Candy Corn Martini
Celebrate Halloween in style by mixing up a Candy Corn Martini! Strong on candy corn flavors, this cocktail is perfect for anyone who enjoys a sweet drink. Make the infused vodka a few days beforehand, and then share! Makes 1 drink (and a pint of candy corn vodka!)
Looking for more festive Halloween sippers? Don’t miss Melting Monster Halloween Punch and Fizzy Potion Halloween Punch!
For those of you who love to indulge on Halloween candy, I’ve got a treat for you.
However, instead of creating a candy-centric dessert, I’ve gone the Halloween drink route because y’all know I love to infuse spirits and wondered how candy corn would fare in vodka.
Spoiler alert: Caramel Apple Martini with Salted Caramel-Infused Vodka, Toasted Pecan Old Fashioned and Smores Martinis are all a brilliant idea, too.
Turns out, it fares wonderfully (if not a little strongly) and creates a delightful ORANGE infused spirit.
Why I love this recipe:
This Candy Corn Cocktail is somethin’ else. If you like sweet cocktails, I have a feeling this will be your go-to for All Hallows Eve!
The key is infusing the vodka a few days in advance so it’s ready to go when you’re ready to mix Halloween drinks.
Yes, we’re making our own flavored vodka.
Whether you’re handing out candy (and will need a little sipper to get through your dog barking frantically every time the doorbell rings) or are hosting pals for a Halloween party, this Halloween martini is festive and goes down easy!
Please note that you are not going to get the layered effect of a candy corn with this recipe, so if you’re looking for something that LOOKS like a candy corn (instead of tastes like one), this is not the recipe for you.
Other Halloween recipes we adore: Halloween Peanut Butter Chocolate White Chocolate Chip Cookies | Spiked Caramel Apple Cider | Halloween Trail Mix | Halloween Dessert Nachos | Apple Cider Margaritas
What you’ll need to make this recipe:
The Speckled Palate participates in affiliate programs. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases. Please refer to my disclosure page for more information about these affiliate programs.
Let’s talk ingredients!
In addition to the tools above, you’re going to need some ingredients to make this recipe, too! Chances are, you might already have some of them in your fridge or pantry. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full measurements and instructions.
Here are some ingredients you’ll need to grab at the grocery store and liquor store:
- Candy corn — you’ll need part of a bag of candy corn to infuse the vodka! I like a classic candy corn for the recipe.
- Vodka — a plain vodka is perfect here. No flavor necessary since we’re infusing it with the candy corn. Some recipes use whipped cream vodka, but I find that too sweet when paired with the candy corn.
- Mixers — we’re using a combination of the homemade flavored vodka, pineapple juice, ginger beer and vodka to mix this cocktail.
- Cotton candy — it’s not completely necessary, but it’s a fun garnish for our drink! I’ve seen some Candy Corn drinks topped with whipped cream, if you’d rather go that direction.
How to Make Candy Corn Martinis
Infuse the vodka with candy corn
Measure the candy corn into a mason jar. Pour the vodka on top of it. Add the cap, and shake.
Let the mixture infuse for 1-2 days, or until the candy corn has dissolved.
You will see some silt at the bottom of the mason jar after it sits, so shake it occasionally to mix it up before pouring any drinks.
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place at room temperature.
Mix up a martini
Get out your cocktail shaker. Add ice.
Measure in the candy corn vodka. Add the pineapple juice and ginger beer, too.
Shake vigoriorsly until the liquids are super cold.
Pour into a chilled martini glass.
Top with tonic water. Garnish with cotton candy, and enjoy!
Pro tip!
Don’t add the cotton candy to this Halloween cocktail until right before you hand it off to a friend or take a sip. The cotton candy melts into the drink really fast, and it’s a cool effect!
Erin’s Easy Entertaining Tips
This Candy Corn Martini recipe would be excellent to mix up at a Halloween party!
Here are some things you can do if you plan to entertain with this cocktail:
- Plan ahead and make the Candy Corn Vodka in advance! You can infuse it 1-2 weeks in advance, and this takes off the stress the week of your gathering.
- Let guests mix their own martinis! Print out a copy of this recipe, and set it on the bar with ingredients. Let guests measure the ingredients, shake and then pour their own before garnishing with cotton candy.
- Keep this out of reach from kids. This Halloween cocktail is bright orange, and if your kids are anything like mine, they’ll want a sip when they see the neon mixture in your glass.
Pro tip!
When we’re entertaining and have kids around, we keep the adult drinks separate from the kid drinks (and do our best to keep ’em out of the kids’ reach so there is no confusion.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Honestly, the earlier, the better. This vodka has always taken me 1-2 days to infuse, but if your conditions are different than mine, there’s nothing wrong with giving yourself extra time to make sure it’s ready.
It melts into the drink and adds a little extra sweetness, while also adding an initial pop of white. If it’s not your thing or you think it’ll make the cocktail too sweet, feel free to skip it.
Since this vodka is made with candy, it can last a loooooooong time. (I’ve had a small amount in my house for the last two years, and it hasn’t gone bad.) I advise only making as much as you’ll want to serve at your party, but rest assured that leftovers won’t go bad and will certainly make it to next Halloween.
No. While it wouldn’t hurt to refrigerate this vodka after it’s been infused (and all the candy corn has melted into the vodka), it’s not necessary. Alcohol sanitizes the infused ingredients and also prevents bacteria from growing.
Need some more Halloween drink recipes?
There are so many kinds of Halloween cocktails. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Mad Scientist Cocktails
- Apple Cider Moscow Mule
- Vampire’s Kiss Cocktail
- The Witch’s Heart Cocktail
- Bloody Ghost Cocktail
- Gin Apple Pie Cocktail
- The Half Blood Prince Cocktail
Want to make this one? Here’s how you do it…
Candy Corn Martini
Ingredients
Candy Corn Vodka (Makes 3 drinks)
- 1 cup candy corn
- 1 cup vodka
Candy Corn Martini (Makes 1)
- 2 ½ oz. Candy Corn Vodka recipe above
- ½ oz. pineapple juice
- ½ oz. ginger beer
- 3 oz. tonic water
- White cotton candy for garnish
Equipment
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Instructions
Make the Candy Corn Vodka
- In a 16 oz. mason jar, measure out the candy corn, then top with vodka.
- Shake, then let sit for 1-2 days until the candy corn have all dissolved. Shake occasionally to mix the particles. (There will be sediment once everything has dissolved, and that’s OK. Just be sure to shake it up again before you serve drinks.)
- Store at room temperature until it’s time to make drinks!
Make the Martinis
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the candy corn vodka, pineapple juice and ginger beer.
- Shake until chilled, then pour into chilled martini glasses.
- Top with tonic water.
- Garnish with cotton candy, which will melt into the drink almost immediately, and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Have you ever infused a spirit before?
Would you like to try a sip of this Candy Corn Martini?
This post was originally published October 6, 2017. The text and recipe portions of the post were updated on September 30, 2019.
About the Author:
Erin Parker is a Southern gal living in Texas with her husband and two daughters. She started The Speckled Palate to share what she was cooking as a newlywed… and over the years, it’s evolved to capture her love for hosting. Specifically, the EASIEST, lowest key entertaining because everyone deserves to see their people and connect over good food. Learn more about her…
I love making infused vodka! I can’t wait to try this martini
I just adore making infused vodka, too! I hope you enjoy this one!
Halloween is usually mostly about the themed desserts for me….but I like your way of thinking 🙂 The flavours in this martini sound amazing, and I love the colour too!
It’s the same for me, Yvonne, and I’m excited that you like the sound and color of this martini! If you give it a shot, I hope you enjoy it!
Infused vodka is pretty brilliant. I love this! I’ve never added more than fruit or vanilla to my vodka. HALLOWEEN PARTYYYYYY!!!
Infused vodka is pretty brilliant. I love this! I’ve never added more than fruit or vanilla to my vodka. HALLOWEEN PARTYYYYYY!!!