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Festive July 4th Jello Shots Recipe: Red, White, and Blue Party Shots

Festive July 4th Jello Shots

Red, white, and blue layered jello shots made with fruit gelatin, a creamy condensed-milk center, and vodka. This patriotic party dessert makes approximately 24 two-ounce shots or 30 to 36 smaller party servings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 4 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Red Layer
  • 1 3-ounce box Red gelatin, usually strawberry or cherry
  • 1 cup Boiling water
  • 1/2 cup Cold water
  • 1/2 cup Vodka
White Layer
  • 2 envelopes, about 1/2 ounce total Unflavored gelatin
  • 1/2 cup Cold water, for blooming gelatin
  • 1/2 cup Boiling water
  • 1/2 cup Sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup Vodka
Blue Layer
  • 1 3-ounce box Blue gelatin, usually blue raspberry or berry
  • 1 cup Boiling water
  • 1/2 cup Cold water
  • 1/2 cup Vodka
Optional Garnish
  • As needed Whipped cream
  • As needed Red, white, and blue sprinkles
  • As needed Small blueberries or raspberries

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Arrange small disposable shot cups on a rimmed tray so they can be carried to and from the refrigerator without spilling. Prepare about 24 two-ounce cups, or use 30 to 36 smaller cups for party-size portions.
  2. For the red layer, stir the red gelatin into 1 cup boiling water for about 2 minutes, until completely dissolved. Stir in 1/2 cup cold water and 1/2 cup vodka, then cool the mixture slightly.
  3. Pour the red gelatin into each cup, filling approximately one-third full. Refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the surface is mostly set.
  4. For the white layer, sprinkle 2 envelopes of unflavored gelatin over 1/2 cup cold water and let it stand for about 5 minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup boiling water until dissolved, then mix in 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk and 1/2 cup vodka.
  5. Let the white mixture cool slightly, then slowly pour it over the red layer. Refrigerate for another 20 to 30 minutes, until the white layer is mostly firm.
  6. For the blue layer, dissolve the blue gelatin in 1 cup boiling water. Stir in 1/2 cup cold water and 1/2 cup vodka, cool briefly, and pour gently over the white layer.
  7. Refrigerate the completed shots for at least 2 hours, preferably 4 hours or overnight, until fully firm. Add whipped cream, patriotic sprinkles, blueberries, or raspberries immediately before serving.

Notes

Keep refrigerated and serve cold. The shots are generally best within 2 to 3 days. Do not increase the vodka, because extra alcohol can prevent the gelatin from setting properly. Add whipped cream just before serving because it can deflate or become watery.