Go Back

Jell-O Shots (Red, White, and Blue)

Jell-O shots recipe with glossy red, white, and blue layers set in clear cups using a simple gelatin base and vodka. Includes step-by-step layering so each tier stays translucent and neatly defined for party drinks.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
setting 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Course: Drink
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Jell-O Shots
  • 1 box (3 oz) cherry or strawberry Jell-O For the red layer.
  • 1 box (3 oz) berry blue Jell-O For the blue layer.
  • 1 box (3 oz) unflavored gelatin For the white layer (unflavored, powder).
  • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk For the white layer.
  • 3 cup boiling water Divided: 1 cup for red, 1 cup for white, 1 cup for blue.
  • 1.5 cup cold vodka Divided: 1/2 cup for red, 1/2 cup for white, 1/2 cup for blue.
  • 1 1/2 cup cold water For the white layer only; add after gelatin dissolves.

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Make the red layer
  1. Dissolve the cherry or strawberry Jell-O in 1 cup boiling water, stirring for 2 minutes until fully dissolved and glossy. Mix in 1/2 cup cold vodka, then pour into shot cups to fill one-third of the way.
  2. Refrigerate the cups for 45 minutes until the red layer is fully set and no longer jiggles when gently nudged.
Make and add the white layer
  1. Combine sweetened condensed milk, 1 cup boiling water, and unflavored gelatin, stirring until the gelatin dissolves and the mixture looks smooth. Cool slightly, add 1/2 cup cold water, then spoon gently over the set red layer to preserve the boundary.
  2. Refrigerate for another 45 minutes until the white layer is set and holds its shape.
Make and add the blue layer
  1. Dissolve berry blue Jell-O in 1 cup boiling water, stirring for 2 minutes until fully dissolved and glossy. Mix in 1/2 cup cold vodka, cool to room temperature, then gently pour over the white layer.
  2. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until fully set, then serve cold for best wobble and clean layers.

Notes

Pro tip: to keep the layers distinct, pour the next colored mixture only after it’s cooled slightly/room temperature and use gentle spooning onto the set layer. Store covered in the refrigerator up to 3 days; freeze not recommended. For a lower-sugar option, use reduced-sugar condensed milk for the white layer if your condensed milk brand allows it.