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If, now that Halloween is in the books, you find yourself with a lot of leftover candy, put it to good use with one of these 11 tasty candy-infused vodka recipes.
Candy-infused vodka is growing in popularity, and if you’ve never made it, you’re missing out. It’s relatively easy, and quite delicious. Just use one of these 11 simple recipes compiled by the candy experts over at CandyStore.com and give yourself a treat.
Guidelines
1. Go for a mid-range vodka. You can infuse any kind of vodka, but we don’t see why you’d spend good money on a bottle of Grey Goose only to adulterate it. Avoid the plastic-jug vodka, but get something in the middle tier — something you wouldn’t be too upset if you ruined.
2. Stick with a single flavor/color per infusion. Throughout this list you’ll find many multi-flavor candies. While you can toss them all into a jar and pour vodka on top, what you’ll get is an oddly flavored, brown-looking mess. If you’re using Jolly Ranchers, for instance, use just the watermelon — or, if you’re feeling adventurous, combine all the flavors that are colored red. But mixing and matching usually produces dreary looking results.
3. Use mason jars or other glass containers. We saw some people using plastic containers to infuse vodka. While there are certainly platics that can withstand alcohol, we really don’t recommend it. You’ll do just fine with a mason jar.
4. Some candies absorb alcohol well. This isn’t so much a guideline as a reminder. If you infuse gummy candy like gummy bears, they’re going to absorb a good amount of that alcohol. Find a way to serve them.
5. No sugar coating. Most people don’t want to infuse something like sour candy, because the sugar coating will render the vodka far too sweet.
The Basics
1. Pour candy into a glass container with a lid, such as a mason jar.
2. Pour vodka on top of candy, at least covering it and usually to fill three-quarters of the container.
3. Seal container and let sit for some amount of time — usually at least 24 hours and up to a week.
Starburst-Infused Vodka
If you like your vodka sweet, then you are going to love this Starburst infused vodka recipe. You can even create bottles for every flavor in the pack. Just pay attention when you are making it, because the Starburst completely broke down within a day, so you’ll have to carefully filter these or else it’ll be too thick and syrupy. (FULL RECIPE HERE)
Skittles-Infused Vodka
As with the Starbust, the Skittles dissolve overnight. And like with Starbursts, you’ll need a very good strainer, such as cheesecloth, to make sure none of the goop makes it into your vodka. (FULL RECIPE HERE)
Jelly Bean Martini
While this recipe calls for a martini, you can enjoy the jelly bean infused vodka by itself. If you want the cocktail version, add Chambord in place of Vermouth. (FULL RECIPE HERE)
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Jolly Rancher Vodka
Jolly Ranchers are perfect for combining, since they have many different flavors of each color. (FULL RECIPE HERE)
Butterscotch Vodka
This one is pretty basic. Like most hard candies, butterscotch buttons dissolve completely, so you don’t have to filter them out (though if you notice sludge or goop in your vodka, please do filter it). (FULL RECIPE HERE)
Lemonhead-Infused Vodka
Lemonheads candies are not covered in sugar. That way you’re getting pure lemony sour taste. These will take quite a while to infuse, so you might want to get started on them now. (FULL RECIPE HERE)
Candy Corn Martini
Candy corn-infused vodka goes great with some butterscotch schnapps as a mixer. Though you might not be able to finish more than one, since they’re very, very sweet. (FULL RECIPE HERE)
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Pumpkin Pie-Infused Vodka
While not technically candy, tis the season and all that. You’ll be using an actual whole pumpkin pie, whether homemade or store bought. Infuse, strain, and enjoy a delicious drink perfect for autumn and Thanksgiving. (FULL RECIPE HERE)
Conversation Hearts Vodka
These break up fast, and you’ll definitely want to strain them, but otherwise they seem to make a perfectly sweet and nice-looking vodka. As always, make sure to separate colors. (FULL RECIPE HERE)
Candy Cane Vodka
This is no amateur infusion attempt. This is putting your candy canes in the food processor to make sure you get maximum infusion. Seriously, pros only. (FULL RECIPE HERE)
Bubblegum Vodka
If you like bubble gum you’ll absolutely love Dubble Bubble-infused vodka. Use that brand, because it’s the best. Also, ofter bubble gums may not hold up as well. (FULL RECIPE HERE)
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