Fun Red, White, and Blue Stained-Glass Gelatin Shots
Bring a splash of red, white, and blue to your next celebration with these fun and colorful stained glass gelatin shots. Made with layers of creamy, boozy goodness and nostalgic gelatin cubes, they’re as pretty as they are easy to make. This post contains affiliate links.
These are the party shots that people will actually talk about. Not too sweet, totally photo-worthy, and dangerously easy to pop back. Add them to your 4th of July, Memorial Day, or any summer get-together for a colorful treat that steals the show.
The Gelatin Shots That Got an Upgrade
Back in the day, Jell-O shots meant tiny plastic cups with mystery flavors and a dare. These days, there’s a bit more finesse. Me and my friends started making fancy gelatin treats during girls’ weekends, and these layered beauties still hit that nostalgic sweet spot. If you love creative gelatin desserts, don’t miss this stained-glass gelatin cubes recipe too.
What you’ll love about this recipe:
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below
Just simple ingredients
Directions
Step 1 – Prep your cups
Set up your shot cups on a tray or baking sheet. This makes it easier to get them in and out of the fridge without drama.
Step 2 – Dice your jello
Open the red and blue gelatin cups and cut them into little cubes. Be gentle to keep the cubes clean, not mushy.
Step 3 – Fold the colors
Add both red and blue cubes into a bowl. Gently fold them together once or twice. No stirring because this isn’t soup.
Step 4 – Fill the cups
Scoop the colorful cubes into each shot cup, filling them about two-thirds of the way. Chill in the fridge.
Step 5 – Make the white layer
In a bowl, sprinkle unflavored gelatin over cold water. Let it sit 5 minutes. Add boiling water and stir until dissolved.
Step 6 – Mix the milky layer
Stir in sweetened condensed milk, vodka, and strawberry extract. Mix until smooth.
Step 7 – Top off the cups
Carefully pour the white mixture into each shot cup until full. Use a spoon handle to guide it in between the cubes.
Step 8 – Chill and garnish
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Garnish with whipped topping and sprinkles right before serving.
Similar Recipes
If you liked these stained glass gelatin shots, there are more fun gelatin recipes to try. Don’t miss the classic stained glass jelly dessert that’s always a hit, galaxy gelatin cups for something a little extra, rainbow layered Jell-O that kids go wild for, or red, white, and pink shooters that are perfect for Valentine’s Day. So many jiggly creations, so little time.
Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Use coconut rum or plain vodka if you don’t have whipped cream vodka
- Swap the booze for water or sparkling juice for a kid-friendly version
- Try almond or vanilla extract instead of strawberry
Tools you’ll need
Here are some kitchen tools you’ll need for this recipe.
Storage
Keep these gelatin shots covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Don’t add whipped topping or sprinkles until right before serving. Freezing isn’t recommended because they get weird and watery.
Tips & Tricks
- Drain excess liquid from store-bought gelatin
- Let unflavored gelatin sit in cold water first to avoid lumps
- Pour the white layer slowly to fill all the gaps
- Make extra white mix for a separate dessert cup
Recipe Notes & FAQ
How far in advance can I make these?
Up to 4 days ahead, but skip the topping until right before serving.
Can I freeze these jello shots?
Nope. Freezing makes them watery and weird.
What if I don’t have shot cups?
Use mini plastic cups, silicone molds, or even a muffin tin in a pinch.
Red, White, and Blue Stained-Glass Gelatin Cups
Equipment
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Ingredients
- 5 Red Gelatin Cups 3.25-3.3 ounces each
- 5 Blue Gelatin Cups 3.25-3.3 ounces each
- .25 oz unflavored gelatin 1 packet
- 4 oz sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup Whipped Cream Vodka
- ¼ cup Cold Water
- ¼ cup Boiling Water
- ½ tsp Strawberry Extract
- Whipped Topping optional garnish
- Red White and Blue Sprinkles optional garnish
Instructions
- Line up shot cups on a baking sheet, tray, or large plate for easy transport.
- Remove lids from red and blue gelatin cups. Use a small knife to slice into small cubes.5 Red Gelatin Cups, 5 Blue Gelatin Cups
- Add gelatin cubes to a medium bowl. Cut any large pieces again, then gently fold to mix colors.
- Fill each shot cup about ⅔ full with gelatin cubes. Return to tray and place in fridge.
- In a separate bowl, sprinkle unflavored gelatin over cold water. Stir and let sit 5 minutes..25 oz unflavored gelatin, ¼ cup Cold Water
- Add boiling water to the gelatin mixture and stir until fully dissolved.¼ cup Boiling Water
- Add sweetened condensed milk and stir until combined.4 oz sweetened condensed milk
- Stir in vodka and strawberry extract.½ cup Whipped Cream Vodka, ½ tsp Strawberry Extract
- Remove gelatin cups from fridge. Slowly pour the white mixture into each cup to fill.
- Use the handle of a spoon to gently press down around edges, helping mixture reach through the cubes.
- Chill for at least 2 hours or until set.
- Garnish with whipped topping and sprinkles before serving, if desired.Whipped Topping, Red White and Blue Sprinkles
Notes
- Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.
- For a kid-friendly version, replace the alcohol with cold water or a clear juice.
- Always let unflavored gelatin bloom in cold water before adding boiling water to prevent lumps.
- Add whipped topping and sprinkles right before serving for best texture.
Nutrition
Our Favorite
Patriotic Desserts
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