Get ready for a fun and delicious way to enjoy your favorite candy and vodka together! Jolly Rancher Vodka is an easy-to-make infusion that combines the irresistible flavors of Jolly Rancher candies with the smooth taste of vodka. This colorful concoction is perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply as a tasty treat. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to create your own Jolly Rancher Vodka and provide some tips on how to mix it into delightful cocktails.
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How To Make Jolly Rancher Vodka Table of Contents
Step 2: Add the Candies to the Jars
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Ingredients and Supplies
To make Jolly Rancher Vodka, you'll need the following:
- A bottle of your favorite vodka (750ml)
- Jolly Rancher candies in various flavors (about 10-12 pieces per flavor)
- 5 mason jars or glass containers with lids, one for each flavor
- A funnel, for easy pouring
- A fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, for straining the vodka
Step 1: Prepare the Candies
The first step in making Jolly Rancher Vodka is to unwrap the candies and separate them by flavor. You'll need approximately 10-12 Jolly Ranchers per flavor. The more candies you use, the stronger the flavor will be. Feel free to experiment with the number of candies to achieve your desired taste.
Step 2: Add the Candies to the Jars
Once you have your Jolly Ranchers unwrapped and sorted, add each flavor to its own mason jar or glass container.
Step 3: Pour in the Vodka
Using a funnel, evenly pour the vodka over the candies in each jar. Make sure the candies are fully submerged in vodka.
Step 4: Seal and Shake
Tightly seal each jar or container, then give them a good shake to help the candies start dissolving in the vodka.
Step 5: Let it Infuse
Allow the Jolly Rancher candies to infuse with the vodka for at least 24 hours. The longer you let the vodka sit, the stronger the flavor will be. Give the jars a shake every few hours to help the candies dissolve more quickly.
Step 6: Strain and Serve
Once the candies have fully dissolved and the vodka has taken on the vibrant color of the Jolly Ranchers, use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any remaining candy residue. Pour the infused vodka back into its original bottle or into a clean glass container for easy serving.
Jolly Rancher Vodka Cocktails
Now that you have your tasty Jolly Rancher Vodka, you may be wondering how to enjoy it. Here are a few cocktail ideas to get you started:
- Jolly Splash: Mix equal parts Jolly Rancher Vodka with lemon-lime soda, and serve over ice.
- Jolly Sour: Combine 2 oz Jolly Rancher Vodka, 1 oz lemon juice, and 1 oz simple syrup. Shake with ice and strain into a glass.
- Jolly Martini: Shake 3 oz Jolly Rancher Vodka with 1 oz dry vermouth and strain into a chilled martini glass. Add a candy of the same flavor for garnish.
How To Make Jolly Rancher Vodka Example:
For a Jolly Splash cocktail, you'll need the following ingredients and tools:
- 2 oz Jolly Rancher Vodka
- 2 oz lemon-lime soda
- Ice
- A glass
- A spoon, for stirring
1. Fill your glass with ice.
2. Pour 2 oz of Jolly Rancher Vodka over the ice.
3. Add 2 oz of lemon-lime soda.
4. Stir gently to mix the ingredients together.
5. Enjoy your Jolly Splash cocktail!
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of vodka should be used to infuse with Jolly Ranchers?
For the best result, use a clear, unflavored vodka. A mid-range vodka is generally sufficient as the Jolly Ranchers will impart a strong flavor and sweetness to the concoction.
How many Jolly Ranchers do I need for one bottle of vodka?
Typically, 12-15 Jolly Ranchers per 8 to 10 ounces of vodka is ideal. This will create a vibrant color and robust flavor without being overpowering.
Can I use a plastic bottle for infusing my vodka?
While you can use a plastic bottle, it is better to use a glass container. Glass won't interact with the alcohol and can help maintain the purity of flavor.
How long should the Jolly Ranchers dissolve in the vodka?
Expect the Jolly Ranchers to fully dissolve within 12-24 hours. Stirring or shaking occasionally can expedite the process.
Do I need to refrigerate Jolly Rancher vodka while it infuses?
It is not necessary to refrigerate it, but keeping it in a cool, dark place is recommended. Refrigeration can be beneficial if you prefer to enjoy the vodka chilled.
Will the color of the Jolly Ranchers change the color of the vodka?
Yes, the Jolly Ranchers will impart their color to the vodka, resulting in a brightly colored final product.
Is there any prep work needed for the vodka or Jolly Ranchers?
No prep work is required aside from opening the bottles and unwrapping the candies. However, ensure that your bottles are clean before use.
Can I mix different flavors of Jolly Ranchers in one vodka infusion?
While you can mix flavors, it may result in a muddled taste. For clearer flavor profiles, it's better to infuse one flavor per bottle of vodka.
What is the shelf life of Jolly Rancher vodka?
When stored properly, Jolly Rancher vodka can last for many months due to the preserving nature of the high alcohol content.
Can I add sugar to make the vodka sweeter?
Adding sugar isn't necessary as Jolly Ranchers are quite sweet. Taste after infusion and adjust only if necessary.
Is Jolly Rancher vodka gluten-free?
While the ingredients of Jolly Ranchers and plain vodka are typically gluten-free, it's important to verify with the specific brands you are using to ensure they meet gluten-free standards.
Should the vodka be chilled before serving?
That's a matter of personal preference. Serving chilled can provide a smoother taste, but room temperature is also fine, especially if you're mixing the vodka into cocktails.
How do I ensure that the Jolly Ranchers fully dissolve?
Ensure the vodka is at room temperature, and occasionally shake or stir the mixture to help the candy dissolve completely.
What can I mix with Jolly Rancher vodka?
Jolly Rancher vodka can be mixed with a variety of mixers such as soda water, lemon-lime soda, or fruit juices. It also makes a great addition to some cocktail recipes.
Is homemade Jolly Rancher vodka safe to drink?
Yes, as long as you use commercially produced, safe-to-consume vodka and Jolly Rancher candies, and your infusion container is clean, it is safe to drink.
Can I use other types of hard candy for vodka infusion?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different hard candies to create a variety of flavored vodkas. However, results and times for dissolving may vary with different candies.
What's the best way to filter the vodka after the candies have dissolved?
Typically, there shouldn't be any need to filter the vodka if the candies have fully dissolved. If any residue remains, you can filter it through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
Can I make Jolly Rancher vodka with a smaller or larger amount of vodka?
Yes, the recipe can be adjusted proportionally depending on the amount of vodka you wish to use. Just maintain the ratio of Jolly Ranchers to vodka volume.
Will the flavor of Jolly Rancher vodka be strong?
The flavor will be notably sweet and fruity, replicating the taste of the Jolly Rancher candy used. You can adjust the intensity of the flavor by altering the number of candies or infusing time.
Can Jolly Rancher vodka be given as a gift?
Homemade Jolly Rancher vodka can make a unique and personalized gift. Just ensure that the recipient is of legal drinking age and aware that it's an alcoholic beverage.
Is there a preferred method for serving Jolly Rancher vodka?
Jolly Rancher vodka can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as part of a mixed drink. Presentation in shot glasses or as part of a colorful cocktail makes it visually appealing for parties.
You now have the knowledge and skills to create delicious Jolly Rancher Vodka in a variety of enticing flavors. Impress your friends with colorful and fun cocktails at your next party or treat yourself to a sweet and satisfying beverage. Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations and cocktail recipes. The possibilities are endless with Jolly Rancher Vodka! For more fantastic vodka guides and tips, be sure to explore other articles on Vodka Doctors. And don't forget to share this article with fellow vodka aficionados!
