Red, White, and Blue Stained Glass Jello Shots Recipe
Looking to add a splash of patriotic color and some grown-up fun to your next summer gathering? How to Make Red, White, and Blue Stained Glass Jello Shots is your answer! These festive shots are bright, boozy, and incredibly eye-catching, featuring jewel-toned cubes of red and blue jello suspended in a sweet and creamy white layer. They’re surprisingly easy to assemble, and the result is a showstopper that always earns oohs and ahhs from party guests. Let’s dive into this playful treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat (or should we say, sip?).
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of How to Make Red, White, and Blue Stained Glass Jello Shots is that every ingredient serves a purpose. These aren’t just pantry staples tossed together but carefully selected for maximum flavor, vibrant color, and just the right bit of festive flair. Here’s what you’ll need — and why each component matters.
- 20 2-Ounce Shot Cups with Lids: These keep your jello shots portable, party-ready, and perfectly portioned.
- 5 Red Jello Cups (3.25-3.3 ounces each): Classic cherry or strawberry flavors add bold color and a hint of fruity sweetness.
- 5 Blue Jello Cups (3.25-3.3 ounces each): Blue raspberry or berry blue brings out those electric, star-spangled vibes.
- 1 Unflavored Gelatin Packet (0.25 ounces): This is the secret to a silky, stable base that won’t mask your patriotic colors.
- 4 Ounces Sweetened Condensed Milk: Lends luscious creaminess and a sweet balance that ties all the flavors together.
- ½ Cup Whipped Cream Vodka: This not only delivers a festive kick but also infuses each shot with smooth, creamy undertones.
- ¼ Cup Cold Water: For blooming your gelatin—this extra step ensures that dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- ¼ Cup Boiling Water: Essential for dissolving gelatin completely, making sure your layers are flawlessly smooth.
- ½ Teaspoon Strawberry Extract: A bit of extra fruity punch to elevate every bite to celebratory status.
- Whipped Topping (optional garnish): Adds a cloud of creamy sweetness and makes the final shots utterly irresistible.
- Red White and Blue Sprinkles (optional garnish): For that finishing touch that guarantees smiles and sparks of joy!
How to Make Red, White, and Blue Stained Glass Jello Shots
Step 1: Line Up Your Shot Cups
Start by arranging your shot cups on a large plate, platter, or baking sheet. This little prep step makes it a breeze to transport your jello shots into and out of the fridge without any spills or mess. Organization here sets you up for stress-free assembling ahead!
Step 2: Cut the Jello into Cubes
Pop open all the red and blue jello cups. Use a small, sharp knife to slice vertical lines, then rotate and cut crosswise so you end up with lots of chunky squares. This creates that fun, “stained glass” mosaic effect — don’t worry if the cubes aren’t perfectly even; a little variety adds character!
Step 3: Mix the Jello Chunks
Dump all of your red and blue jello cubes into a medium mixing bowl. If you notice any big pieces, run your knife through them again until everything is bite-sized. Then gently fold the chunks together — try not to mix too much, so the colors stay bold and distinct.
Step 4: Fill the Shot Cups with Jello Cubes
Spoon the colorful jello cubes into each shot cup, filling them about two-thirds of the way up. If you pile them too high, there won’t be room for the creamy white layer, so keep an eye on your portions! Set the filled cups aside on your platter and pop them in the fridge while you whip up the next part.
Step 5: Bloom the Gelatin
In a clean medium bowl, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over cold water. Stir gently, then let it sit for about 5 minutes. This crucial step allows the gelatin to “bloom,” so you get that signature soft, sliceable texture in the finished shots.
Step 6: Dissolve the Gelatin
Pour the boiling water over your bloomed gelatin and stir constantly until it’s completely dissolved. This is when the kitchen starts to smell just a bit magical! Make sure no granules remain—smoothness is the name of the game.
Step 7: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk
While the gelatin mixture is still warm, quickly pour in the sweetened condensed milk. Stir well until everything is combined and silky smooth. This creates a luscious, creamy white layer that stands out against the vibrant jello cubes.
Step 8: Stir In Vodka and Extract
Add in your whipped cream vodka and strawberry extract, giving everything a gentle mix. The vodka infuses fun, while the extract layers on just a touch more fruitiness, making every bite extra celebratory.
Step 9: Pour the White Layer Over the Jello Cubes
Retrieve your filled jello shot cups from the fridge. Carefully pour the white gelatin mixture into each cup, just to the top. Work slowly — you don’t need much! The goal is to let that white layer seep into all the little spaces between the jello cubes, creating a gorgeous tri-colored effect.
Step 10: Let the Mixture Settle
Grab the handle of a spoon or a small utensil and gently run it around the inside edge of each cup. This creates paths for the white layer to flow through the jello chunks all the way to the bottom, making each “slice” look like real stained glass.
Step 11: Chill Until Firm
Return the shots to the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until completely set. Patience pays off here—this is when the magic happens, and the distinct layers come to life.
Step 12: Garnish and Enjoy!
Just before serving, top each shot with a swirl of whipped topping and a generous pinch of red, white, and blue sprinkles. These finishing touches not only make them even more adorable but also deliver an extra burst of creamy sweetness and crunch.
How to Serve Red, White, and Blue Stained Glass Jello Shots
Garnishes
A single dollop of whipped topping and a heavy sprinkle of red, white, and blue sprinkles are all it takes to make these shots irresistible. If you’re feeling extra, try topping each one with a tiny berry or a mini American flag pick for serious party points!
Side Dishes
Balance out the playful sweetness of How to Make Red, White, and Blue Stained Glass Jello Shots with a lineup of lighter bites: think salty popcorn, cheese and crackers, or a platter of juicy summer fruits. These keep the party vibes going without overwhelming your guests’ taste buds.
Creative Ways to Present
For a truly memorable display, serve the shots on a festive tray surrounded by sparklers or LED string lights, or nestle them into a tub of crushed ice to keep them cool outside. If you want to go all-in, arrange the cups in a flag shape or in stripes for the ultimate patriotic centerpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover jello shots can be stored right in their shot cups with lids on. Simply pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh and wobbly for up to 4 days. The colors may deepen slightly, but the taste and texture remain delightful.
Freezing
It’s best not to freeze these jello shots. Freezing can change the texture, making them watery or rubbery once thawed. For the freshest, prettiest stained glass effect, always keep them in the fridge.
Reheating
No reheating needed! Just serve straight from the fridge. If they’ve been out for a while and the whipped cream topping starts to droop, a quick refresh with a new dollop will bring back all their visual appeal.
FAQs
Can I make Red, White, and Blue Stained Glass Jello Shots without alcohol?
Absolutely! Simply skip the vodka or swap it for an equal amount of cold water, milk, or flavored syrup. You’ll still get all the sweet, jiggly fun without the buzz.
How far in advance can I prepare these jello shots?
You can make them up to 2-3 days ahead. This gives the flavors time to mingle, and lets you focus on hosting rather than scrambling on party day.
Can I use different colors or flavors of jello for other holidays?
Definitely! How to Make Red, White, and Blue Stained Glass Jello Shots can easily transform into Halloween, Christmas, or even rainbow versions just by swapping out the jello colors and extracts.
What if I can’t find whipped cream vodka?
No worries! Vanilla or plain vodka work well too, though the whipped cream version adds extra sweetness. You could also try berry-flavored vodka for a fun twist.
How do I keep the layers from blending together?
Chilling the stained glass jello cubes before pouring in the white layer helps set each square in place, so the colors stay beautifully distinct. Add the white mixture gently and use a spoon handle to help it settle all the way to the bottom.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to dazzle friends and family with something truly unique, How to Make Red, White, and Blue Stained Glass Jello Shots is the way to go. They’re equal parts delicious, festive, and fun to make. Don’t be surprised if people ask for the recipe — or for seconds! Dive in and unleash your inner party artist at your next celebration.
Print
Red, White, and Blue Stained Glass Jello Shots Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 20 shots 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make festive Red, White, and Blue Stained Glass Jello Shots that are perfect for any patriotic celebration. These colorful and boozy treats are sure to be a hit at your next party!
Ingredients
For the Jello Layers:
- 5 Red Jello Cups (3.25–3.3 ounces each)
- 5 Blue Jello Cups (3.25–3.3 ounces each)
For the White Layer:
- 1 Unflavored Gelatin Packet (0.25 ounces)
- 4 Ounces Sweetened Condensed Milk
- ½ Cup Whipped Cream Vodka
- ¼ Cup Cold Water
- ¼ Cup Boiling Water
- ½ Teaspoon Strawberry Extract
Optional Garnishes:
- Whipped Topping
- Red White and Blue Sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare Shot Cups: Line up shot cups on a plate or baking sheet.
- Prepare Jello: Cut jello cups into small chunks and mix in a bowl.
- Fill Cups: Fill each cup ⅔ full with jello chunks and refrigerate.
- Prepare White Layer: Bloom gelatin in cold water, add boiling water, condensed milk, vodka, and extract. Mix well.
- Layer White Mixture: Pour white mixture into cups over jello chunks.
- Chill: Refrigerate shots for 2 hours until set.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with whipped topping and sprinkles before serving.
Notes
- You can customize the colors for different occasions by using different colored jello.
- Experiment with different flavored extracts for unique taste variations.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Drink
- Method: Chilling, Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shot
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Jello Shots, Patriotic, Red White and Blue, Party Drinks, Fourth of July
