Festive Star-Spangled Jello Shots
These star-shaped red, white, and blue jello shots are a quick, easy, and festive party treat perfect for celebrations like the Fourth of July. They feature layered gelatin with a creamy white middle and a boozy kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: About 24 jello shots 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Red Layer: 1 cup (240 ml) boiling water
- 1 package (3 oz/85 g) red berry-flavored gelatin
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) vodka or rum
- White Layer: 1 cup (240 ml) boiling water
- 1 package (3 oz/85 g) unflavored gelatin powder
- 1 cup (240 ml) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) vodka or rum
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice (optional)
- Blue Layer: 1 cup (240 ml) boiling water
- 1 package (3 oz/85 g) blue raspberry-flavored gelatin
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) vodka or rum
- Additional: Star-shaped silicone mold or mini plastic cups
- Non-stick spray (for easier release)
Instructions
- Prepare the Red Layer: In a mixing bowl, pour 1 cup boiling water over the red berry gelatin powder. Stir well for about 2 minutes until completely dissolved. Add 1/2 cup vodka or rum, stir gently to combine. Pour into the star-shaped mold, filling about one-third of each cavity. Refrigerate for 30-45 minutes until firm but slightly tacky.
- Make the White Layer: While the red layer sets, dissolve 1 package unflavored gelatin in 1 cup boiling water, whisking until fully dissolved (about 2 minutes). Stir in 1 cup sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 cup vodka or rum, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Let cool slightly to avoid melting the red layer. Once cooled but still liquid, gently spoon over the red layer in the mold, filling the next third. Chill for another 30-45 minutes until set.
- Prepare the Blue Layer: Repeat the process with the blue raspberry gelatin: dissolve in 1 cup boiling water, stir in 1/2 cup vodka or rum. Cool briefly, then carefully add over the white layer to fill the remaining space in the mold. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until completely firm.
- Unmold and Serve: To remove the jello shots, gently pull the edges of the silicone mold away from the jello stars. If using plastic cups, just serve as is. Arrange on a festive platter and enjoy!
Notes
Timing is key to prevent colors from bleeding. Chill each layer until firm but slightly tacky before adding the next. Let gelatin mixtures cool slightly before adding alcohol to avoid evaporation and melting previous layers. Use non-stick spray on molds for easier release. For non-alcoholic versions, substitute vodka or rum with cold water or lemon-lime soda. Coconut milk can replace sweetened condensed milk for a dairy-free option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 star-shaped jello
- Calories: 80100
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 1
- Saturated Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Protein: 2
Keywords: jello shots, star-shaped jello, patriotic dessert, Fourth of July, party treats, layered gelatin, boozy jello shots