When you have a sweet tooth and an interest in experimenting with drinks, learning to make candy-infused spirits is the way to go! Candy-infused spirits make for fun gifts, especially when you are hosting a party and need cool favours for guests. Candies add not only flavour but also colour. Most candy-infused drinks can be refrigerated for several months. And what better spirit to infuse candy in than the most versatile vodka! This odourless, flavourless alcohol goes perfectly with candies. Bonus: the infusing technique to super simple!
Tips For Making Candy-Infused Vodka
If this is your first time attempting candy infusion, go with a mid-tier vodka, so, even if it doesn't turn out well in the first attempt, you will not feel the pinch. However, ensure that you don’t invest in vodkas that come in plastic containers, buy solid mid-range vodkas only.
Don't experiment with multiple flavours of candy. Stick with one flavour to get the optimum result.
Do not use plastic containers for infusing candy in vodka. Use canning jars or mason jars.
Know your candy. Some candies absorb alcohol very well, others take longer for the same. For instance, gummy bears soak up alcohol quickly while hard candies take time to get infused in the liquor.
The time taken by fruit candies varies. For instance, Skittles get infused overnight. Hard candies take way longer to mix with the alcohol, but they are worth the flavour they bring in.
Candy canes make for delicious vodka infusions, but remember to crush them first in a food processor.
If you are bold and like to experiment, do try to infuse bubblegum. The flavour of a Bubbletini is simply to die for!
Method For Infusing Candy In Vodka
The method below is the step-by-step process to infuse candy in vodka. There are variations too, depending on the candy and spirits you use
First, take a canning jar or a mason jar. Put the candies in it. Pour the vodka over the candies so that three-quarters of the jar is filled with the spirit. Seal the jar and let the concoction sit for a while. The time period will vary depending on the amount and type of candies you use.
The time period could be two hours, overnight or even a couple of days. Remember, good things take time!
To give you an idea of the process, here's an actual recipe for fruit candy-infused vodka
Recipe For Fruit Candy Infused Vodka
Ingredients
3 pint-size canning jars with tight-fitting lids
170 gm yellow candy-coated fruit-flavoured chewy candy
170 gm orange candy-coated fruit-flavoured chewy candy
170 gm purple candy-coated fruit-flavoured chewy candy
1 bottle (750 ml) vodka
6 coffee filters
3 flasks
Method
For each type of flavoured candy, follow the below steps:
First place the candy in the jar. Add 225 ml vodka to it. Seal the jar tightly and shake it vigorously for 20 seconds. Let the mixture stand for three hours. After that, filter the mixture until there is no residue in the drink.
You can refrigerate this fruit candy-infused vodka for six months.
(While it is normal to learn about spirits and co*cktails and enjoy them, it is key to consume alcohol in moderation.)
