Strawberry Sour Candy Cocktail

Picture this: you’re at a party, and someone hands you a drink that’s not just a cocktail—it’s an experience.

It’s sweet but not cloying, tangy without being overpowering, and it packs a playful punch reminiscent of your favorite sour candy.

That’s the Strawberry Sour Candy Cocktail, my go-to for adding a little whimsy to any occasion.

This beauty is a showstopper at summer barbecues, birthday parties, or even a casual movie night with friends who deserve a drink as fun as they are.

It’s a drink that screams “good vibes,” and let’s be honest, who doesn’t need more of those?

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice (about 1 small lemon)
• 1 oz strawberry syrup (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ oz sour mix
• Splash of soda water
• Crushed ice
• Strawberry sour candy (gummies or ribbons) (for garnish and infusion)
• Lemon wheel and fresh strawberry (optional garnish)

Ingredient Breakdown

Vodka (2 oz)
Your base spirit here is vodka, and it’s perfect for letting the fruity, tangy flavors shine. If you’re feeling fancy, try a strawberry-flavored vodka to amplify the flavor. But plain vodka works like a charm too—no judgment.

Fresh Lemon Juice (1 oz)
Forget the bottled stuff; fresh-squeezed lemon juice is the secret weapon here. It’s what gives this cocktail its bright, tangy zing. Pro tip: roll your lemon on the counter before juicing to get every last drop of liquid gold.

Strawberry Syrup (1 oz)
You can find strawberry syrup at most grocery stores, but making your own is easy (and tastes better!). Just simmer equal parts fresh strawberries, sugar, and water until syrupy, then strain. It’s liquid happiness in a bottle.

Sour Mix (½ oz)
This is where the sour candy vibes kick in. Sour mix adds that lip-puckering tartness you’re here for. You can buy it pre-made, but a homemade version (equal parts lemon juice, lime juice, and simple syrup) tastes fresher.

Soda Water (Splash)
A little fizz goes a long way. Soda water lightens up the drink, making it refreshing rather than heavy. Think of it as the sparkle to your cocktail’s personality.

Crushed Ice
Regular ice is fine, but crushed ice? That’s next-level cocktail luxury. It chills the drink faster and gives it that slushy, candy-like texture.

Strawberry Sour Candy
This isn’t just garnish; it’s an essential flavor booster. Toss a couple of sour gummies or ribbons into the glass, and as they dissolve, they’ll infuse the cocktail with a sweet-tart kick.

Optional Garnishes
A lemon wheel and fresh strawberry are optional, but they take the presentation from “cute” to “Instagram-worthy.”

How to Make A Strawberry Sour Candy Cocktail

1. Prep Your Glass

Grab your favorite cocktail glass—preferably something wide-mouthed like a rocks glass. Rim the edge with a bit of lemon juice and dip it into sugar for a frosted effect. It’s not mandatory, but it looks gorgeous and adds a sweet touch to every sip.

2. Infuse Your Vodka (Optional)

For extra candy flavor, toss a few pieces of strawberry sour candy into the vodka and let it sit for 15–30 minutes before mixing. The vodka absorbs the candy’s tanginess, making it next-level delicious.

3. Shake It Up

Fill a cocktail shaker with crushed ice. Add the vodka, lemon juice, strawberry syrup, and sour mix. Shake it like you’re auditioning for a bartending reality show—about 15 seconds should do. This ensures everything is well-mixed and super chilled.

4. Build Your Cocktail

Fill your prepared glass with crushed ice. Strain the shaken mixture over the ice. Add a splash of soda water for that fizzy magic.

5. Garnish Like a Pro

Drop a couple of strawberry sour candies into the glass. They’ll dissolve slowly, adding more sour-sweet flavor as you sip. For extra flair, perch a lemon wheel on the rim and balance a fresh strawberry on top.

6. Taste Test and Adjust

Before serving, give it a quick taste. Too tangy? Add a smidge more strawberry syrup. Not sour enough? Toss in a bit more sour mix. Remember, you’re the boss of your cocktail destiny.

Tips for Success

• Double the Batch: Making these for a crowd? Scale up the recipe and mix it in a pitcher. Just leave out the soda water until you’re ready to serve to keep it fizzy.
• Experiment with Candy: Swap strawberry sour candies for other flavors like watermelon or green apple for a fun twist.
• Crushed Ice Hack: Don’t have a fancy ice crusher? Pop ice cubes into a zip-top bag and whack them with a rolling pin. Instant crushed ice, no gadgets required.

Strawberry Sour Candy Cocktail

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