Name: July 4th Stained Glass Jello Shots Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 6 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 ounce box strawberry Jello; 2 1/2 cups boiling water; 6 ounce box berry blue Jello; 2 1/2 cups boiling water; 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk; 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin; 1/2 cup cold water; 1 cup boiling water; 1/2 cup rum; or other choice of liquor (or 1/2 cup hot water for non-alcoholic version)

Jump to Recipe

Bring a burst of color and celebration to your patriotic gatherings with July 4th Stained Glass Jello Shots—a playful, eye-catching treat that’s almost too beautiful to eat! These jiggly, boozy morsels combine bright strawberry and berry blue jello with sweet, velvety condensed milk, all layered into mesmerizing “stained glass” patterns. Whether you’re lighting sparklers with friends or just want to wow the crowd at a summertime barbecue, these shots guarantee big smiles and more than a few, “Whoa, how did you make these?” moments.

July 4th Stained Glass Jello Shots Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the dazzling result intimidate you—the ingredients list is refreshingly straightforward, and each item is essential for capturing that classic stained-glass look and delivering the perfect bite. Here’s how every component adds its bit of magic or sparkle to your July 4th Stained Glass Jello Shots.

6 ounce box strawberry Jello: Provides that vibrant red, juicy berry flavor at the heart of every patriotic dessert.
6 ounce box berry blue Jello: The beautiful blue that contrasts perfectly with the red and stands out in every cup.
14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk: Gives an oh-so-creamy, sweet backdrop for your “glass” pieces and ties everything seamlessly together.
2 envelopes unflavored gelatin: The backbone of your milky layer, ensuring it sets perfectly and doesn’t compete with the colors.
5 cups boiling water (divided): The hot liquid that helps dissolve your jello and gelatin, making smooth, flawless layers.
1/2 cup cold water: To “bloom” the gelatin, ensuring it dissolves fully and sets beautifully.
1/2 cup rum (or other liquor): Spike your shots for an extra burst of fun—or keep it family-friendly by swapping for hot water.

How to Make July 4th Stained Glass Jello Shots

Step 1: Make the Red and Blue Jello

Start by preparing both the strawberry and berry blue Jello according to the packages’ directions. Use separate bowls to keep those brilliant colors pure. Once mixed, pop the bowls into the fridge for at least 4 hours, or even overnight, so they’re fully set and easy to work with later.

Step 2: Break into Pieces and Layer the Cups

Once your red and blue jello batches are set, take a sharp knife and cut them into small cubes or go rustic by gently breaking them into uneven pieces with a spoon. Drop a handful of both colors into your jello shot cups or small clear containers, creating a playful and random mosaic in each one.

Step 3: Prepare the Milky Gelatin Base

Now comes the magic that makes these truly stained glass! In a large mixing bowl, sprinkle the two envelopes of unflavored gelatin over 1/2 cup cold water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes so the gelatin can “bloom,” soaking up the water until it’s mostly dissolved and a bit wrinkly on top.

Step 4: Combine, Sweeten, and Cool

Add 1 cup boiling water and 1/2 cup rum (or hot water for non-alcoholic shots) to the bloomed gelatin. Stir until everything is totally dissolved. Next, pour in the entire can of sweetened condensed milk and stir gently until you have a luxuriously creamy mixture. Wait for the mixture to cool to room temperature—cooling is key so you don’t accidentally melt your gorgeous jello “glass.”

Step 5: Pour, Chill, and Set

Carefully pour the cooled milk-gelatin mixture over the red and blue jello pieces in each cup. Fill them almost to the top, so every shot gets plenty of that creamy layer with those pops of color shining through. Slide the filled cups into the refrigerator to chill overnight. They’ll be beautifully set, cold, and ready to serve the next day—just in time for the fireworks!

How to Serve July 4th Stained Glass Jello Shots

Garnishes

Elevate your presentation (and flavor!) by topping each shot with a dollop of whipped cream, a few sprinkles, or even a tiny American flag toothpick. For a grown-up twist, a fresh mint leaf adds a touch of elegance and a burst of green to the red, white, and blue palette.

Side Dishes

Keep the party vibe going by pairing your jello shots with festive finger foods. Think watermelon wedges, mini sliders, or a crunchy veggie platter—easy snacks that balance the sweet, boozy pop of the shots. If you’re going non-alcoholic, a fizzy lemonade or iced tea will fit right in.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving July 4th Stained Glass Jello Shots in mini mason jars, or line them up on a chilled acrylic tray to keep them cool outdoors. Arrange them by color or stack them pyramid-style for an edible centerpiece. Don’t forget to hand out tiny spoons for maximum fun and minimal mess!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got a few extra jello shots after the festivities? No problem! Just keep them tightly covered in the fridge—they’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. The colors might get slightly softer after a couple days, but they’ll still taste fabulous and keep their signature bounce.

Freezing

While the gelatin in July 4th Stained Glass Jello Shots doesn’t freeze particularly well (ice crystals can mess with that perfect jiggle), you can pop them in the coldest corner of your fridge if you need to chill them quickly. Freezing isn’t recommended for these, since thawing can cause the texture to break down.

Reheating

No need to reheat—these shots are meant to be enjoyed icy cold, straight from the fridge! If they warm up during your party, just slide them back into the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up again before serving.

FAQs

Can I make July 4th Stained Glass Jello Shots alcohol-free?

Absolutely! Just replace the 1/2 cup of rum with an extra 1/2 cup of hot water in the milky gelatin layer. The result is just as tasty and perfectly picnic-friendly for all ages.

What’s the best container to use for serving these shots?

Small plastic shot cups, mini glass jars, or even silicone molds work beautifully. Clear containers are best so everyone can admire your edible artwork!

Can I use other flavors or colors of jello?

Definitely experiment! While strawberry and berry blue create classic July 4th vibes, any combination of brightly colored jello will work for different occasions or themes.

How far in advance can I make July 4th Stained Glass Jello Shots?

These are ideal for making ahead! Prepare them 1–2 days before your event—they’ll keep their dazzling appearance and firm texture when stored in the refrigerator.

Do I need to spray the cups with nonstick spray?

It’s not necessary for single-serving shots since they’re meant to be eaten with a spoon. However, if you’re using molds and want to pop them out whole, a light coating of nonstick spray can help release them cleanly.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about July 4th Stained Glass Jello Shots—the way they sparkle with red, white, and blue, and the burst of creamy sweetness with each playful bite. Whether you make them for the holiday or just to add color to your next get-together, I can’t wait for you to try this crowd-pleasing treat. Here’s to good times, unforgettable summer memories, and a dessert that’s just as much fun to make as it is to eat!

July 4th Stained Glass Jello Shots Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 6 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Yield: Makes about 24 Jello shots 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These July 4th Stained Glass Jello Shots are a festive and colorful addition to any Independence Day celebration. Layers of strawberry and berry blue Jello are topped with a creamy condensed milk mixture, creating a patriotic and delicious treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Strawberry Jello:

6 ounce box strawberry Jello
2 1/2 cups boiling water

Berry Blue Jello:

6 ounce box berry blue Jello
2 1/2 cups boiling water

Condensed Milk Mixture:

14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
1/2 cup cold water
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup rum; or other choice of liquor (or 1/2 cup hot water for non-alcoholic version)

Instructions

Mix and Chill Jello: Prepare strawberry and berry blue Jello according to package instructions. Chill in separate bowls for at least 4 hours.
Layer Jello Shots: Break up set Jello and layer in shot cups.
Prepare Milk Mixture: In a bowl, bloom unflavored gelatin in cold water, then add boiling water and rum. Stir to dissolve. Mix in condensed milk.
Assemble Jello Shots: Pour milk mixture over the layered Jello in cups.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate overnight. Serve cold for a refreshing summer treat.