These Red, White and Blue JELLO Shots (sometimes called shooters) work are perfect for your summer BBQ or get together. Swap out the colors to make them festive for any holiday year round!
Before today, I hadn’t had JELLO since I was a child. My mother used to make the orange flavor with mandarin oranges mixed in and I couldn’t get enough of it.
As I’ve gotten older, that same gelatin concoction lost its luster. Now, I’m bringing it back and making it very patriotic with red, white and blue gelatins. Perfect for Memorial Day, 4th of July or Flag Day celebrations! Serve them alongside a Firecracker Bundt Cake for a full spread.
White JELLO
By far, the most frequently asked question is how to make white JELLO.
JELLO doesn’t have any white flavors, but you can achieve that signature layer using unflavored gelatin and milk. It really is that easy. Unflavored gelatin will be located in the baking aisle near all the other flavors and usually on the top shelf. We add vanilla and sugar to give it a little flavor.
Why You’ll Love These Red White and Blue Jello Shots
Layered jello with simple ingredients and fun colors- what’s not to love?
- Fun and festive – These layered desserts are super fun and perfect for taking to your patriotic get togethers.
- Make an adult version – You can make a kid friendly version of these shots, or add some vodka for an adult only party.
- Taste like childhood – I don’t know about you, but jello reminds me of my childhood, and these shots are the best way to celebrate it.
Ingredients
You can easily find the red white and blue jello shots ingredients at your local grocery store.
- Package blue JELLO – Berry blue jello is my favorite, but there are other packets of jello powder like blue raspberry too.
- Package red JELLO – You can use any flavor you’d like. Some popular ones are cherry, raspberry and strawberry.
- Boiling water – Cold water won’t dissolve the gelatin granules, so using warm or hot water is necessary.
- Packet Knox unflavored gelatin – A packet of unflavored gelatin is needed to make the white jello layer.
- Milk – Milk is white, so therefore, that is what we will combine with the unflavored geltin to make the white layer.
- Sugar – Because this is unflavored gelatin, we need something to give it some sweetness. Granulated sugar is perfect.
- Vanilla – To give the white layer a little flavor, we add some vanilla extract. It’s subtle but perfectly complements the other flavors.
- Whipped cream – Adding a dollop of whipped cream to the top of these jello shots is the best way to dress them up a little.
- Garnishes – You can garnish these with fruit like strawberries and blueberries, red white and blue sprinkles or even edible gold stars like I do.
- Vodka– This is, of course, optional if you want to make them boozy for keep it clean.
Variations
There aren’t many substitutions you can make to these red white and blue jello shots without changing them too much, but here are a few suggestions.
- Spike them – Make your Red, White, and Blue JELLO Cups vodka laced. For the red and blue JELLO layers, use 1/2 cup boiling water to mix gelatin. Allow to cool before stirring in 1/4 cup vodka. If the liquid is too hot, it will burn off the alcohol, thus negating the purpose of making JELLO shots.
- Sweetened condensed milk – instead of using regular milk, sugar and vanilla, you can whisk sweetened condensed milk into the unflavored gelatin instead.
- Boozy garnish – For boozy fruit, soak fruit in vodka in an airtight container for 12 hours, drain. You can also purchase spiked whipped cream or add vodka straight to the JELLO mixes.
How to Make Red White and Blue JELLO Shots Recipe
Making the layers is easy as long as you take your time. They require setting between each layer so they don’t mix. If you are making them with straight layers, just set them upright. If you want them to be angled, set tall shot glasses in a muffin tin to get the tilt.
- Blue layer. You’ll be making each layer at separate times, first start with the blue. Pour into tall, small shot glasses or short, wide glasses. Chill until it sets.
- White jello layer. After the blue sets, make the white layer, place on top of blue and then set again.
- Red layer. Lastly, the red, pour in and allow to set.
- Garnish with whipped cream, gold star sprinkles or fresh fruit.
Storage and Freezing
How to Store Red White and Blue Jello Shots
Easy to make and easy to clean up, they are sure to please a crowd. They can be made up to a day ahead of time, but for best results be sure to garnish with whipped cream and fresh berries, or other fruit, right before serving.
Store chilled in the fridge until ready to enjoy.
Can I Freeze Jello Shots
Unfortunately I do no recommend freezing Jello shots. When they thaw, the consistency will no longer be the same.
More Patriotic Recipes
Patriotic holidays are some of my favorite. The food is so festive and fun! Here are some of our favorite patriotic treats.
Mini 4th of July Cupcakes
Red, White and Blue Cherry Pie
All-American Strawberries
Red, White, and Blue JELLO Shots
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 ounce package blue JELLO
- 3 ounce package cherry JELLO
- 2 cups boiling water , divided
- 1 packet Knox unflavored gelatin
- 1 cup milk , divided
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- Whipped cream
- Strawberries and blueberries for garnish , optional
- edible gold stars
Instructions
- Empty the contents of blue JELLO into a small bowl. Stir for 2 minutes with 1 cup boiling water. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Place tall glasses into a muffin tin tilted or on a baking sheet this just makes it easier to move them in and out of the refrigerator.) Equally, divide blue JELLO mixture between four cups. Place in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes or until it sets.
- Meanwhile, start preparing white layer by mixing one packet unflavored gelatin in a small bowl with ¼ cup cold milk. Heat remaining milk, ¾ cup, over high heat until just before boiling, remove. Do not scald. Add the sugar and vanilla. Stir until dissolved and mix with cold milk and gelatin mixture. Stir until well mixed and allow to cool.
- Evenly pour white gelatin over blue layer. Place back into the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes or until it starts to set.
- Next, mix the cherry JELLO with 1 cup boiling water. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes. When white layer has set, equally divide red over the white layer. Return to refrigerator to set for 3-4 hours.
- Do not garnish until ready to serve, especially if it is a hot day!
- If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or ratings.
Notes
Nutrition
I want to make these but i’m wondering if you added the cold water or are the made with only hot water?
The gelatin dissolves best in hot, boiling water. I’ve never tried it with cold water. If you microwave it, you should be fine.
If I am reading your recipe correct, you are using 1 cup boiling water and omitting the 1 cup cold water that the box instructions indicate you add after dissolving powder in boiling water.
Yes, it gives it the deeper color. If you wanted to make double the cups, you can add the second cup of cold water and just have a more muted color.
These look fantastic. I have a question, can the white layer be made with almond milk? My grandchildren are dairy free. Thank you.
Hi Mary! I have not personally tried it, but I don’t see any reason why not!
These are gorgeously festive, and super simple! Will save these for 4th of July! Love the star sprinkles on top!
I love the sound of making vodka jello cups. The kids will LOVE these just as they are though.