How to Make Jolly Rancher Moonshine

Ever thought about combining your love for candy with your passion for homemade drinks?

Well, buckle up because we’re diving into the sweet and colorful world of Jolly Rancher moonshine.

Imagine the vibrant flavors of your favorite candies infused into a potent, delicious drink that you can whip up right at home. Sounds amazing, right? Let’s get started on this fun and flavorful journey.

Ingredients and Equipment

List of Ingredients

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s gather everything you’ll need. Here’s your shopping list:

  • 750 ml high-proof alcohol (such as Everclear or vodka): Forms the moonshine’s base.
  • 12 Jolly Rancher candies (any flavor or mixed): Infuses the moonshine with a sweet, fruity flavor.
  • 2 cups granulated sugar: Adds additional sweetness.
  • 4 cups water: Used to dissolve the candies and sugar.

    Necessary Equipment

    Now that you’ve got your ingredients, make sure you have these tools on hand:

    • Mason jars or glass containers: These are perfect for infusing and storing your moonshine.
    • Funnel: To avoid any messy spills.
    • Measuring cups: Precision is key.
    • Strainer: Optional, but handy for removing any undissolved candy bits.

    Preparation Steps

    Step 1: Choosing Your Flavors

    First things first, decide which Jolly Rancher flavors you’re going to use. Are you a cherry lover or a green apple fanatic?

    Maybe you want to mix and match.

    The beauty of this project is that you can tailor it to your taste buds. Pick your favorites and get ready to unwrap some candy.

    Step 2: Preparing the Jars

    Cleanliness is next to godliness, especially when it comes to making moonshine. You’ll want to wash and sterilize your mason jars thoroughly.

    This step is crucial to prevent any unwanted bacteria from crashing your party. Think of it like preparing a canvas before painting your masterpiece.

    Step 3: Adding the Jolly Ranchers

    Now for the fun part—adding the Jolly Ranchers! Unwrap your chosen candies and sort them by flavor. Place about 12-15 candies into each jar.

    The more candies you use, the stronger the flavor will be. It’s like packing a suitcase for a vacation; more is usually better, but make sure everything fits!

    Mixing and Infusing

    Step 4: Adding the Alcohol

    Here’s where the magic happens. Pour your high-proof alcohol over the candies in each jar. Make sure the candies are fully submerged. This is like setting the stage for a concert—the main act (your moonshine) needs to be front and center.

    Step 5: Sealing and Shaking

    Seal the jars tightly with their lids. Give each jar a good shake to kickstart the dissolving process. You’ll feel like a mixologist shaking up a custom cocktail. This helps the candies break down faster and blend with the alcohol.

    Step 6: Infusion Period

    Patience, my friend. Let the jars sit for at least 24-48 hours. This infusion period is when all the flavors meld together into a harmonious blend. Give the jars a shake now and then to help the process along.

    Check to see if the candies have fully dissolved before moving to the next step. If they’re still hanging around, give it a bit more time.

    Good things come to those who wait, after all!

    Final Touches and Serving

    Step 7: Tasting and Adjusting

    Alright, the waiting game is over! It’s time to taste your creation. Open a jar and take a small sip. How’s the flavor? If it’s not sweet enough, or if you think it could use a bit more punch, now’s the time to tweak it.

    You can add some simple syrup or a splash of fruit juice to enhance the taste. Think of it like seasoning a soup—you want to get it just right.

    Step 8: Straining (if needed)

    If you notice any undissolved candy bits floating around, you might want to strain your moonshine. Use a fine mesh strainer to pour the liquid into a clean container, leaving the candy residue behind.

    This step is optional but can make your moonshine look and taste smoother. It’s like straining tea leaves for a cleaner brew.

    Step 9: Bottling and Storing

    Once you’re satisfied with the flavor and clarity, it’s time to bottle your moonshine. Transfer the liquid into clean, airtight bottles.

    Label them if you’re feeling fancy—this can be especially fun if you’re planning to give some away as gifts. Store your bottles in a cool, dark place to keep the flavors fresh.

    And remember, the longer it sits, the better it gets. It’s like aging fine wine but way more colorful!

    Serving Suggestions

    Creative Cocktails

    Now that you’ve got your Jolly Rancher moonshine ready, let’s talk about how to serve it. You can enjoy it straight, on the rocks, or mix it into some fabulous cocktails.

    Here are a few ideas to get you started:

    • Jolly Rancher Margarita: Mix your moonshine with lime juice and triple sec. Serve over ice with a salted rim.
    • Candy Apple Martini: Combine green apple Jolly Rancher moonshine with apple juice and a splash of vodka. Shake well and serve in a chilled martini glass.
    • Watermelon Splash: Blend watermelon moonshine with lemonade and a hint of mint. Serve over ice for a refreshing summer drink.

    Presentation Tips

    When serving your moonshine at parties or gatherings, presentation is key. Consider using colorful glasses to match the vibrant hues of your moonshine.

    Add some fun garnishes like fruit slices or candy skewers. If you’re gifting the moonshine, decorate the bottles with ribbons or custom labels.

    Think of it like setting the stage for a show—you want everything to look as good as it tastes!

    Conclusion

    To wrap things up, making Jolly Rancher moonshine is a fun and creative way to bring some sweetness into your life.

    From choosing your favorite candy flavors to experimenting with different cocktails, the possibilities are endless.

    Remember to always enjoy your creations responsibly and stay within the legal guidelines for alcohol production in your area. Happy brewing, and cheers to your colorful concoctions!

    Don’t forget to check out our blog for the full recipe and visit our sister channel for more DIY cooking and old-timey recipes. Here’s to enjoying the fruits of your labor – cheers!

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