Noah Vinter
Infusing alcohol with candy is a fun activity for parties and holidays. The type of alcohol and proof required depends on the candy used. For example, Jolly Ranchers only need to be soaked for 24 hours in 90 proof vodka, whereas Tootsie Rolls can be dissolved in hot water and then topped off with cold water to make a 50 proof infusion. The proof of the alcohol can be adjusted to taste, with higher proofs being stronger. It is recommended to use a reasonably priced, clear liquor such as vodka or rhum, and to avoid cheap, rough alcohol.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol Type | Vodka, Rhum |
| Alcohol Strength | 50 proof, 80 proof, 90 proof |
| Candy Type | Jolly Ranchers, Skittles, Tootsie Rolls, Hard Candy, Bubble Gum, Caramel, Werther's Original, Sour Patch Kids |
| Infusion Time | 24 hours, 48 hours |
| Filtration Method | Coffee Filters, Funnel, Sieve |
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What You'll Learn
Infusion time depends on candy type
The type of candy you use for infusing alcohol will determine the infusion time. For instance, Jolly Ranchers only need to be infused for 24 hours, whereas other candies need 48 hours. Hard candies, such as Jolly Ranchers, tend to work best for infusions. The candy coating dissolves quickly, but the core takes longer to dissolve. Gummies, such as gummy bears, need to soak overnight and will be ready when they double or triple in size.
It's best to use clear spirits, such as vodka, for infusing with candy. This is because they have little to no flavour to alter the taste of the candy, and they allow the candy colours to shine through. However, there is no need to purchase expensive vodka or rhum for infusions—nothing above 80 proof is required. One source suggests that 90 proof vodka is suitable for infusing with candy, and it only needs to be left for 24 hours.
When infusing alcohol with candy, it's important to separate the candies by colour and flavour. This is because candies with multiple colours and flavours will create a muddy-brown colour when infused. It's also important to make sure your hands are dry before handling the candy. Additionally, you may need to top off the containers with more alcohol, but be sure to leave room for agitation when shaking the sealed bottles.
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Use 6oz of 80-proof alcohol per 5 bottles
When infusing alcohol with candy, it is recommended that you use a reasonably priced clear liquor, such as vodka or rhum, that is 80-proof or less. Using 80-proof alcohol will ensure that the burn flavour from the alcohol is not too strong. You will need one 1.75-litre bottle of alcohol for every five bottles of candy-infused alcohol you want to make.
To make five bottles of candy-infused alcohol, you will need to separate your candies into five groups based on flavour. Set up five infusion bottles and fill each bottle with approximately 6 ounces of your chosen 80-proof alcohol. Then, pour the candies of one flavour into one bottle and repeat this process until all five bottles are filled with candy and liquor.
Make sure your hands are dry before handling the candy and leave room in the bottle for agitation when shaking the sealed bottles. The candy coating will dissolve quickly, but the core of the candy will take longer. Shake the bottles vigorously 2 to 3 times a day and let the candy soak for 48 hours (or 24 hours if using Jolly Ranchers).
After 48 hours, strain and filter the liquor using dampened coffee filters and a funnel or sieve. Place four to five coffee filters in the funnel or sieve over a measuring cup and remove the top filter as it becomes clogged with candy particles. Some colours may need to be filtered twice. Finally, pour the infused alcohol into separate flasks and chill before serving.
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Filter with coffee filters
To infuse candy with alcohol, you do not need to use a very high-proof alcohol. In fact, it is recommended to use a reasonably priced clear liquor such as vodka or rhum, with a proof of 80 or lower.
When it comes to filtering alcohol with coffee filters, there are a few methods you can use. One common method is to use a funnel or sieve and place four to five coffee filters inside. Make sure to wet the filters before filtering the alcohol to retain more of the liquor. The alcohol-infused candy mixture can then be poured into the funnel or sieve, and the filters will catch the candy particles. As the filters clog, simply remove the top filter and replace it with a new one. Some colours may need to be filtered twice to ensure all particles are removed. This method is commonly used to filter candy-infused alcohol, as it results in clear, particle-free liquor.
Another method for filtering alcohol with coffee filters involves creating a larger filtration system using a 4-foot polycarbonate tube, activated carbon, and coffee filters. This method is ideal for filtering multiple bottles of alcohol at once and removing impurities to improve the taste. The tube is filled with activated carbon, and coffee filters are secured around the bottom. The alcohol is then poured into the top of the tube, passing through the activated carbon and coffee filters. This process can also be adapted to use a smaller tube for filtering a single bottle of alcohol.
It is important to note that coffee filters can be slow to filter alcohol, and the process may need to be repeated multiple times to fully clarify the liquor. Additionally, coffee filters can absorb some of the oils in the liquid, potentially affecting the flavour. Therefore, it is recommended to use unbleached coffee filters to minimise any impact on the taste.
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Shake vigorously 2-3 times a day
To make candy-infused alcohol, you will need to separate your chosen candy into flavour groups. Then, fill your infusion bottles with approximately 6 ounces of rum or vodka for each flavour group. Next, pour the candies of one flavour group into a bottle and repeat the process until all your bottles are filled with candy and liquor.
It is important to make sure your hands are dry before handling the candy. You might have to top off the containers with more alcohol, but make sure to leave enough room in the bottle for agitation when shaking the sealed bottles. The candy coating will dissolve quickly, but the core of the candy will take longer.
Let the candy soak for 48 hours (Jolly Ranchers only need 24 hours) while shaking the containers vigorously 2 to 3 times a day. The more you shake, the faster the candy will dissolve. After shaking, you should leave the bottles to sit for a few hours or overnight.
Once the candy has fully dissolved, you will notice some white muck or other particles floating at the top, depending on the candy used. At this point, you can put the bottles in the freezer to chill, or strain out the remaining bits of candy for a smoother drink.
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Soak for 24-48 hours
To make candy-infused alcohol, it is recommended to use clear liquor with a proof ranging from 50 to 90. Vodka and rum are the most commonly used spirits, but whiskey and gin are also viable options.
When infusing alcohol with candy, it is important to let the mixture sit for a sufficient amount of time to allow the flavours to meld. While the steeping time can vary depending on the type of candy and alcohol used, it is generally recommended to let the candy soak for 24 to 48 hours. This timeframe applies specifically to hard candies, such as Jolly Ranchers, which are commonly used for infusions due to their ability to dissolve in alcohol without requiring straining.
For example, one source recommends letting Jolly Ranchers soak in alcohol for 24 hours, while another suggests 48 hours for the best results. During this time, it is a good idea to shake the container vigorously 2 to 3 times a day to agitate the mixture and help the candy dissolve more effectively.
After the allotted steeping time, the alcohol-infused candy can be strained and filtered to remove any remaining solid particles. This process may require multiple steps to ensure a clear and particle-free infusion.
It is worth noting that the steeping time can vary depending on personal preference and the desired strength of the infusion. Some people may prefer a shorter steeping time of 3 to 4 hours, especially when using frozen fruit or pre-made alcohol-infused candies, such as vodka gummy bears. On the other hand, some candy and fruit combinations may benefit from longer steeping times of up to 7 days to allow the flavours to fully develop.
In summary, when infusing alcohol with hard candies, it is generally recommended to let the mixture soak for 24 to 48 hours. However, this timeframe can be adjusted based on personal preferences and the specific ingredients used.
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Frequently asked questions
A clear liquor such as vodka or rhum is best for infusing candy. Avoid rough, cheap alcohol and there is no need to purchase an expensive brand (nothing above 80 proof).
Hard candy works best for infusing alcohol. Popular options include Jolly Ranchers, Skittles, and Bubblegum.
It takes 24 to 48 hours for the candy to infuse with the alcohol. The bottles should be shaken vigorously 2 to 3 times a day.
Separate your candies by flavour. Fill your bottles with 6 ounces of liquor and pour in the candy. Make sure your hands are dry when handling the candy. Leave room in the bottle for agitation and shake the bottles while the candy soaks. After 24 to 48 hours, strain the liquor using coffee filters and a funnel or sieve.
