This post is intended for the ages of 21+. Recipe does include non-alcoholic version. This post contains affiliate links, please see our Site Policies for further information.
It’s almost the Fourth of July and that means fireworks, American pride, and all the fun events that come along with the holiday. I think as kids we all remember the major excitement of Fourth of July. Getting our Old Navy yearly shirts on, eating a bunch of delicious BBQ, and finishing off the night watching fireworks. For me seeing fireworks as a kid was one of the most magical feelings because it really felt like something out of a storybook.
I wanted to capture that same light-hearted fun and true to me, make it into a boozy concoction. What I love about Jello Shots is that they are easy to make because the majority of the process of making jello is waiting. Which gives you time to make all the other goodies you need for a Fourth of July party. However, I wanted to really amp up that childhood magic by bringing back a classic candy I loved as a child. Pop rocks! What better way to enjoy the Fourth of July than with a literal explosion of flavor!
I want to say the first time I made Red, White and Blue jello shots it was from That’s So Michelle‘s recipe. Over the years I’ve heavily adapted it to what works best and taste best to me. In my recipe, I’m using creme de coconut (if you made my Coconut Moscow Mules then you should already have this ingredient!) and Pineapple Vodka for my white layer. For my red, I use strawberry jello with cake vodka for a strawberry shortcake taste. Lastly, since the first two can be very sweet I’m keeping it simple with plain vodka and blue raspberry jello. All topped with Pop Rocks! Now you can use whatever spirits you have on hand. If you’re wanting to empty some bottles you’ve had for awhile then, by all means, go for it.
Now listen. I sometimes do things very complicated and I want to be completely honest and say it was hell making these for this post. I’ve made them in the past but I got it in my head that I wanted to be inventive this time around. AKA, complicated. Why? Mainly because I wanted to have these fun and cute star shaped jello shots for photos. Don’t do that. Don’t use a pan. I used a pan. It’s a bad idea. LISTEN TO ME. Use these jello shot cups and save yourself a lot of hassle.
Also to really prove that when I say I make things complicated. I swore I could make these with the Pop Rocks in them.
Fun fact: You can’t.
No really, you can’t. I’ve tried everything. They lose their pop. every. single. time.
So again, make it easy on yourself and top them at the very last minute before serving.
One last tip.
If you’re somewhere with high humidity. Don’t open your Pop Rocks packages until you are ready to put them on your shots. Elsewise the moisture in the air makes them start popping and clumping together. So yeah, Texas humidity will make Pop Rocks pop on their own. Science.
- 2 packages of Pop Rocks .33oz each
- 1 small box Strawberry Red Jello Mix
- 1 small box Blue Raspberry Jello Mix
- 2 envelopes Knox gelatin
- 1 cup Cold Cake Vodka
- 1/2 cup Cold Pineapple Vodka
- 1 cup Cold Vodka
- 3 1/2 cups Water divided
- 1/2 cup Coconut Cream
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Following the instructions on the back of your jello box bring one cup of water to a boil. Once boiling mix in the red jello, remove from heat, and stir for 2 minutes. Add in one cold cup of Cake Vodka (or spirit of your choice) and stir till combined. Pour into your pan or your containers and let cool for 2 hours in the refrigerator.
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One hour before your first layer is finished in the refrigerator begin working on your second layer.
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Add one cup of water to a pot, add in 2 Knox gelatin packages. Let sit for one minute, then stir to dissolve. Bring to a boil on the stove. Once boiling remove from heat and add in 1/2 cup cold Pineapple Vodka (or spirit of choice) and 1/2 cup Coconut Cream. Stir until fully combined. Add to a measuring cup and let come to room temperature while you wait for your first layer to finish firming. When your first layer is finished firming and your second layer liquid is at room temperature, carefully pour your second layer on top of your first. Put back into the refrigerator for 2 hours to let your second layer firm.
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Just like before start this one hour before your second layer is finished firming.
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Following your box instructions add 1 cup of water to a pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling remove from heat and add in blue jello powder. Stir for two minutes. Once dissolved add in 1 cup cold Vodka (or spirit of choice). Add to a measuring cup and let come to room temperature while your second layer finishes firming. Once your second layer is formed and your third layer liquid is at room temperature, carefully add your third layer liquid on top of your second layer. Add back into the refrigerator for 2-4 hours. Let completely firm up.
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After your jello is fully formed, carefully cut out your jello shots from your pan (unless you used cups, leave them in the cup) and add to your serving platter. Keep in your refrigerator until ready to serve. When ready to serve sprinkle Pop Rocks over the top of your jello shots for a fun surprise! Serve immediately.
These jello shots are made in layers to get the red, white, and blue effect. You can make these in a 9 x 13 pan or pour in disposal sauce holders. Please wait the full two hours to let your layers firm before adding another layer. Also, make sure to let jello liquid come down to room temperature before adding it on top of a previous layer. Doing these things will help keep your layers from mixing.
So even though I went the complicated route to make them this time, and the jello started melting on me in my photos, I can tell you one thing. No matter how you make them they taste amazing! They are little bombs of fizzy explosions in your mouth that really bring back that childhood magic. Next time I’ll just stick to how I normally make them, though!
If you want to make them for those who are not of drinking age, replace spirits for water and keep the recipe the same!
Let me know down below, what was your favorite Fourth of July memory growing up?
3 comments
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Im planning to make these for our 4th party … I use the cups w lids & plan to have the shots in a cooler for folks to grab at will. Do you think I could sprinkle the pop rocks, put a lid & keep cool in the cooler w the same effect? (I live in FL) … I dont want to chase down bubbas all night w a pop rock bag before they down their shot ?
Alicia,
Unfortunately, it’s not going to work because with them in a cooler, the jello shots will still start to condensate and it will cause the pop rocks to start popping/melt. What you can do is where you plan to store the shots, have a bowl of unopened pop rocks packages and have others top them as they want them. That way you aren’t chasing them around! Maybe have a cute sign that says “Pop your shot!” by them. You can also buy mini plastic zipper bags. Fill them with pop rocks and tape them to the lid of your shots so guest can go it themselves as another host hands-free serving technic! Here are the bags I’m talking about: https://www.amazon.com/GOOACC-GRC-54-ZDI-0202-Resealable-Zipper/dp/B00AFRWKO2/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=mini+zipper+bags&qid=1561906358&s=gateway&sr=8-3#customerReviews
Hopefully, some of these ideas work for your party! Have a blast and Happy 4th of July!
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