This Jolly Rancher cocktail with vodka is simple to make and perfect for summer! You just need vodka, a can of soda, and a few of the fruit flavored hard candies to make it.

How to Make a Jolly Rancher Cocktail

Name: Jolly Rancher Cocktail Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: drink
Ingredients: 2 ounces vodka; 4 ounces lemon lime soda; 4 to 6 Jolly Rancher candies; Ice

The Jolly Rancher cocktail is a delightful concoction that brings the nostalgic flavors of your favorite childhood candy into a delicious adult beverage. Bursting with vibrant colors and fruity flavor, this cocktail is perfect for those who love a fun adult drink.

Whether you're hosting a lively party or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, the Jolly Rancher cocktail adds a splash of whimsy and a burst of flavor to any occasion.

For more fun cocktail ideas, check out these posts:

Ingredients for a Jolly Rancher Cocktail With Vodka

To create the perfect Jolly Rancher cocktail, you’ll need a few essential ingredients. The stars of the show are, of course, the Jolly Rancher candies, which will infuse your cocktail with their signature flavors. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

Jolly Ranchers. You can use your favorite Jolly Rancher flavors or combine a few. I really like the Tropical Jolly Ranchers for this summer cocktail recipe.

Lemon Lime Soda. Use your favorite lemon lime soda. You can also use a diet soda if you prefer.

Vodka. I go for a mid grade vodka. I also use it for making vanilla extract, so I usually keep a 80 to 90 proof in the cabinet.

These ingredients combine to form a cocktail that is as colorful as it is delicious, offering a refreshing drink that packs a flavorful punch.

Choosing the Right Jolly Rancher Flavors

Jolly Ranchers come in a variety of flavors, each bringing its own unique taste to your cocktail. Classic choices include watermelon, green apple, cherry, grape, and blue raspberry.

When selecting flavors, consider how they might complement each other. For a more nuanced drink, try mixing flavors such as cherry and green apple or watermelon and blue raspberry.

The possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor the cocktail to your personal taste or the preferences of your guests.

Infusing Vodka with Jolly Ranchers

Infusing vodka with Jolly Ranchers is a simple process that yields spectacular results. This is an optional step, but it takes the flavor up a notch.

Follow these steps for a smooth and flavorful infusion:

Choose Your Candies: Select the Jolly Rancher flavors you want to use. You can stick to a single flavor or mix multiple flavors for a more complex taste.
Prep the Vodka: For every cup of vodka, use about 10 Jolly Rancher candies.
Combine: Place the candies and vodka in a sealable container.
Infuse: Allow the mixture to sit at room temperature until the candies are completely dissolved. This usually takes 12-24 hours. Shake the container occasionally to help the candies dissolve faster.
Strain: Once the candies are dissolved, strain the vodka through a fine mesh strainer to remove any remaining bits of candy.

Your infused vodka is now ready to be used in your cocktail or stored for later.

Jolly Rancher Variations and Twists

Feel free to get creative with your Jolly Rancher cocktail. Here are some variations to try:

Fruit-Infused: Add fresh fruit slices or berries to the shaker for an extra burst of flavor.
Herbal Twist: Incorporate herbs like mint or basil to add a sophisticated touch.
Non-Alcoholic: Replace the vodka with flavored water or soda for a fun Jolly Rancher drink non alcoholic.
Alcohol: Try using tequila, rum, or whiskey instead of vodka.
Martini: Turn it into a martini by shaking the drink and serving it in a martini glass.
Party Punch: Use the same proportions to make a pitcher or Jolly Rancher cocktail for a crowd.

Jolly Rancher Cocktail Ingredients

2 ounces vodka
4 ounces lemon lime soda
4 to 6 Jolly Rancher candies
Ice