A candy martini is a fun, sweet twist on a classic cocktail that incorporates candy or other sweet ingredients into a martini recipe. Candy martinis first became popular in the 1990s and 2000s as creative bartenders experimented with infusing cocktails with new flavors. The sweetness of candy balances nicely with the bitterness of alcohol in a martini. While there are many variations, some common examples of candy martinis include:
Types of Candy Martinis
Chocolate Martini
A chocolate martini is one of the most popular candy martini recipes. It is typically made by mixing vodka with a chocolate liqueur like Godiva or crème de cacao. Some bartenders may rim the glass with cocoa powder or chocolate syrup. The chocolate martini is rich, indulgent, and tastes like an alcoholic chocolate milkshake.
Skittles Martini
For a fun, colorful candy martini, the Skittles martini incorporates the fruity candy into the cocktail. It is made by muddling different colored Skittles into the shaker to infuse the vodka with sweet fruit flavors. The Skittles martini is often served strained into a sugar-rimmed glass and garnished with Skittles.
Jelly Bean Martini
Jelly beans make another bright, playful martini. Jelly bean martinis are made by muddling an assortment of jelly bean flavors into vodka or gin. The jelly beans impart sweetness and fruit flavors ranging from cherry to buttered popcorn depending on the beans used. Jelly bean martinis are often served topped with whole jelly beans.
Gummy Bear Martini
For a cocktail that tastes like an alcoholic gummy bear, the gummy bear martini is made by infusing vodka with a rainbow of different colored gummy bears. The gummy bears soak in the vodka for a day or more to extract maximum sweet flavor and color. Gummy bear martinis are strained into a martini glass rimmed with mini gummy bears.
Snickers Martini
The Snickers martini incorporates the classic candy bar into booze. It’s made by mixing vodka with flavors like chocolate syrup, caramel, and peanut butter to mimic a Snickers. Some recipes may call for actual chopped Snickers bars. The Snickers martini delivers a liquid candy bar experience.
Hot Tamales Martini
For a martini with some heat, Hot Tamales candies are muddled into vodka to make a spicy, cinnamon-flavored cocktail. The Hot Tamales impart both sweet and spicy flavors. It’s often garnished with whole Hot Tamales on a stick.
Gummi Worm Martini
Gummy worms are used to make a fun martini with chewy sweetness. Gummi worm martinis are made by soaking gummy worms in vodka for a day to extract maximum flavor and color. The cocktail is strained and often garnished with a colorful array of gummy worms.
Cotton Candy Martini
To recreate the sweet spun sugar treat in cocktail form, cotton candy martinis contain cotton candy flavored vodka. Some recipes also rim the glass with actual cotton candy. The cotton candy martini delivers sweetness reminiscent of the boardwalk treat.
How to Make a Candy Martini
While recipes vary, here is a basic overview of how to make a candy martini:
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka or gin
- 1 oz candy flavored liqueur like crème de cacao or cotton candy flavored vodka
- Candy for muddling or garnishing like Skittles, gummy bears, chocolate, etc.
Instructions
- If using candy to infuse, add desired candy to a shaker and gently muddle.
- Fill shaker with ice and add vodka or gin and candy flavored liqueur.
- Shake vigorously for 10-20 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with additional candy if desired.
Tips
- The longer you muddle the candy, the more flavor will infuse into the vodka or gin.
- Aim for around 1 oz of candy per drink. Too much candy can make the cocktail overly sweet.
- Balance sweet liquors with tart mixers like citrus juice or sour mix.
- Rimming the glass with crushed candy adds extra sweetness and color.
- Garnish with whole candies like jelly beans, gummy bears or lollipops.
Popular Flavor Combinations
Some delicious candy and flavor combinations to try in candy martinis include:
| Candy | Flavors |
|---|---|
| Skittles | Fruit flavors like grape, lemon, strawberry |
| Jelly beans | Cherry, buttered popcorn, blueberry, etc. |
| Gummy bears | Strawberry, orange, lemon, lime, grape |
| M&Ms | Chocolate, peanut butter |
| Junior Mints | Chocolate, mint |
| Hot Tamales | Cinnamon, citrus |
| Candy canes | Peppermint, chocolate |
| Chocolate bars | Chocolate, caramel, nuts, peanut butter |
Pairing Candy Martinis with Food
Candy martinis pair wonderfully with fun, playful desserts. Some perfect food pairings include:
- Chocolate martini with brownies, chocolate lava cake or chocolate truffles
- Skittles martini with fruit tarts
- Jelly bean martini with jelly donuts or gummy candy
- Gummy bear martini with gummi bear candies
- Snickers martini with peanut butter cookies
- Cotton candy martini with actual cotton candy
The sweet and sugary flavors complement and accentuate each other. For recipes with chocolate, the bittersweet flavors also balance nicely. Pairing candy martinis with fun finger foods allows guests to enjoy creative cocktail combinations.
Tips for Making Candy Martinis
Here are some helpful tips for making perfect candy martinis at home:
- Use good quality vodka or gin as the base spirit.
- Fresh, name-brand candy works best for flavor and color extraction.
- Carefully muddle candy to release flavor without crushing too much.
- Infuse candy for at least 4-6 hours for maximum flavor extraction.
- Shake with ice vigorously to properly chill and dilute.
- Consider rim or garnish options to complement the candy flavor.
- Store infused vodka or gin in an airtight container in freezer.
- Adjust sweet liqueurs or candy to taste preference.
- Use high quality chocolate, fruit or mint liqueurs when available.
Popular Brands of Candy Flavored Liqueurs
Some popular brands of candy flavored liqueurs to use in candy martinis include:
| Brand | Flavors |
|---|---|
| Godiva | Chocolate, chocolate raspberry, white chocolate |
| Hiram Walker | Crème de cacao, amaretto, schnapps |
| DeKuyper | Hazelnut, crème de menthe, root beer |
| Bailey’s | Irish cream, salted caramel |
| Kahlúa | Coffee, espresso, mocha |
| Chambord | Raspberry |
| Patrón | Café, citróge orange |
| 360 | Double chocolate, Georgia peach |
Making Candy Infused Vodka
One of the keys to making candy martinis is infusing vodka with candy flavors. Here is a simple process for making candy vodka at home:
Ingredients
- 1 750ml bottle vodka (preferably unflavored)
- 1 cup candy of choice
Instructions
- Add vodka and desired candy to a clean glass jar or bottle.
- Seal jar and shake gently to combine.
- Store jar in a cool, dark place for 1-3 days, shaking gently each day.
- After desired infusion time, strain vodka through a fine mesh sieve into another bottle.
- Discard candy solids. Candy vodka can be stored for up to 1 month.
Tips
- Use a vodka with a neutral flavor profile.
- Longer infusion = more flavor extraction.
- Sample vodka periodically to test flavor strength.
- Fine strain to remove all candy particles.
- Fruit flavored candies add nice color.
- Store infused vodka in the freezer for maximum flavor.
Popular Candy Martini Garnishes
Garnishes are an important final touch for candy martinis. Some fun garnish ideas include:
| Candy Martini Flavor | Garnish Ideas |
|---|---|
| Chocolate | Chocolate shavings, chocolate drizzle, chocolate covered strawberry |
| Skittles | Skittles around rim, rainbow sugar rim |
| Jelly bean | Whole jelly beans, jelly bean on skewer |
| Gummy bear | Gummy bears on rim or skewer |
| Snickers | Peanut sprinkles, drizzle of caramel |
| Cotton candy | Cotton candy floss, rock candy swizzle stick |
| Candy cane | Crushed peppermint on rim, candy cane stirrer |
| Hot tamale | Cinnamon sugar rim, lime wheel |
Serving Candy Martinis at Parties
Candy martinis make fun, festive cocktails for parties and events. Here are some tips for serving candy martinis to groups:
- Offer a few different candy martini options like Skittles, chocolate, gummy bear.
- Set up a martini making station so guests can watch the cocktails being prepared.
- Provide pre-made candy infused vodka to simplify mixing.
- Set out candies, sprinkles and tools for guests to rim their own glasses.
- Make large batches of each recipe and serve in pitchers with glasses.
- Garnish drinks in glasses on the bar for easy self-serve.
- Provide cocktail sticks, swizzle sticks and stirrers for fun garnishes.
- Partner with a candy company or store to provide product for infusing and garnishing.
Serving candy martinis at parties is a great way to create a fun experience. The presentation and garnishing makes it interactive for guests.
History of the Candy Martini
Candy martinis first emerged in the late 1980s and 1990s as creative bartenders began experimenting with flavored martinis. Some sources credit Manhattan bartender Cheryl Charming with inventing the first Skittles martini in the 1990s by muddling the candy into vodka. In the 2000s, candy martinis expanded in popularity as flavored vodkas entered the market. Bars began offering extensive martini menus, including fun options like gummi bear, chocolate and jelly bean martinis. Their popularity continues today as candy martinis remain a playful way to incorporate sugary treats into cocktails.
Health Considerations
Candy martinis should be enjoyed in moderation, as overindulging can lead to high sugar and calorie intake. The combination of alcohol and sugar causes a rapid rise in blood sugar. Additionally, candy extracts may contain dyes and artificial ingredients. Those managing diabetes or weight should minimize consumption. As with any cocktail, candy martinis should be enjoyed responsibly by legal drinking age adults.
Non-Alcoholic Candy Martinis
For a kid-friendly twist, candy martinis can also be made non-alcoholic by using juice or soda instead of vodka. Some recipes for non-alcoholic candy martinis include:
- Shirley Temple martini: Lemon-lime soda, grenadine, gummy bears
- Apple pie martini: Apple cider, caramel sauce, graham cracker rim
- Candy floss martini: Vanilla soda, cotton candy extract, rock candy swizzle stick
- Chocolate raspberry martini: Raspberry juice, chocolate syrup, chocolate shavings
Kids and non-drinkers can still enjoy the fun colors, flavors and garnishes of candy martinis. Simply substitute kid-friendly ingredients for a whimsical mocktail.
Conclusion
Candy martinis offer a deliciously playful twist on a classic cocktail. Vodka or gin is infused with Skittles, chocolate, gummy bears or other candies, creating a sweet, colorful drink. Popular recipes include chocolate, jelly bean, and cotton candy martinis. They are often garnished elaborately with sprinkles, chocolate drizzles or whole candies. Candy martinis first emerged in the 1990s and remain popular today at bars and parties. While they should be enjoyed in moderation, candy martinis allow adults to indulge their sweet tooth in cocktail form.