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

A tray of Strawberry Margarita Jello Shots in plastic cups with salt rims and lime garnishes.
Strawberry Margarita Jello Shots

Get the recipe for Strawberry Margarita Jello Shots, the ultimate party starter. This guide shows you how to make these fun, festive, and delicious bite-sized cocktails that are perfect for any celebration.

A layered Jam Donut Shot in a glass, with a red base and a creamy white top layer, and a sugar-coated rim.
Jam Donut Shot

Get the recipe for the Jam Donut Shot, a layered and delicious shooter that tastes exactly like a raspberry jam donut. This guide shows you how to make this popular dessert shot.

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.

Perfectly layered Wet Pussy Shot with cranberry, cream liqueur, and peach schnapps against a blurred background
Wet Pussy Shot

Learn how to make the perfect Wet Pussy Shot! Step-by-step layering tips, variations, and serving ideas. Sweet, creamy, and dangerously fun.

A vibrant blue Blue Lagoon Cocktail in a glass with a lemon wheel and cherry garnish.
Blue Lagoon Cocktail Recipe

Get the recipe for the Blue Lagoon, a vibrant blue classic cocktail that's a simple and refreshing blend of vodka, blue curaçao, and lemonade. This guide shows you how to make this tropical escape in a glass.

Layered Burt Reynolds Shot with a dark rum base and a golden butterscotch top layer.
Burt Reynolds Shot

Channel your inner Hollywood legend with the Burt Reynolds Shot! This smooth mix of spiced rum and butterscotch schnapps is easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

A colorful Fruit Tingle Cocktail in a tall glass, garnished with a maraschino cherry and a pineapple wedge.
Fruit Tingle Cocktail

Get the recipe for the Fruit Tingle, a fun and colorful cocktail that tastes just like the classic candies. This guide shows you how to make this sweet and fizzy party favorite.

A Skittle Bomb Shot with a shot glass of Triple Sec dropped into a larger glass of a yellow energy drink.
Skittle Bomb Shot

Get the recipe for the Skittle Bomb Shot, a fun and energetic bomb shot that tastes just like the classic candy. This guide shows you how to make this popular party favorite.

A beautiful Wet Pussy Cocktail in a coupe glass, with a single fresh raspberry garnish.
Pink Pussy Shot Recipe

Ready for a deliciously smooth party starter? This Pink Pussy Shot recipe is pure fun in a glass! We’ve got the easy steps for this sweet, creamy vodka and peach shooter.