Red White & Blue American Flag Jello Shots (Perfect for July 4th Parties!)

Red White & Blue American Flag jello shots made with blue, white, and red gelatin to mimic the American flag.

The bottom layer is berry blue Jell-O spiked with vodka, the middle layer is creamy white made from sweetened condensed milk and unflavored gelatin, and the top layer is cherry or strawberry red Jell-O with more vodka.

I top them with whipped cream and red, white, and blue sprinkles for that extra sparkle.

I love a good backyard BBQ, and these jello shots always steal the show. One Fourth of July, I brought a tray of these Red White & Blue American Flag Jello Shots to my cousin’s party, and they were gone before the burgers even hit the grill. Everyone kept asking how I made them.

They look festive, they taste like summer, and best of all—they’re super easy to make. No fancy tools, no complicated steps. Just fun, sweet, colorful layers and a little vodka kick. These are my go-to for any patriotic party!

How To Make Red White & Blue American Flag Jello Shots?

🧁 Recipe Overview

A fun, boozy treat layered in patriotic colors—perfect for July 4th or Memorial Day!

• Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus chill time)
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours (includes chilling)
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Dessert, Cocktail
• Difficulty: Easy
• Yield: 20 shots (2 oz each)
• Calories per Serving: ~100

🧰 Equipment Needed

• Measuring cups
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• 2 oz plastic shot cups
• Baking sheet or tray (to hold the cups)
• Small saucepan
• Refrigerator space

📝 Ingredients

Blue Layer (Bottom):

• 1 box (3 oz) berry blue Jell-O
• 1 cup boiling water
• ½ cup cold water
• ½ cup vodka

White Layer (Middle):

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

Red Layer (Top):

• 1 box (3 oz) cherry or strawberry Jell-O
• 1 cup boiling water
• ½ cup cold water
• ½ cup vodka

Garnish:

• Whipped cream
• Red, white, and blue sprinkles or star sprinkles

Ingredient Notes

1. Vodka: I use plain vodka, but flavored ones like raspberry or strawberry are fun too.

2. Jell-O: Berry blue and cherry are easy to find, but you can switch it up if needed.

3. Unflavored Gelatin: This helps the white layer set without adding flavor or color.

4. Sweetened Condensed Milk: This gives the white layer that creamy look and taste.

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make the Blue Layer

• Mix 1 cup boiling water with the blue Jell-O powder. Stir until fully dissolved.
• Add ½ cup cold water and ½ cup vodka. Mix well.
• Pour into 2 oz plastic cups, filling each about ⅓ full.
• Place on a tray and chill in the fridge until set (about 60–90 minutes).

2. Make the White Layer

• Sprinkle unflavored gelatin over ½ cup cold water in a bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
• Add 1 cup boiling water and stir until the gelatin dissolves.
• Stir in the sweetened condensed milk. Let cool to room temperature (this is important—hot liquid can melt the blue layer).
• Once the blue layer is firm, pour the white mixture on top until the cup is ⅔ full.
• Chill again until set (about 60–90 minutes).

3. Make the Red Layer

• Mix 1 cup boiling water with the red Jell-O powder. Stir until dissolved.
• Add ½ cup cold water and ½ cup vodka. Let it cool to room temperature.
• Once the white layer is set, pour the red mixture on top.
• Chill for another 60–90 minutes until completely firm.

4. Garnish

• Just before serving, top with whipped cream and red, white, and blue sprinkles.

🥄 Nutrition (Per Jello Shot)

• Calories: ~100
• Carbs: 11g
• Sugar: 10g
• Fat: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Alcohol: ~0.4 oz vodka per shot

🔄 Tips and Variations

1. Make ahead: These keep in the fridge for up to 5 days, so you can prep early.

2. Non-alcoholic version: Just swap the vodka for cold water or lemon-lime soda.

3. Use different liquors: Try rum, tequila, or berry schnapps instead of vodka.

4. Different flavors: Raspberry and strawberry Jell-O are both great options.

5. Bigger batches: You can double the recipe easily. Just make sure your fridge has room!

🧠 Expert Tips & Troubleshooting

1. Let each layer fully set before pouring the next or they’ll blend together.

2. Cool your mixtures to room temperature before pouring to avoid melting the previous layer.

3. Use a turkey baster or spouted cup for easy pouring without splashes.

4. Keep chilled until just before serving. They soften quickly in warm weather.

🎉 Serving Suggestions

1. Serve these in clear plastic shot cups so the layers shine through.

2. Add mini American flags to each shot for extra flair.

3. Pair them with ranch cocktail crackers and sliders for the full party vibe.

4. Set them out on a chilled tray or with crushed ice if serving outside.

❓ FAQ

🧊 What Other Liquor Could I Use?

If vodka’s not your thing, you can try white rum, coconut rum, or flavored schnapps. Just match the flavors to your Jell-O—berry schnapps with blue, strawberry rum with red, and so on.

🍓 Can I Use Different Jell-O Flavors?

Yep! Strawberry, raspberry, and cherry all work for the red layer. For the blue layer, berry blue is the easiest to find, but if you spot something like blue raspberry, go for it.

🥶 How Long Do Jello Shots Keep?

About 5 days in the fridge is your best window. After that, the texture can start to change.

📦 How To Store Them?

Keep them in the fridge, covered. A big container with a lid or just plastic wrap over the tray works fine.

❤️ Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fun, easy, and crowd-pleasing party treat, these Red White & Blue American Flag Jello Shots are it. They’re festive, tasty, and honestly, just plain fun to make and serve.

I’d love to hear how they turn out for you, so leave a comment or tag me if you make them!