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Jell-O Shots

Jell-O shots with bold red, white, and blue layers—each one translucent and glossy, poured over a fully set base. This easy Jell-O shots recipe uses vodka for a clean party drink finish and clear plastic cups for perfect jiggle.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
resting/setting (2 hours) 2 hours 5 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Course: Drink
Cuisine: American
Calories: 170
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

red layer (cherry or strawberry)
  • 1 box (3 oz) cherry or strawberry Jell-O
  • 1 cup boiling water divided
  • 0.5 cup cold vodka divided
white layer (condensed milk gelatin)
  • 1 box (3 oz) unflavored gelatin for white layer
  • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk for white layer
  • 1 cup boiling water divided
  • 0.5 cup cold vodka divided (not used in white layer)
  • 0.5 cup cold water for white layer
blue layer
  • 1 box (3 oz) berry blue Jell-O
  • 1 cup boiling water divided
  • 0.5 cup cold vodka divided

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Make the red layer
  1. Dissolve the cherry or strawberry Jell-O in 1 cup boiling water, stirring for 2 minutes until fully dissolved and looking smooth.
  2. Mix in 1/2 cup cold vodka, then pour into shot cups until each is filled about one-third of the way.
  3. Refrigerate the cups for 45 minutes until the red layer is fully set and no longer jiggles when gently nudged.
Make and set the white layer
  1. In a mixing bowl, stir together sweetened condensed milk, 1 cup boiling water, and unflavored gelatin until the gelatin dissolves and the mixture looks uniform.
  2. Let the white mixture cool slightly, then stir in 1/2 cup cold water so it looks glossy again.
  3. Spoon the white layer gently over the set red layer, aiming to cover without disturbing the base.
  4. Refrigerate for another 45 minutes until the white layer is fully set.
Make and pour the blue layer
  1. Dissolve the berry blue Jell-O in 1 cup boiling water, stirring for 2 minutes until completely dissolved and smooth.
  2. Mix in 1/2 cup cold vodka, then cool to room temperature so the liquid won’t melt the white layer.
  3. Gently pour the blue layer over the set white layer to create even coverage and clear, glossy stripes.
  4. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until fully set, then serve cold for maximum jiggle.

Notes

Pro tip: let each flavored layer cool enough before pouring so the next layer doesn’t cloud or sink; if you see bubbles, pop them with the tip of a toothpick right after pouring. Store covered in the refrigerator up to 3 days; freeze is not recommended for best texture. For a lower-alcohol option, replace vodka with an equal amount of cold water or use an alcohol-free spirit substitute, and keep the setting times the same.