Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
A Jolly Rancher Cocktail in a glass, with a vibrant color and a Jolly Rancher candy garnish.

Jolly Rancher Cocktail

5 from 1 vote
A Sweet & Fruity Crowd-Pleaser
If you love the bold, fruity punch of a Jolly Rancher candy, this cocktail is about to become your new go-to drink. The Jolly Rancher Cocktail is sweet, vibrant, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect addition to any party or relaxed night in. It’s easy to mix, dangerously drinkable, and just as fun as its namesake candy.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 3 minutes
Total Time 3 minutes
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
 

  • 2 oz Vodka
  • 1 oz Melon Liqueur
  • 6-8 oz Cranberry Juice
  • Ice

Instructions
 

Mix Ingredients:
  1. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 2 oz of vodka, 1 oz of melon liqueur, and 6-8 oz of cranberry juice.
Shake:
  1. Shake the mixture well to combine the flavors and chill the drink.
Serve:
  1. Strain the mixture over fresh ice in a glass.
Enjoy:
  1. Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet, fruity flavors.

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 1gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.02gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.04gSodium: 4mgPotassium: 132mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 31gVitamin A: 77IUVitamin C: 16mgCalcium: 14mgIron: 0.4mg

Notes

The Story Behind the Cocktail The Jolly Rancher cocktail is a modern classic that was born in the era of candy-themed drinks. It's not a historical drink from a specific bar but a fun and creative concoction that became popular because of its uncanny resemblance in taste to the candy it’s named after. The mix of fruity schnapps and vodka creates a sweet and sour flavor that is reminiscent of the hard candies.
Tips for a Perfect Cocktail
  • Customize Your Flavor: The beauty of this cocktail is its versatility. You can use different fruit schnapps flavors to create a wide range of "Jolly Rancher" colors and tastes, from watermelon and grape to cherry and blue raspberry.
  • Make It Bubbly: For a fizzy and lighter version, you can swap the cranberry juice for a clear soda like lemon-lime soda or sparkling water.
  • Jolly Rancher Infusion: For a super-intense Jolly Rancher flavor, you can infuse vodka with the candies themselves. Just add 10-15 candies to a bottle of vodka, let them dissolve for 24 hours, and use that as the base for your cocktail.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • Is this a strong drink? The Jolly Rancher is a moderately strong cocktail. The sweet, fruity flavors can mask the alcohol, but it is a potent drink and should be consumed responsibly.
  • What does a Jolly Rancher cocktail taste like? It's a sweet, fruity, and tangy cocktail. The primary flavors are green apple and peach, with a tart kick from the cranberry juice, all blended with a crisp vodka base.
Servings: 1 serving
Course: Beverage, Cocktails, Drinks
Cuisine: Beverage, Cocktail, Drinks
Calories: 285

Loved This Recipe?

You'll love my Recipe Books!
Cheers Mate! Cocktail Recipes book cover by Scotty Boxa, featuring a shaker and glass
Grab it here

Cheers Mate!
Your ultimate cocktail playbook. Over 100 drinks that’ll make you the life of the party (or at least your own kitchen).

weets & Treats Dessert Recipes book cover by Scotty Boxa, featuring cupcakes and ice cream
Snag it now

Sweets & Treats
Boozy desserts + classic indulgence = pure chaos in the best way. No-bake cheats, rich bakes, and grown-up sweets you won’t want to share.

You Might also like these Recipes

Black Opal Cocktail – vibrant blue-black drink in a glass with orange garnish and fresh blackberries, elegant and bold party cocktail.
Black Opal Cocktail

Mix the elegant Black Opal Cocktail with our easy, step-by-step recipe! Featuring black vodka and Chambord, this striking dark drink is perfect for impressing guests. Get the full guide!

A vibrant pink Mexican Candy Shot in a glass with a chili-lime seasoning rim.
Mexican Candy Shot

Get the recipe for the Mexican Candy Shot, a sweet and spicy tequila shooter that tastes just like the popular candy. This guide shows you how to make this fun and delicious party favorite.

A layered Squashed Frog Shot with green, yellow, and creamy white layers, with red drops of grenadine sinking through.
Squashed Frog Shot

Get the recipe for the Squashed Frog Shot, a unique and fun layered shooter that’s perfect for Halloween. This guide shows you how to make this ghoulishly delicious party drink.

A Jäger Bomb Shot with a shot glass of Jägermeister dropping into a larger glass of an energy drink, creating a splash.
Jager Bomb Shot

Get the recipe for the Jäger Bomb Shot, a legendary party starter that’s a high-energy mix of Jägermeister and an energy drink. This guide shows you how to make this iconic shot.

The three components of an Irish Breakfast Shot: a shot of whiskey and butterscotch, a shot of orange juice, and a strip of crispy bacon.
Irish Breakfast Shot

Get the recipe for the Irish Breakfast Shot, a legendary three-part shooter that perfectly recreates the flavor of a pancake breakfast, complete with a savory bacon chaser.

Blue Mother Fucker Cocktail
Blue Mother Fucker Cocktail

Unleash the Blue Mother Fucker Cocktail! This infamous recipe delivers a vibrant blue, incredibly strong, and flavorful drink. Perfect for making a bold statement at any party or gathering. Get ready to mix and enjoy responsibly!

An Irish Trash Can cocktail in a tall glass, with a vibrant green color and a can of Red Bull inverted and sticking out of the top.
The Irish Trash Can Cocktail

Get the recipe for the Irish Trash Can, a potent and vibrant green party drink that’s a wild mix of six spirits and a can of energy drink. This guide shows you how to make this classic party starter.

A Midori Splice cocktail in a tall glass, with a green bottom and a creamy white layer on top.
The Midori Splice Cocktail

Get the recipe for the Midori Splice, a creamy and tropical cocktail that tastes just like the classic ice cream. This guide shows you how to make this delicious, retro party drink.

A Burt Reynolds Cocktail in a tall glass with a pineapple wedge and cherry garnish.
Burt Reynolds Cocktail

Discover the Burt Reynolds Cocktail, a potent and fruity party drink that’s as bold as the actor himself. This guide provides the official recipe and tips for making this memorable, multi-liquor concoction.