How to Make Jolly Rancher Vodka

Last Updated: May 6, 2021 Tested

Infusing vodka is a delicious, intoxicating way to enjoy your favorite flavors. Whether your tastes run to herbal, fruity, spicy, or sweet, there is a lot you can do with a neutral spirit like vodka. One of the most colorful ways to infuse your vodka by using Jolly Ranchers candy! You can make it yourself, and this article explains just how.

Ingredients

1 quart (1 liter) vodka, preferably 100 proof (50% alcohol )
Jolly Ranchers (12 of each color and 60 total) - purchasing 1-2 big bags of the standard/original flavors is sufficient
One flask for each color

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:
Sorting the Candies

1
Divide the candy into piles. Make a pile for each flavor you have from the bag. Popular flavors include watermelon, cherry, green apple, blue raspberry, and grape.
- Don't snack on too many—–it's the vodka you want to infuse, not your tongue!
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:
Adding the Candy to the Vodka

1
Add the candy in the flasks. Designate one flask to each flavor, unwrap the candies, and drop them in the bottles.
2
Add the vodka. Use a funnel to pour the vodka evenly into each flask. Fill to the neck, and securely cap each bottle.

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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:
Infusing the Vodka

1
Allow the mixture to sit. Leave the bottles undisturbed for a few hours until the candies completely dissolve. This may take anywhere between 8 to 20 hours.
2
Store the vodkas. You can freeze the bottles as you would any vodka—–not only will doing this make it more refreshing, it'll also slow down any ice melt when you use it for a mixed drink.
- Make sure that the candies are completely dissolved since freezing slows down any dissolving processes. Freezing vodkas in general is also the best method for storing the spirit.
- The drinks will keep in the cabinet for a few months.
3
Enjoy the Jolly Rancher infused vodka. Serve as is or add to cocktails. If adding a garnish, try to use a garnish with a complementary flavor.

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Community Q&A

Question

Could I do this with gin?

Community Answer

You could, but gin usually pairs better with something bitter or sour or aromatic in my opinion.
Question

Can I use white rum with this, and if so, what name would you recommend?

Community Answer

Yes. It's called a Jolly Roger. Use 20 pieces per 750 ml. I would not suggest dark, spiced, or 151 rums.
Question

Can you use Laffy Taffy instead of Jolly Ranchers?

Community Answer

Yes; you can infuse vodka with just about any sweet or fruit.