Sugar Rush: 11 Candy-Inspired Drinks for Grown-Ups

Candy isn’t just for kids! Indulge your sweet tooth with a grown-up twist in these candy-inspired cocktails! Perfect for Halloween night and beyond, these drinks capture the flavors of iconic treats like peanut butter cups, candy corn and gummy bears. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to sip on something nostalgic, these cocktails offer a playful way to enjoy your favorite candy flavors — no trick-or-treating required!

Jars of syrup and whiskey sit side by side on a white marble surface. A long gold spoon rests in front of them with square candies and a striped yellow and white dish towel is draped behind
Homemade Salted Caramel Whiskey. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Candy Corn Vodka

Two shots of candy corn vodka next to candy corn.
Candy Corn Vodka. Photo credit: Feast + West.

It’s no trick! This Candy Corn Vodka is a total treat fit for Halloween. (And you can even use leftover candy!) Infuse vodka with the iconic tri-striped candy to yield a pumpkin-colored spirit worthy of spooky season. Use it for shooters, jello shots or cocktails!
Get the Recipe: Candy Corn Vodka

Peanut Butter Cup Shot

Two glasses of amber liquid next to peanut butter cups on a white surface, with one cup partially eaten. A golden decorative item is in the background.
Peanut Butter Cup Shot. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Indulge in a sweet, decadent treat with a Peanut Butter Cup Shot. It’s a creamy blend of peanut butter whiskey and rich crème de cacao or chocolate liqueur that perfectly captures the flavors of your favorite candy. This easy-to-make shot is perfect for parties or a fun night in.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Cup Shot

Caramel Apple Mimosa

Ingredients for a caramel apple mimosa sit surrounding the finished cocktail on a white background.
Caramel Apple Mimosa. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Tasting just like a caramel apple, the Caramel Apple Mimosa blends apple cider and caramel vodka with bubbly champagne for a decadent fall cocktail. Rich and comforting, this autumn-inspired drink is perfect for all seasonal celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Mimosa

Tootsie Roll Shot

Two shot glasses filled with a brown liquid are placed on a white surface, with a bowl of unwrapped Tootsie Roll candies nearby.
Tootsie Roll Shot. Photo credit: Feast + West.

The Tootsie Roll Shot is full of nostalgia and fun! This two-ingredient shot recipe is made with two surprising ingredients that taste just like the candy when combined. Shake up a round for your next party!
Get the Recipe: Tootsie Roll Shot

Grasshopper Cocktail

A cocktail with mint and chocolate garnishes in a martini glass.
Grasshopper Cocktail. Photo credit: Feast + West.

The Grasshopper Cocktail is a mint green retro classic that shines at any party. With its creamy mint chocolate flavor, this dessert cocktail brings festive flair and tastes just like a peppermint patty.
Get the Recipe: Grasshopper Cocktail

Mexican Candy Shot

A mexican candy shot with a charred lime slice on top.
Mexican Candy Shot. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Spice up your next party with a delicious and unique Mexican Candy Shot, inspired by the popular paleta candy from Mexico. It combines tequila, watermelon schnapps and a touch of hot sauce, plus a little spicy chili-lime seasoning on the rim for an extra kick.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Candy Shot

Fish Bowl Drink

Two fishbowl glasses with a blue cocktail and gummy candies shaped like fish.
Fish Bowl Drink. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Enjoy a tropical escape with the Fish Bowl Drink, featuring coconut, pineapple and citrus flavors, complete with fish-shaped gummy candy. This candy-inspired cocktail brings a splash of fun to any bash.
Get the Recipe: Fish Bowl Drink

Gummy Bear Shot

Two shot glasses with a clear liquid and gummy bears at the bottom, surrounded by scattered gummy bears and a cocktail jigger.
Gummy Bear Shot. Photo credit: Feast + West.

The Gummy Bear Shot is a fun, fruity cocktail that tastes just like the gummy candy. Perfect for Halloween and other celebrations, this colorful drink brings out the inner kid in every adult.
Get the Recipe: Gummy Bear Shot

Peppermint Vodka

Two shot glasses of pink peppermint vodka next to holly leaves and a jar of starlight mints.
Peppermint Vodka. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Calling all peppermint lovers! Peppermint Vodka is a holiday favorite, infusing real peppermint candies into vodka for a vibrant, minty version that’s perfect for festive cocktails or as a shooter. This drink also makes an excellent holiday gift for candy and cocktail lovers alike.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Vodka

Chocolate Old-Fashioned Cocktail

an old-fashioned with a chocolate sauce rim.
Chocolate Old-Fashioned Cocktail. Photo credit: Feast + West.

The Chocolate Old-Fashioned brings a triple-decker dessert twist to a classic, with bourbon, chocolate liqueur and chocolate bitters *. This smooth and sweet cocktail is a perfect after-dinner sipper for chocolate and whiskey lovers alike.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Old-Fashioned Cocktail

Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Smoothie

A Chocolate Covered Strawberry Smoothie in a stemless wine glass with a cocoa nib topping and next to three chocolate covered strawberries.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Smoothie. Photo credit: Feast + West.

This Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Smoothie offers a sweet start to your morning. Blending frozen strawberries and cocoa powder, it’s a rich and creamy option for anyone who loves chocolate-covered berries.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Smoothie

About Susannah

Susannah Brinkley Henry is the founder of Feast + West, a cocktail blog featuring creative, budget-friendly drinks and hosting ideas. A graphic designer with bartending school training, she shares cocktails, mocktails, appetizers and desserts for easy, stylish entertaining. Her work has been featured by Southern Living, Buzzfeed, The Huffington Post and Mashable, and she was a finalist in the Saveur Blog Awards. Susannah is also a publisher on MSN and has appeared on local news segments sharing seasonal drinks. She lives in Charlotte, N.C., where she brings Southern charm and global inspiration to every pour. Read more.

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