Mexican Flag Jello Shots are a fun and festive way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo! These boozy treats are easy to make for your friends and family. With the colors of the Mexican flag represented in each layer, these jello shots are perfect for your Cinco de Mayo or any Mexican-themed party.
Mexican Flag Jello Shots taste amazing. I love making a batch of these each year for friends as we gather around the pool for the day.
Each layer is made with a unique combination of flavors and when put all together, it’s a deliciously fruity jello shot.
The first layer is a refreshing watermelon and pineapple jalapeno tequila flavor, the second layer is a creamy lime and Grand Marnier flavor, and the third layer is a sweet cherry and cherry liqueur flavor.
The combination of these flavors creates a delicious and festive treat your guests will love.
If you love tequila jello shots, you might love adding these traditional Margarita Jello Shots or these Strawberry Margarita Jello Shots to your next party shots.
Plus, we have some favorite tequila cocktails like this Tequila Screwdriver or this extra smooth Mexican Martini.
Why You’ll Love Mexican Flag Jello Shots
These Cinco de Mayo jello shots are a really fun layered shot! Here’s why you ‘ll love them:
- Absolutely gorgeous jello shots.
- Each colored layer contains a different type of alcohol so every layer is a fun surprise.
- You can make them in advance and store in the fridge until you’re ready to serve them.
- If you want to add these cute Ole flag picks I found them at Party City. There’s also a ton of cute Mexican Party Picks you can get on Amazon.
More Jello Shot Recipes
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To make Mexican Flag Jello Shots, you’ll need a few pieces of kitchen equipment, including:
- Large bowl
- Measuring cups
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Plastic shot glasses –I use these tall 3 oz plastic jello shot cups
- Baking Sheet / Cookie Sheet
What is the Best Tequila to use?
Use your favorite smooth tequila or a flavored tequila! For a traditional tequila go for Don Julio, it’s smooth and slightly fruity.
For this recipe, I’m using Pineapple Jalapeno Tequila for a fruity with a little spice flavor.
But, feel free to go for the extra spice or use a regular tequila.
Ingredients
WATERMELON JELLO: For the green layer, I’m using fruity watermelon jello. I’m using the Starburst brand because it is a green gelatin, unlike Jelll-O brand which is a red jello.
UNFLAVORED JELLO: I use Walmart’s Unflavored Gelatin and you can use your store brand or the most commonly known brand is Knox unflavored jello. This mixed with the condensed milk is what makes white gelatins.
RED JELLO: Cherry jello or Strawberry jello both work great. I’m using cherry in this recipe.
TEQUILA: Use your favorite smooth tequila or a flavored tequila!
GRAND MARNIER: This is a liqueur made from a blend of cognac, orange juice flavor, and sugar. Most commonly used in Margaritas, since we’re making tequila jello shots this blends perfectly.
CONDENSED MILK: This creates the creamy white layer.
LIME JUICE: More fruity and citrus flavors to go with these Mexican Flag Jello Shots.
WATER: We’ll use boiling water and cold water.
FOOD COLORING: You only need 1 drop of red food coloring and green food coloring to really make the layers pop.
GARNISH: Add a lime slice or a small lime wedge and a dollop of whipped cream for garnish. For even more festive look, add matching sprinkles on top.
How to Make Mexican Flag Jello Shots
These jello shots are layered in the colors of the Mexican flag, which are green, white, and red.
First Layer is the Green layer (bottom layer)
- 3.94 oz box Starburst Watermelon Jello
- 1/2 cup Tequila
- 1 cup water, hot
- 1/2 cup water, cold
- 1 drop Green Food coloring
STEP 1: In a medium saucepan add your 1 cup of water, place over medium to high heat and bring the water to a boil. Then remove from heat.
STEP 2: Add the green jello mix to the water and stir to combine.
STEP 3: Add cold water, food coloring, and tequila. Stir to combine.
STEP 4: Set your plastic jello shot glasses on a baking sheet. This makes it much easier to move the shot cups in and out of the refrigerator.
STEP 5: Pour the green jello mixture into your jello shot cups, filling it up 1/3 of the way.
STEP 6: Place the jello shot cups in the refrigerator for 2 hours or until set.
Second Layer is the White layer (middle layer)
- 1 packet of .25 oz Unflavored Gelatin
- 1 cup Water, room temperature
- 1 can Condensed Milk (12 oz)
- 1⁄2 cup Lime Juice
- 1⁄2 cup Grand Marnier
STEP 1: In a medium sized bowl add 1 cup of room temperature water to the gelatin packet. Stir to combine and set it to the side for 5 minutes.
STEP 2: Add the sweetened condensed milk, lime juice and Grand Marnier and stir well.
STEP 3: Set this mixture aside to allow it to cool completely
STEP 4: Once completely cooled add the white mixture to the jello cups filling it to 2⁄3 of the way full. Return the jello cups to the refrigerator for 2 hours.
Last Layer is the Red Layer (top layer)
- 3 oz box Cherry Jello (or strawberry jello)
- 1 cup Water, boiling
- 1/2 cup Water, cold
- 1/2 cup Maraschino Cherry Liqueur
- 1 drop Red Food Coloring
STEP 1: In a medium saucepan add 1 cup of water, place over medium to high heat. Bring the water to a boil and then remove from heat.
STEP 2: Add the red jello mix to the water and stir to combine.
STEP 3: Now add the cold water, food coloring, and liquor.Stir to combine.
STEP 4: Pour the jello mixture on top of the white of the jello shot until full.
STEP 5: Place the jello shot cups in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours.
STEP 6: Just before serving add garnishes. I’ve added whipped cream, a lime slice and sprinkles.
Variations
There are easy variations you can make to these Mexican Flag Jello Shots recipe, including using different types of alcohol for each layer!
- You can substitute the Pineapple Jalapeno Tequila with regular tequila for a more traditional taste.
- If you don’t have Grand Marnier, you can use Contreau.
- Switch up the flavors of the jello (making sure to use the correct colors) or the liquor to make different flavors of jelly shots. For example, watermelon liqueur in the watermelon layer.
- Red jello can be either strawberry or cherry. Choose the one you like best!
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo, Fiesta or any Mexican themed party with these gorgeous Mexican Flag Jello Shots!
Cheers!
Mexican Flag Jello Shots

Mexican Flag Jello Shots are a fun and festive way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo! These boozy treats are easy to make for your friends and family. With the colors of the Mexican flag represented in each layer, these jello shots are perfect for your Cinco de Mayo or any Mexican-themed party.
Ingredients
Green Layer (bottom layer)
- 1 - 3.94 ounce box Starburst Watermelon Jello
- 1/2 cup Tequila (regular or Pineapple Jalapeno tequila)
- 1 cup Water, boiling
- 1⁄2 cup Tequila
- 1⁄2 cup water, cold
- 1 drop Green Food coloring
White Layer (middle layer)
- 1 cup Room Temperature Water
- 1 packet (.25 oz) Unflavored Jello
- 1 - 12 ounce can Condensed milk
- 1⁄2 cup Lime juice
- 1⁄2 cup Grand Marnier
Red Layer (last layer)
- 3 oz box Cherry Jello (or strawberry jello)
- 1 cup Water, boiling
- 1/2 cup Water, cold
- 1/2 cup Maraschino Cherry Liqueur
- 1 drop Red Food Coloring
Garnishes
- Whipped Cream
- Red and Green Sprinkles
- 2 Limes, cut into small Lime Wedges
Instructions
First Layer is the Green layer (bottom layer)
- In a medium saucepan add 1 cup of water, place over medium to high heat and bring the water to a boil. Then remove from heat.
- Add the box of green jello to the water and stir to combine.
- Add 1/2 cup cold water, 1 drop green food coloring, and 1/2 cup of tequila. Stir to combine.
- Set your plastic jello shot glasses on a baking sheet. This makes it much easier to move the shot cups in and out of the refrigerator.
- Pour the green jello mixture into your jello shot cups, filling it up 1/3 of the way.
- Place the jello shot cups in the refrigerator for 2 hours or until set.
Second Layer is the White layer (middle layer)
- In a medium sized bowl add 1 cup of room temperature water to the unflavored gelatin packet. Stir to combine and set it to the side for 5 minutes.
- Add 1 12 ounce can of sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 cup lime juice and 1/2 cup Grand Marnier and stir well.
- Set this mixture aside to allow it to cool completely
- Once completely cooled, add the white mixture to the jello cups filling it to 2⁄3 of the way full.
- Return the jello cups to the refrigerator for 2 hours.
Last Layer is the Red Layer (top layer)
- In a medium saucepan add 1 cup of water, place over medium to high heat. Bring the water to a boil and then remove from heat.
- Add 1 box (6 ounce) of red jello powder to the water and stir to combine.
- Now add 1/2 cup cold water, 1 drop red food coloring, and 1/2 cup Maraschino Cherry liquor. Stir to combine.
- Pour the jello mixture on top of the white layer until of the jello shot cup is almost full.
- Place the jello shot cups in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours.
- Just before serving add garnishes. I've added whipped cream, a lime slice and sprinkles.
Garnishes
- Top with whipped cream, sprinkles and lime slices
Notes
See recipe post for variations. Please drink responsibly.
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