Red White and Blue Stained Glass Jello Shots (Perfect for Summer Parties)
If you’re looking for a show-stopping treat that is as fun to eat as it is to look at, these Red White and Blue Stained Glass Jello Shots are it. Made with sweetened condensed milk, whipped cream vodka, and jiggly cubes of red and blue jello, this recipe is equal parts festive and delicious. Whether you’re hosting a Fourth of July party, a summer cookout, or just want something playful and eye-catching on your table, these are guaranteed to impress.
Red White and Blue Stained Glass Jello Shots
These jello shots are also really easy to customize. You can swap the vodka for water to make a kid-friendly version or use different extract flavors for a twist. If you’re already in the patriotic recipe mood, this would pair perfectly with layered fruit salad, patriotic pudding shots, or strawberry shortcake waffles.
Not only do these shots taste amazing, but they also store well, making them perfect for prepping ahead of time. Plus, with only 20 minutes of active prep and minimal cleanup, you can spend more time enjoying the party and less time in the kitchen.
What You Will Love About This Recipe
Perfect for patriotic holidays and summer parties
Eye-catching layered look that impresses every time
Easy to prep in advance
Customizable for kids or adults
No baking required
Great way to use store bought jello cups
Creamy, fruity, and fun to eat
Ingredients:
- 5 Red Jello Cups (3.25-3.3 ounces each)
- 5 Blue Jello Cups (3.25-3.3 ounces each)
- 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
- Whipped Topping (optional garnish)
- Red White and Blue Sprinkles (optional garnish)
Items Needed:
Directions:
- Begin by lining up your shot cups on a large plate, platter, or baking sheet (whatever you prefer, this just makes it easier to transport).
- Remove the tops of all the jello cups and use a small knife to cut vertical lines and then cut again horizontally.
- Dump both the blue and red jello cups into a medium mixing bowl, and use the knife to run it through any large chunks that didn’t get cut. You want small chunks, but if they’re too big, they don’t fit into the cups as well. Gently fold the jello chunks over each other to mix the colors.
- Fill each cup about ⅔ of the way full. Place back on the surface they were on. When finished, place them in the fridge while working on the next step.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the unflavored gelatin and cold water. Stir lightly and leave to sit for about 5 minutes.
- Pour the boiling water over the bloomed gelatin and stir until all of it is dissolved.
- Quickly add the sweetened condensed milk while the mixture is still warm and stir until fully dissolved.
- Add the vodka and extract. Stir to combine.
- Remove the shots from the fridge and slowly pour the white mixture into each cup until it reaches the top. This doesn’t take much.
- Use the handle of a spoon or other utensil and gently place it down the edge all around each cup to allow the white mixture to reach all the way through the jello chunks.
- Place the shots back in the fridge for 2 hours or until set.
- Garnish with a dollop of whipped topping and a sprinkle of patriotic sprinkles, if desired, and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- Let the unflavored gelatin bloom in cold water before adding boiling water.
- Make sure your jello chunks are small enough to fit into the shot cups easily.
- Store the shots covered in the fridge for up to four days.
- Add garnishes like whipped topping and sprinkles right before serving.
- To make a kid-safe version, replace the vodka with an extra cup of cold water.
- If making your own jello instead of using cups, allow time for it to fully set before cutting into chunks.
- You can use any clear alcohol you like if vodka isn’t your favorite.
- If you have leftover white mixture, chill it separately and enjoy it as a sweet snack later.
FAQs
Red, White & Blue Stained Glass Jello Shots
These Red, White, and Blue Stained Glass Jello Shots will be the talk of the party! Blue and red jello are combined with a white jello mixture that has a strawberry flavor to make a gorgeous treat, perfect for celebrating! Leave out the alcohol and let the kiddos enjoy them as well!
Ingredients
- 5 Red Jello Cups (3.25-3.3 ounces each)
- 5 Blue Jello Cups (3.25-3.3 ounces each)
- 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
- Whipped Topping (optional garnish)
- Red White and Blue Sprinkles (optional garnish)
- Items Needed:
- 20 2-Ounce Shot Cups with Lids
Instructions
- Begin by lining up your shot cups on a large plate, platter, or baking sheet (whatever you prefer, this just makes it easier to transport).
- Remove the tops of all the jello cups and use a small knife to cut vertical lines and then cut again horizontally.
- Dump both the blue and red jello cups into a medium mixing bowl, and use the knife to run it through any large chunks that didn’t get cut. You want small chunks, but if they’re too big, they don’t fit into the cups as well. Gently fold the jello chunks over each other to mix the colors.
- Fill each cup about ⅔ of the way full. Place back on the surface they were on. When finished, place them in the fridge while working on the next step.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the unflavored gelatin and cold water. Stir lightly and leave to sit for about 5 minutes.
- Pour the boiling water over the bloomed gelatin and stir until all of it is dissolved.
- Quickly add the sweetened condensed milk while the mixture is still warm and stir until fully dissolved.
- Add the vodka and extract. Stir to combine.
- Remove the shots from the fridge and slowly pour the white mixture into each cup until it reaches the top. This doesn’t take much.
- Use the handle of a spoon or other utensil and gently place it down the edge all around each cup to allow the white mixture to reach all the way through the jello chunks.
- Place the shots back in the fridge for 2 hours or until set.
- Garnish with a dollop of whipped topping and a sprinkle of patriotic sprinkles, if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
- Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days (just popping the lids on them is fine). Do not garnish first if storing. Only garnish when ready to serve. Do not freeze.
- To make the kid-safe version, replace the alcohol with 1 cup cold water.
- If the jello cups have standing water, be sure to drain that off, for the best results.
- The colors will not mix when combining the blue and red jello chunks, but it’s important to be gentle when handling it to not tempt fate. 😛
- It’s important to let the unflavored gelatin bloom in cold water before using the boiling water on it. If you go with hot water first, it will leave chunks in your mixture.
- You can make your own red and blue jello instead of buying cups. This makes it take longer, but it just comes down to preferences. Either way works just fine. Making your own allows you to add more alcohol to your shots, if you would like to go that route.
- You can use different alcohol as long as it’s clear or white.
- You may end up with a bit of white mixture left. That’s ok, chill it and make a snack out of it later. 😛
I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!
