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Jell-O Shots

Jell-O shots with glossy red, white, and blue layers made by dissolving each gelatin with boiling water and mixing in vodka. Layer-by-layer chilling creates clean, translucent stripes in clear cups for an easy party drink.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
setting 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Course: Drink
Cuisine: American
Calories: 190
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cherry or strawberry Jell-O
  • 1 box (3 oz) cherry or strawberry Jell-O For the red layer
Berry blue Jell-O
  • 1 box (3 oz) berry blue Jell-O For the blue layer
Unflavored gelatin
  • 1 box (3 oz) unflavored gelatin For the white layer
Sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk For the white layer
Boiling water
  • 3 cup boiling water Divided across layers
Cold vodka
  • 1.5 cup cold vodka Divided across layers
Cold water
  • 0.5 cup cold water For the white layer

Method
 

Make the red layer
  1. Dissolve the cherry or strawberry Jell-O in 1 cup boiling water, stirring for 2 minutes, until smooth and fully dissolved; the mixture should look glossy. Mix in 1/2 cup cold vodka, then pour into shot cups filling one-third of the way.
  2. Refrigerate for 45 minutes, until the red layer is fully set and no longer jiggles in the center.
Add the white layer
  1. Combine sweetened condensed milk, 1 cup boiling water, and unflavored gelatin, stirring until dissolved; the mixture should be completely clear with no grains. Cool slightly, then stir in 1/2 cup cold water.
  2. Spoon the white layer gently over the set red layer so it stays translucent and doesn’t disturb the surface; fill to about two-thirds full. Refrigerate for another 45 minutes until the white layer is set.
Add the blue layer and chill
  1. Dissolve the berry blue Jell-O in 1 cup boiling water, stirring for 2 minutes until smooth, then mix in 1/2 cup cold vodka. Cool to room temperature before pouring.
  2. Gently pour the blue layer over the white layer, keeping the surface glossy and level. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until fully set, then serve cold.

Notes

Pro tip: cool the gelatin mixtures to avoid melting or mixing layers—pour only once the liquid is room temperature. Store covered in the refrigerator up to 3 days; these do not freeze well (texture can break). For a lighter option, use low-calorie vodka or a vodka that’s already flavored-free and keep the condensed milk as written unless you’re using a tested low-sugar condensed milk.