Easy Jolly Rancher Vodka Cocktail Recipe

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Did you know you can make Jolly Rancher Vodka? It is so easy to infuse vodka and give it that flavor punch of fruity flavors from your favorite Jolly Rancher candies. Whip up this Jolly Rancher Vodka recipe, then use it for making delicious cocktails, or take it as a shot to get the party started!

Vodka is an alcohol that is so versatile in mixing into cocktail recipes or even your favorite jello shots recipe. Adding this fruity vodka recipe to your arsenal just elevates the types of fun cocktails you can whip up for your friends and family.

Let me share a few more of my favorite vodka recipes with you to try out. Whip up these Skittles jello shots, they are a fruity flavor as well. Or these Blue Kamikaze are a fun shot to whip up and use just three ingredients.

If you want some homemade drinks recipes that are also kid-friendly, you could make some jalapeno cucumber lemonade. Or go for something fruity with this fresh strawberry tea recipe.

Why This Recipe Works

• Made with 2 ingredients. All you need is vodka and Jolly Ranchers.
• You can pick and choose any flavor of Jolly Ranchers you want for this delightful concoction.
• The flavored vodka gets more flavorful with the longer it sits. So, for a richer flavor, let it sit.
• Pour over ice, mix into your favorite cocktail recipe, or even just shoot it plain. It is delicious, no matter what.

What Is Jolly Rancher Vodka?

Jolly Rancher vodka is a vodka that has Jolly Ranchers in it, which melt down and infuse the vodka with that sweet and fruit flavor. It is a delicious and sweet vodka that is great for sipping on, mixing in cocktails, or taking shots of your favorite vodka flavors.

What’s in This Jolly Rancher Vodka Recipe?

• Jolly Ranchers—Pick and choose your favorite Jolly Ranchers. You will need 10 of the same Jolly Ranchers for 14 ounces of vodka.
• Vodka—For this recipe, Reach for a plain bottle of vodka with no added flavor. Any brand works.

The complete list of ingredients, quantities, and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.

Substitutions and Variations

1. Fruit-Flavored Vodka —To intensify the fruitiness, start with a fruit-flavored vodka that complements your choice of Jolly Ranchers. For example, use apple vodka with green apple Jolly Ranchers.
2. Sugar-Free Jolly Ranchers – For those watching their sugar intake, opt for sugar-free Jolly Ranchers. The flavor infusion works just the same but with fewer calories.
3. Different Candies – While Jolly Ranchers provide a unique fruity taste, feel free to experiment with other hard candies. Each type will lend a different flavor profile to the vodka, thus expanding your cocktail possibilities.
4. Mix and Match Flavors – Instead of sticking to one flavor of Jolly Rancher per vodka batch, try a combination of different flavors for a more complex profile. Just be mindful of mixing flavors that complement each other well.
5. Non-Alcoholic Version—For a non-alcoholic twist, Substitute vodka with sparkling water or a clear soda. Add the Jolly Ranchers to the liquid and allow them to dissolve for a fruity, refreshing drink suitable for all ages.

These substitutions and variations allow you to customize the Jolly Rancher Vodka recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs, making it a versatile option for any occasion.

How to Make Jolly Rancher Vodka Drink (step-by-step directions)

1. Unwrap the Jolly Rancher candy and place candies at the bottom of a jar. (Photos 1 & 2)

1. Fill the jar with vodka up to where the threads start on a 16-ounce mason jar. (Photo 4)
2. Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dry place for at least 1 week to allow the Jolly Ranchers to dissolve completely.
3. Give the mixture a good shake after 3-4 days to help the candies dissolve.
4. Your Jolly Rancher Vodka is ready once the Jolly Ranchers have fully dissolved. You can keep it in the pantry or refrigerate it for future use. (Photo 5)

Recipe Tips

• You can pick and choose any flavor of candies. Just make sure you use the same flavor of candy for the jar. Feel free to make different jars of vodka.
• Glass jars are best as they will not react to the vodka in them. Using plastic or other reactive containers can affect the flavor.
• You can run the vodka through a fine mesh sieve a few times once the candy has melted. This will provide an extra smooth texture.

Storing Tips 

Store your vodka on the counter until the Jolly Ranchers are fully melted. Once the candy is melted you can then keep it on the counter or store it in the fridge. Just make sure the vodka is stored in a sealed container.

The vodka can be stored for 2-3 months easily, if not longer. Just know that the longer it sits, the more the flavors can infuse into it.

Serving Suggestions

Add in jello and consider transforming it into a Jello shot for a fun party option. Use this vodka jello shot recipe as the base and then use the flavored vodka in replace of plain vodka. Mix the vodka with lemonade for a fruity twist to your classic lemonade drink.

Or pour a cocktail glass of lemon-lime soda and then add your vodka to taste and enjoy. If you want it sweeter, you can elevate it more with a simple syrup.

Recipe FAQs

Need More Fruity Beverage Recipes? Try These:

• Watermelon Lemonade
• Agua De Pina
• Peach Gin Fizz
• Frozen Fuzzy Navels Recipe
• Frozen Strawberry Margaritas
• See all our drink ideas!

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