Ingredients
- 1 bottle Vodka
- 1 packet Gummy Bears or Worms
Instructions
Prepare the Gummies:
- Place your gummy bears or worms into a bowl.
Add the Vodka:
- Pour vodka over the gummies, making sure they’re well-covered.
Soak the Gummies:
- Let the gummies sit and soak in the vodka for 4 to 20 hours, depending on how strong you want them. There’s no need to refrigerate or cover them.
Serve:
- Once they’re ready, serve and enjoy your fruity, boozy gummy bears!
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The exact origin of soaking candy in alcohol is lost to time, but it’s a practice that likely emerged from college dorms and backyard parties. It’s a simple, effective way to infuse a familiar treat with a boozy kick, requiring no special equipment or bartending skills. The appeal lies in its straightforward nature and the element of surprise.
This isn’t a traditional cocktail in the classic sense. It’s more of an infused confection, sitting alongside other alcohol soaked snacks like rum raisins or bourbon cherries. What separates Vodka Gummy Bears is the playful, almost nostalgic appeal of the candy itself, making it a unique, edible form of a party shot.
You won’t find Vodka Gummy Bears on a menu at a craft cocktail bar. These are strictly for house parties, tailgates, casual BBQs, or as a fun addition to a dessert spread. They’re a conversation starter, perfect for breaking the ice or adding a bit of unexpected fun to any relaxed social gathering.
What it tastes like
The initial taste is pure gummy bear, a burst of fruit flavor that masks the alcohol surprisingly well. As you chew, the vodka comes through, warming the palate with its characteristic bite. The finish is a sweet, slightly boozy fruitiness that encourages another bite. The texture remains chewy, though slightly softer than an unsoaked gummy.
The alcohol content is entirely dependent on how much vodka the gummies absorb and how many you consume. The recipe summary notes that roughly 21 bears equate to a standard 1.5 oz shot of 80 proof vodka. This means each gummy delivers a small, manageable dose of alcohol. Eating a handful can quickly add up, so treat them like any other alcoholic beverage: enjoy responsibly and keep track of your intake.
The technique
Building Vodka Gummy Bears is less about technique and more about patience. Simply place your chosen gummy candy in a non-reactive bowl or container. Pour enough vodka over them to ensure they are fully submerged, then let them sit. The soaking time is crucial, ranging from 4 hours for a lighter touch to 20 hours for maximum absorption and potency. There’s no need for refrigeration during this process.
The most critical technique tip here is proper soaking time. Too short, and the gummies will still be mostly candy with a mild vodka coating. Too long, and while they’ll be potent, they can also become overly swollen, losing some of their original texture and potentially dissolving into a sticky mess. Aim for that 12 to 16 hour sweet spot for the best balance of flavor, potency, and texture.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Vodka
- Use
- Any decent quality neutral vodka works here. Smirnoff, Absolut, Svedka, or even a house pour. The fruit flavors of the gummies will dominate, so expensive vodkas are overkill.
- Skip
- Flavored vodkas. They’ll clash with the gummy flavors and create an odd, muddled taste. Avoid anything with strong botanical notes too.
- Why
- Vodka is the alcohol delivery system. Its neutral profile allows the gummy flavors to shine while providing the boozy kick. It’s the blank canvas for the candy’s character.
Gummy Bears (or Worms)
- Use
- Classic gelatin based gummy bears or worms are ideal. Haribo, Trolli, Black Forest, or generic store brands work well. The firmer texture holds up better to soaking.
- Skip
- Gummy candies with a sugar coating or sour powder. These coatings will dissolve and create a sticky, unappealing mess in the vodka. Avoid anything too soft or jelly like.
- Why
- The gelatin structure of gummies allows them to absorb a significant amount of liquid without completely dissolving. Their distinct fruit flavors are the primary taste profile of the finished product.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Rum Gummy Bears
- A tropical twist
- Swap vodka for a light or dark rum. The rum’s inherent sweetness and molasses notes add a different dimension, pairing well with fruitier gummies for a more tropical vibe.
Sour Gummy Worms
- Pucker up, buttercup
- Use sour gummy worms instead of bears. The initial sour kick followed by the sweet, boozy chew creates a more complex taste experience, cutting through some of the sweetness.
Tequila Gummy Bears
- Mexican candy shot
- For a bolder, more adventurous version, use blanco tequila. The agave notes will add an earthy, slightly peppery undertone that some might find surprisingly good with fruit flavors.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Use white rum, gin, or even a light whiskey for different flavor profiles. The neutral character will be lost, but a boozy candy is still a boozy candy.
Gummy worms, gummy rings, or other firm, gelatin based gummy candies will work just as well. Avoid anything with a sugar coating that will dissolve.
Any quantity of gummy bears will work, simply adjust the amount of vodka to ensure they are fully submerged. A standard bag is usually 5 oz to 1 lb.
Any non-reactive container with a lid will do: a Tupperware, a mason jar, or even a zip top bag laid flat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Vodka Gummy Bears?
Vodka Gummy Bears contain two main ingredients: vodka and gummy bears or worms.
How long do Vodka Gummy Bears take to make?
The soaking process typically takes between 4 and 20 hours, depending on how potent you want them to be. The longer they soak, the more alcohol they absorb.
Do Vodka Gummy Bears need to be refrigerated?
No, they do not need to be refrigerated during the soaking process. Once soaked, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge if you prefer them chilled, but it’s not strictly necessary for safety.
How many Vodka Gummy Bears equal a shot?
According to the recipe summary, approximately 21 gummy bears soaked in vodka equate to a standard 1.5 oz shot of alcohol. This can vary based on gummy size and soaking time.
What kind of vodka should I use?
Any standard, unflavored 80 proof vodka works best. There is no need for expensive top shelf spirits, as their nuances will be largely masked by the gummy flavors.
Can I use flavored gummies?
Yes, you can use any flavor of gummy bear or worm. The fruit flavors are what make these treats so appealing. Just avoid gummies with sugar coatings that will dissolve.
Do Vodka Gummy Bears go bad?
While the alcohol acts as a preservative, the gummies can eventually become overly soft, sticky, or even dissolve if left too long. For best texture and taste, consume them within a few days to a week.
Can kids eat Vodka Gummy Bears?
Absolutely not. Vodka Gummy Bears are an alcoholic product and should be kept strictly away from children and anyone under the legal drinking age.
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