I crafted these colorful Red, White and Blue Jello Shots as a fun, non-alcoholic treat perfect for patriotic holidays like the 4th of July or Memorial Day. With vibrant layers and sweet flavors, they’re a hit with both kids and adults.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how eye-catching and festive these jello shots turn out—layered red, white, and blue in little cups, making them ideal for parties. They’re alcohol-free, so everyone can enjoy them, and they come together with basic pantry staples and a bit of fridge time.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Blue layer

1 (3 oz) box blue Jell‑O (like berry blue)
1 cup boiling water
1 cup cold water

White layer

2 packets unflavored gelatin (about 0.5 oz total)
½ cup cold water (for blooming)
1 cup boiling water
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

Red layer

1 (3 oz) box red Jell‑O (like cherry or strawberry)
1 cup boiling water
1 cup cold water

Garnish (optional)

Whipped cream or Cool Whip
Red, white, and blue sprinkles

Directions

Blue layer – I dissolved the blue Jell‑O in boiling water, stirred in the cold water, then poured it into small cups, filling each one-third full. I chilled them in the refrigerator for about 2 hours until set.
White layer – I bloomed the unflavored gelatin in cold water, added boiling water, then stirred in the sweetened condensed milk. After it cooled to room temperature, I poured it over the blue layer and chilled it another 2 hours.
Red layer – I repeated the same process with the red Jell‑O as I did for the blue. After letting it cool to room temp, I poured it over the white layer and chilled the cups for a final 2–3 hours or until completely set.
Garnish – Just before serving, I topped each shot with whipped cream and festive sprinkles.

Servings and timing

Yield: About 24 (1 oz) shots
Prep time: 30 minutes
Chill time: About 6–8 hours total

Variations

I sometimes use different jello flavors for unique color combos—like orange and purple for Halloween.
For a dairy-free option, I swap the condensed milk layer with coconut milk and gelatin.
To make them layered in a single large dish instead of cups, I use a square pan and cut them into cubes after chilling.

Storage/Reheating

I keep the jello shots covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
They’re best served chilled and shouldn’t be left out too long, as they’ll soften.

FAQs

How far in advance can I make these jello shots?

I usually make them the day before a party. As long as I keep them covered and chilled, they stay fresh and firm.

Can I skip the white layer?

Yes, I’ve made them with just red and blue layers, and they still look festive—great when I’m short on time.

What type of cups should I use?

I prefer using 1-ounce plastic shot cups because they’re easy to handle and disposable. Mini glass cups also work if I want a fancier presentation.

Can kids eat these?

Absolutely! These are completely alcohol-free and kid-friendly. I always make a batch for family events where everyone can enjoy.

How do I keep the layers from mixing?

I let each layer fully set in the fridge before adding the next. I also cool the next layer to room temperature before pouring it over to avoid melting the previous one.

Conclusion

Making these Red, White and Blue Jello Shots brings a pop of color and sweetness to any party. I love how they’re festive, easy to prepare, and safe for everyone to enjoy. They’ve become a go-to for my holiday spreads, and I always get asked for the recipe!