Begin by separating your Skittles by color, as mixing colors will create an unappealing brown color, despite having a good flavor. You'll need separate mason jars for each color you plan to infuse, making this recipe scalable based on the number of flavors you want to create.
Place half a cup of the same-colored Skittles into each 16-ounce mason jar. Pour 16 ounces of vodka over the candy, ensuring all Skittles are completely covered by the liquid.
Secure the lid tightly on each jar and place them in the refrigerator for the 5-day infusion period. The cold temperature helps extract flavors while preventing any spoilage during the lengthy process.
After about 2-3 days, turn each jar upside down to help distribute the dissolving candy and ensure even flavor extraction. Turn the jars right-side up again on day 4 to allow any remaining sediment to settle.
On day 5, strain each jar through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer to remove any remaining candy particles and debris. Your Skittles vodka should be clear and beautifully colored, ready for serving or storage.
Notes
Flavor Combinations - While single colors work best visually, you can experiment with complementary color combinations in small test batches.
Sweetness Levels - Adjust the amount of Skittles per jar based on your preferred sweetness level, using anywhere from 1/3 cup to 2/3 cup per jar.
Quality Matters - Invest in high-quality vodka, as the base spirit significantly impacts the final taste and smoothness of your infused vodka.
Color Separation - Always separate Skittles colors before infusing to maintain vibrant, appealing colors rather than muddy brown mixtures.
Temperature Control - Keep jars refrigerated throughout the entire infusion process to maintain quality and prevent any fermentation issues.
Patience Pays Off - Don't rush the 5-day process, as this time allows for complete flavor extraction and proper candy dissolution.
Straining Thoroughly - Take time to strain carefully, removing all candy debris for the smoothest possible final product.