These Red, White, and Blue Stained Glass Jello Shots are the ultimate festive treat for your Fourth of July celebration! With vibrant chunks of red and blue jello suspended in a creamy white strawberry-flavored gelatin mixture, they’re as eye-catching as they are delicious. Whether you’re throwing a backyard BBQ, hitting the beach, or hosting a patriotic party, these little cups of color will be the first thing to disappear from the table.
And here’s the best part—these jello shots are totally customizable. Want them boozy for adults? Use whipped cream vodka. Making them kid-friendly? Skip the alcohol and swap in water or juice. However you serve them, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
What Are Stained Glass Jello Shots?
Stained glass jello (sometimes called “broken glass jello”) is a nostalgic dessert made by combining cubed colored jello with a creamy white gelatin base. In this version, we transform that classic into red white and blue jello shots, perfect for holidays like the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or even Labor Day weekend.
Each 2-ounce shot cup is filled with scattered red and blue jello cubes, then topped with a sweet, milky gelatin spiked with strawberry extract and whipped cream vodka. The result? A festive, layered, stained-glass effect that looks like it took hours—but is surprisingly easy.
When to Serve These Patriotic Jello Shots
These are made for holidays, cookouts, and parties. Here are some perfect occasions to serve them:
- Fourth of July celebrations
- Backyard BBQs
- Pool parties
- Picnics or family gatherings
- Memorial Day weekend
- Graduation parties with red, white, and blue themes
- Bachelorette parties or beach days with patriotic flair
They’re also great to prep ahead, stack in the fridge, and serve chilled right from a cooler. Everyone loves a refreshing, sweet treat—especially when it’s this festive.
Why You’ll Love These Jello Shots
- Bright and colorful: The stained-glass effect looks party-perfect in every cup.
- Customizable: Easily make a kid-friendly version by skipping the alcohol.
- Quick to prepare: Using pre-made jello cups saves time and cleanup.
- Make-ahead magic: These store well and are easy to transport for party days.
- Fun to eat (and even more fun to serve): They’re sweet, creamy, and slightly fruity.
Ingredient Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to bring these red white and blue jello shots to life:
Red and Blue Jello Cups
- Using store-bought cups cuts prep time and gives consistent texture. You’ll need 5 red and 5 blue.
Unflavored Gelatin
- Helps set the creamy white layer and gives structure to the shots.
Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Adds creaminess and sweetness to the white layer.
Whipped Cream Vodka
- Gives that fun boozy kick with a smooth, dessert-like finish. Can sub any clear or white alcohol.
Strawberry Extract
- Rounds out the flavor and adds a fruity touch to the creamy layer.
Water (Cold + Boiling)
- Needed for activating and dissolving the unflavored gelatin.
Garnishes (Optional but fun!)
- Whipped topping and patriotic sprinkles take these over the top.
How to Make Red White and Blue Stained Glass Jello Shots
(Full step-by-step instructions are in the recipe card, but here’s a quick breakdown.)
- Prep your shot cups: Line them up on a tray or sheet for easy transfer.
- Dice your jello: Slice the red and blue cups into small cubes, combine gently.
- Fill the shot cups: Spoon in jello chunks about two-thirds full.
- Bloom the gelatin: Stir the unflavored gelatin into cold water and let it sit.
- Dissolve & flavor: Add boiling water, then stir in sweetened condensed milk, vodka, and extract.
- Fill & chill: Pour white mixture over jello in each cup and refrigerate until fully set.
- Garnish: Just before serving, top with whipped cream and sprinkles if desired.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These jello shots are perfect for prepping in advance. Just follow these simple storage tips:
- Fridge: Store covered (with lids) for up to 4 days. Do not garnish until ready to serve.
- Freezing: Not recommended. Jello changes texture and won’t be pleasant after thawing.
- Transporting: Keep them stacked in a covered container or tray for easy travel to parties or events.
Want to prep early? Make them the night before your event, then garnish just before guests arrive for maximum “wow” factor.
Variations and Substitutions
- Make it non-alcoholic: Replace vodka with 1 cup cold water or a mix of water and juice.
- Use homemade jello: Make your own red and blue jello for more flavor control—or stronger shots.
- Try different flavors: Raspberry and blue raspberry jello are fun swaps. You can also use cherry or strawberry for the red layer.
- Alternate alcohol: Clear rum, white tequila, or plain vodka all work well in place of whipped cream vodka.
- Flavor the white layer differently: Coconut or vanilla extract is a great substitute if you don’t have strawberry.
Tips for Success
- Let the gelatin bloom: Always mix the unflavored gelatin with cold water first. Skipping this step will lead to lumps.
- Be gentle with the jello cubes: Stir slowly to avoid turning it into a mushy mess.
- Don’t overfill: You’ll only need a little white mixture to top each cup.
- Use a spoon handle: Slide it down the sides of each cup after filling to help the white mixture settle into every gap.
- Drain excess water: If your jello cups have standing liquid, pour it off before cubing to avoid watery shots.
Serving Ideas for Backyard BBQs and Pool Parties
These Fourth of July jello shots were practically made for warm-weather gatherings. Arrange them on a large tray lined with crushed ice to keep them chilled outdoors. You can nestle the shots between mini American flags, sparkly toothpicks, or red-white-and-blue napkins for a festive display that’s also super functional.
For pool parties or beach days, pop the lids on and pack them into a cooler. The vibrant stained glass colors shine bright in the sun and look incredible stacked in clear trays or cups. They’re a great make-ahead dessert that travels well and looks impressive on arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different colors for other holidays?
Yes! Swap in green and red for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or orange and purple for Halloween. The stained-glass method works for any color combo.
What kind of jello cups should I use?
Any standard red and blue pre-made gelatin snack cups (about 3.25 oz each) work perfectly. Just avoid sugar-free ones if you’re using alcohol—they can behave differently.
Can I use a different alcohol?
Yes—any clear or light-colored liquor will work. Keep the total to about ½ cup to maintain the right consistency.
Can I make these in larger cups?
You can use 3 oz or 5 oz cups, just adjust how much jello and white mixture you add. Larger sizes take slightly longer to set.
Are these good for kids?
Definitely! Just omit the alcohol and replace with cold water or juice. They’re colorful, fun to eat, and perfect for a kid-friendly party treat.
Crowd-Pleaser for Any Patriotic Party
Whether you’re throwing a full-blown Fourth of July bash or just hanging out with friends on the deck, these jello shots always get people talking. The stained glass look is so eye-catching and different — everyone reaches for one (or two!). They’re easy to prep ahead, totally customizable, and perfect for passing around at BBQs, pool parties, block parties, or anywhere red, white, and blue is on theme.
Create a 4th of July Jello Shot Bar
Take your party setup to the next level with a DIY Jello Shot Bar. Arrange these red white and blue jello shots alongside festive toppings so guests can build their own perfect cup. Think:
- Whipped cream
- Mini marshmallows
- Red, white, and blue sprinkles
- Crushed freeze-dried strawberries
- Tiny American flag picks
Add a sign that says “Build Your Own Firework Shot” and you’ve got a conversation-starting party feature. You can even include a non-alcoholic version on the same table so everyone feels included.
A Jiggly Treat That Doubles as Decor
One of the best things about these festive jello shots? They’re as cute as they are tasty. That stained glass effect turns your tray into a centerpiece! Place them on a serving platter with mini flags or star confetti for a show-stopping party display. It’s a dessert, a drink, and a decoration all in one — and your guests will be snapping pics before taking a bite.
How to Make Virgin Jello Shots for Kids and Non-Drinkers
Hosting a family-friendly party? These red white and blue jello shots are just as fun and festive without the alcohol! To make a kid-safe or non-alcoholic version, simply swap the vodka in the white gelatin mixture with an equal amount of cold water or a flavored clear juice like white grape juice or lemonade.
The flavor stays sweet and fruity thanks to the strawberry extract and sweetened condensed milk, and the stained glass look remains the same. You can still garnish with whipped cream and sprinkles for a treat that kids (and adults who prefer not to drink) will absolutely love.
Customize for Any Holiday or Theme
While these red, white, and blue jello shots were made for the Fourth of July, don’t stop there — the stained glass look works for any celebration! Use red and green jello for Christmas, orange and purple for Halloween, or pink and red for Valentine’s Day. Hosting a gender reveal or baby shower? Try blue and white, or pink and yellow. You can even use team colors for a game day treat! Just swap the jello cup colors and change up the extract flavor to match the vibe. The creative options are endless — and they’re always a hit!
Final Thoughts
These Red White and Blue Jello Shots (Stained Glass Style) are everything a party dessert should be—playful, eye-catching, sweet, and customizable. They’re perfect for showing your patriotic spirit, whether you’re sipping them by the grill or sharing with friends under the fireworks.
From the creamy, fruity white layer to the jewel-toned jello cubes, every bite is a little celebration. Make a batch (or two!), stash them in the fridge, and get ready for the compliments to roll in.
More Red, White, and Blue Recipes
Red White and Blue Jello Shots
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
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!
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