture and carefully pour it over the white layer before chilling until fully set.
- Decorate. Just before serving, top each shot with whipped cream and festive red, white, and blue sprinkles.
Variations
One of the best things about these patriotic Jello shots is how easy they are to customize.
Make Them Stronger. Use slightly less cold water and a little more vodka, making sure to keep enough liquid for the gelatin to set properly.
Change The Flavors. Strawberry gelatin, Raspberry gelatin, Blue raspberry gelatin, Watermelon gelatin
Swap The Alcohol. Plain vodka, Coconut rum, Whipped vodka, Vanilla vodka
Make A Non-Alcoholic Version. Simply replace the alcohol with cold water for a fun patriotic treat everyone can enjoy.
Red White and Blue Stained Glass Jello Shots
- 5 Red Jello Cups (3.25-3.3 ounces each)
- 5 Blue Jello Cups (3.25-3.3 ounces each)
- 1 Unflavored Gelatin Packet (0.25 ounces)
- 4 Ounces Sweetened Condensed Milk
- ½ Cup Whipped Cream Vodka
- ¼ Cup Cold Water
- ¼ Cup Boiling Water
- ½ Teaspoon Strawberry Extract
- Whipped Topping (optional garnish)
- Red White and Blue Sprinkles (optional garnish)
Directions:
- Line up your shot cups on a large plate, platter, or baking sheet (whatever you prefer, this just makes it easier to transport).
- Remove the tops of all the jello cups and use a small knife to cut vertical lines and then cut again horizontally.
- Dump both the blue and red jello cups into a medium mixing bowl, and use the knife to run it through any large chunks that didn’t get cut. You want small chunks, but if they’re too big, they don’t fit into the cups as well. Gently fold the jello chunks over each other to mix the colors.
- Fill each cup about ⅔ of the way full. Place back on the surface they were on. When finished, place them in the fridge while working on the next step.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the unflavored gelatin and cold water. Stir lightly and leave to sit for about 5 minutes.
- Pour the boiling water over the bloomed gelatin and stir until all of it is dissolved.
Serving & Storing
- Serving. These patriotic party drinks pair perfectly with all your favorite summer recipes, including burgers, corn dogs, BBQ ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, pasta salad, potato salad, fruit pizza any patriotic desserts! They’re a fun addition to Memorial Day cookouts, Labor Day celebrations, and summer pool parties.
- Make ahead. These layered Jello shots are one of the best make-ahead party recipes because they need several hours to chill. Prepare them up to 2 days in advance, cover them with lids or plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
- Refrigerator. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 7–10 days. For the best appearance, add the whipped cream and sprinkles just before serving.
- Freezing. Freezing is not recommended, as gelatin changes texture once thawed.
4th of July Jello Shots
Ingredients
Blue Jello Layer
- 3 ounces Box Berry Blue Jello
- 1 cup Boiling Water
- 3/4 cup Water Cold
- 1/4 cup Berry Vodka chilled
White Layer
- 0.25 ounces Gelatin Powder Unflavored
- ½ cup Water Cold
- ½ cup Malibu Rum
- 1/2 cup Water Boiling
- 1/4 cup Sweetened Condensed Milk chilled
Red Jello Layer
- 3 ounces Box Cherry Jello
- 1 cup Water Boiling
- 3/4 cup Water Cold
- 1/4 cup Cherry Vodka Chilled
Instructions
Blue Jello Layer
- In a medium sized bowl add the blue jello. Pour in the boiling water and mix to combine. Add the cold water and vodka to the blue jello. Stir to combine.
- Fill the 2 ounce plastic cups 1/3 of the way full with the blue jello.
- Refrigerate the jello for 1 hour.
White Layer
- In a medium sized bowl add the gelatin powder. Add in the cold water, and Malibu rum, and whisk until combined. Pour the boiling water into the bowl and whisk to combine.
- Add in the sweetened condensed milk. Stir to combine.
- Pour the white layer on top of the set blue layer filling another ⅓ rd of the way.
- Then refrigerate for 1 hour.
Red Jello Layer
- In a medium sized bowl add the cherry jello. Pour in the boiling water and mix to combine. Add the cold water and cherry vodka to the cherry jello. Stir to combine.
- Fill the Jello shots to the rim with the red jello.
- Refrigerate the jello for 2 hours or until completely set.
Last Step:
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