Red White and Blue Jello Shots : American Flag-Inspired Party TreatsRed
If you’ve ever juggled grilling burgers, swatting mosquitoes, and trying not to melt in July heat, you know what summer parties are really about—keeping it chill and festive. These Red White and Blue Jello Shots? They’re the edible flag waving at your guests saying, “Yeah, we know how to party.”
Perfect for Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or any hot-weather bash, these layered Jello shots bring color, fun, and a tiny kick (or not, if you skip the booze). I’ve taken the classic Jello shot and given it a star-spangled upgrade that looks as good as it tastes.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Jello Shots
- Eye-catching: Three vibrant layers—red, white, and blue—that scream patriotism.
- Party-friendly: Make ’em ahead, serve cold, and watch them vanish.
- Flexible: Use vodka for a buzz, or make ’em kid-friendly with just water or juice.
- Foolproof technique: No fancy gear, just some fridge space and patience.
Helpful Tools
Here’s what you need to do this right:
- Disposable 1 oz or 2 oz shot cups (with lids if you’re transporting)
- Whisk (skip the fork—whisks win)
- Mixing cup or measuring cup with a pour spout (don’t even try free-pouring)
- Small tray or baking sheet (to carry cups to the fridge without chaos)
- Optional: star sprinkles, whipped cream, fruit slices
Ingredients Overview
Layer | Jello Flavor | Liquids | Alcoholic Option | Non-Alcoholic Option |
Blue | Berry Blue (3 oz box) | Boiling & cold water | 1/2 cup vodka + 1/2 cup cold water | 1 cup cold water |
White | Unflavored gelatin + Sweetened condensed milk | Boiling & cold water | 1/2 cup vodka + 1/2 cup cold water | 1 cup cold water |
Red | Cherry or Strawberry (3 oz box) | Boiling & cold water | 1/2 cup vodka + 1/2 cup cold water | 1 cup cold water |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Blue Layer
This is your base, your anchor layer. Get it solid—literally.
- In a mixing bowl, dissolve one 3 oz box of berry blue Jello in 1 cup boiling water. Stir like you mean it—no grainy bits allowed.
- Add 1/2 cup cold water and 1/2 cup vodka. (Or just 1 cup cold water if going dry.)
- Pour into shot glasses—fill 1/3 full. (Use a spouted cup to avoid a crime scene.)
- Refrigerate for at least 60 minutes. Don’t rush this. Half-set Jello equals mushy layers.
Chef tip: Put your cups on a tray before filling. Way easier to move without spilling.

Step 2: Make the White Layer
This layer brings the smooth. Also where most people mess up—don’t overheat the milk.
- Sprinkle 2 packets unflavored gelatin over 1/2 cup cold water. Let it sit 5 mins. This is blooming, and it matters.
- Add 1 cup boiling water and stir until clear.
- Stir in sweetened condensed milk and your booze—1/2 cup vodka + 1/2 cup cold water (or 1 cup cold for non-alcoholic).
- Let it cool to room temp—not warm, not fridge-cold. This is key.
- Pour gently over the blue layer until each glass is 2/3 full. Back to the fridge for another hour.
Chef tip: Warm white mix will melt the blue layer. Patience is flavor insurance.

Step 3: Make the Red Layer
This is the finale—don’t botch the landing.
- Dissolve a 3 oz box of cherry or strawberry Jello in 1 cup boiling water.
- Add 1/2 cup vodka + 1/2 cup cold water, or just 1 cup cold for virgin style.
- Let it cool to room temp. Again: warm Jello ruins layers.
- Pour to top off each cup. Chill for at least one more hour, but longer is better.
Chef tip: These need 4+ hours total chill time. Plan ahead, save yourself stress.

Step 4: Serve ‘Em Up
- Top with whipped cream, fruit, or star sprinkles if you’re feeling festive.
- Use lids for transport, or serve straight from the fridge on a cold tray.
- Watch them disappear—fast.

Tips & Notes
- Give yourself fridge space. These take room and time.
- Layer discipline: Always cool your mixes before pouring. No shortcuts.
- Scale it up: Hosting a block party? Double or triple this recipe, no problem.
- Make ahead: These last up to a week in the fridge when sealed.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Red White & Blue Jello Shots with:
- BBQ classics like ribs or sliders
- Mini hot dogs or pigs in a blanket
- A platter of cookies, brownies, or red velvet cupcakes
- Cold drinks like lemonade, iced tea, or even more festive cocktails
Want more patriotic flair? Try:
- Flag cupcakes
- Red, white, and blue fruit skewers
- Layered dips with tricolor tortilla chips
FAQs
Can I make these ahead?
Yes—these are perfect made 2–3 days in advance. Store sealed in the fridge.
Can I skip the alcohol?
Absolutely. Replace the vodka with cold water or even juice (white grape works great for the white layer).
How many does this make?
About 30–40 one-ounce shots, depending on your cup size.
Can I freeze them?
Nope. Jello and freezers don’t mix. You’ll get slush, not shots.
How long do they last?
Up to 5–7 days in the fridge, covered.

Red White & Blue American Flag Jello Shots
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Yield: 30–40 one-ounce shots 1x
Description
These patriotic Red White & Blue Jello Shots are the life of the summer party—layered with bold colors and bursting with festive flair. Perfect for Fourth of July or Memorial Day celebrations, they’re fun, eye-catching, and easy to make ahead.
Ingredients
- 1 box (3 oz) Berry Blue Jello
- 1 box (3 oz) Cherry or Strawberry Jello
- 2 packets unflavored gelatin
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- Boiling water
- Cold water
- 1.5 cups vodka (optional)
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Fruit slices or star sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Blue Layer: Dissolve blue Jello in 1 cup boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/2 cup vodka + 1/2 cup cold water (or 1 cup cold water for non-alcoholic). Pour into shot cups to fill 1/3 full. Chill for 60 minutes.
- White Layer: Sprinkle unflavored gelatin over 1/2 cup cold water and let bloom for 5 minutes. Add 1 cup boiling water and stir until clear. Mix in sweetened condensed milk and 1/2 cup vodka + 1/2 cup cold water (or 1 cup cold water). Let cool to room temperature. Pour over blue layer to fill cups 2/3 full. Chill for 1 hour.
- Red Layer: Dissolve red Jello in 1 cup boiling water. Stir until dissolved. Add 1/2 cup vodka + 1/2 cup cold water (or 1 cup cold water). Let cool to room temperature. Top off the cups. Chill at least 1 more hour.
- Serve: Top with whipped cream, fruit, or sprinkles. Use lids for transport or serve cold from fridge.
Notes
Let each layer fully set and cool mixtures to room temperature before adding the next to prevent bleeding. Make ahead and store in fridge up to a week.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Chilled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shot
- Calories: 65
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
Keywords: jello shots, patriotic, red white and blue, Fourth of July, Memorial Day, party shots
Conclusion + Call to Action
These Red White and Blue Jello Shots aren’t just another party snack—they’re your secret weapon for summer celebrations. With bold layers, customizable flavors, and a presentation that pops, this Holiday Jello Shot Recipe is built to impress. Whether you’re going full-vodka for the adults or keeping it booze-free for the kids, you’re bringing the fun.
They’re ideal for Fourth of July Jello Shots, Memorial Day Jello Shots, or any sunny-day gathering. They’re make-ahead friendly, fridge-stable, and a guaranteed conversation starter.
So what are you waiting for?
Get those cups lined up, boil your water, and layer like a pro. Trust me—once your guests see these American Flag Jello Shots lined up on the tray, you’re officially the MVP of the cookout.
Need more party-perfect ideas? Check out my collection of crowd-pleasers on my Pinterest page.
This is the kind of simple, thoughtful recipe that says: “Yeah, I care. And I brought the fun.”