Remember being a kid and thinking grape Jolly Ranchers were the absolute peak of candy? That intense, sweet, and slightly tart grape flavor was just everything. Now, imagine that nostalgic taste transformed into a seriously smooth and potent sipper for adults. That’s exactly what we’re making today.
I first tried this at a friend’s backyard bonfire, and I was skeptical. Flavored moonshine can be hit or miss, often tasting like straight-up sugar or harsh alcohol. But this was different. It was dangerously delicious, with the perfect balance of candy sweetness and a warm, clean finish. It became the talk of the party.
This recipe is incredibly simple, requires no special equipment, and is perfect for making a big batch for parties, gifting, or just stocking your own cabinet. Get ready to create a drink that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
What You’ll Need
The ingredient list is wonderfully short. The magic comes from the combination and the infusion process. It’s all about quality here; a better base alcohol will yield a smoother final product.
- Grape Jolly Ranchers: You’ll need about 50 of them. This is the star of the show, providing both the vibrant color and signature flavor.
- High-Proof Neutral Spirit: A 750ml bottle is the perfect amount. You can use 190 proof Everclear for a very potent version or a high-quality 100 proof vodka for a slightly milder, ready-to-drink version.
- Filtered Water: This is optional and only used if you want to dilute a higher-proof spirit like Everclear. You’ll need about 1 cup, but you can adjust to your taste.
- White Grape Juice: About 1 cup. This adds another layer of grape flavor and helps smooth out the final taste, making it less candy-like and more complex.
Pro Tips
I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count, and I’ve learned a few things along the way. These tips will help you nail it on your first try.
- Crush the Candies: While you can drop the Jolly Ranchers in whole, crushing them first dramatically speeds up the dissolving time. Place them in a durable plastic bag, cover with a towel, and give them a few good whacks with a rolling pin or meat mallet.
- Warm the Liquid (Gently!): To dissolve the candies even faster, you can gently warm the grape juice and water mixture on the stove. Let it cool down to just warm before adding the alcohol. Never, ever heat the alcohol directly on a stove.
- Give it a Good Shake: For the first day or two, give your jars a vigorous shake a few times a day. This helps agitate the mixture and ensures all the candy dissolves completely and the flavors meld together.
- Let it Rest: This is the hardest part. After the candy is fully dissolved, let the moonshine sit for at least 3-5 days in a cool, dark place. This resting period is crucial for the flavors to mature and the harshness of the alcohol to mellow out.
Required Tools
You don’t need a full-blown distillery for this. A few basic kitchen items are all it takes.
- Large Glass Jars with Lids (at least 1.5 liters in size, Mason jars are perfect)
- Funnel
- Rolling Pin or Meat Mallet (optional, for crushing candy)
- Small Saucepan (optional, for warming juice)
- Fine-Mesh Sieve or Cheesecloth (for straining)
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is a fantastic base for experimentation. Once you’ve got the method down, feel free to play around with different flavors and ingredients.
| Ingredient | Substitution Idea | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Grape Jolly Ranchers | Any other flavor | Watermelon and Green Apple are amazing. |
| High-Proof Spirit | 100 Proof Vodka | Creates a less potent, smoother final drink. |
| White Grape Juice | Apple or Cranberry Juice | Pair the juice with the candy flavor. |
| Want a kick? | Add a vanilla bean | Adds a creamy, complex undertone. |
How to Make Grape Jolly Rancher Moonshine
Ready to get started? This process is mostly hands-off, with a little prep work up front. Just follow these simple steps.
Step 1: Unwrap all 50 Grape Jolly Rancher candies. This is the most tedious part, so put on some music or a podcast. If you want, crush them using the method mentioned in the pro tips.
Step 2: Using a funnel, pour the crushed or whole candies into your large glass jar.
Step 3: Pour the entire 750ml bottle of your chosen spirit (Everclear or vodka) into the jar over the candies.
Step 4: Add the white grape juice and filtered water (if using) to the jar. The liquid should not fill the jar completely; leave some headspace for shaking.
Step 5: Screw the lid on tightly and shake the jar vigorously for about a minute. You’ll see the color start to bleed into the liquid almost immediately.
Step 6: Store the jar in a cool, dark place. For the next 24-48 hours, give it a good shake 2-3 times a day until you can no longer see or hear any candy solids in the jar.
Step 7: Once the candy is fully dissolved, let the jar rest in that same cool, dark place for at least 3 more days. A full week is even better. This aging process is key to a smooth taste.
Step 8: After it has rested, you can strain the moonshine through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any potential sediment, though it’s often not necessary. Transfer to smaller, clean bottles for serving or storage.
Serving, Storing, and More
Now that you’ve created this liquid magic, here’s how to get the most out of it.
| Category | Tips & Suggestions |
|---|---|
| Serving Suggestions | Serve chilled, straight up in a shot glass, or on the rocks. It’s also fantastic mixed with lemon-lime soda or sparkling water for a fizzy cocktail. |
| Dietary Swaps | For a lower-sugar version, you can use sugar-free Jolly Ranchers. The taste will be slightly different, but it’s a great option. |
| Food Pairings | The sweetness of the moonshine pairs well with salty snacks like pretzels, popcorn, or a sharp cheddar cheese plate. |
| Leftovers & Storage | Store your finished moonshine in airtight glass bottles in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cabinet. It does not need to be refrigerated and will last for a year or more. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions I get about this recipe.
Q1. Is this real moonshine?
Ans: No, this is not a traditionally distilled “moonshine.” It’s an infusion, which means we are flavoring a pre-made neutral grain spirit. It’s a safe and legal way to create a ‘shine-style liqueur at home.
Q2. Why is my moonshine cloudy?
Ans: Cloudiness can sometimes happen, especially if you crush the candies very finely. It’s usually just tiny, suspended candy particles. Letting it sit for a few more days can help it settle, or you can strain it through a coffee filter to clear it up. It’s perfectly safe to drink either way.
Q3. Can I use less candy for a less sweet drink?
Ans: Absolutely. You can start with 35-40 candies instead of 50. Taste it after a few days and see what you think. It’s much easier to add more flavor than it is to take it away.
Q4. How strong is this?
Ans: The final proof depends on your starting ingredients. If you use 190 proof Everclear and mix it with the specified amounts of juice and water, the final product will be around 100-110 proof. If you start with 100 proof vodka, it will be closer to 80 proof. Always drink responsibly!
Wrapping Up
There you have it—a straightforward path to creating some of the most delicious and impressive flavored moonshine you’ll ever taste. That nostalgic grape candy flavor, all grown up into a smooth, potent spirit, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
It’s perfect for sharing, gifting, or just enjoying on a quiet evening. I really hope you give this recipe a try. When you do, come back and leave a comment. I’d love to hear about your experience, any creative variations you tried, and what your friends thought of it
