Taste the Rainbow Skittles Shots Recipe

Thank you so much for being here. I’m always thrilled to share playful and colorful cocktail recipes that spark a little joy—and this one might be my favorite yet. Taste the Rainbow Skittles Shots take your favorite childhood candy and turn it into an irresistible adult treat. These vibrant vodka infusions aren’t just eye candy—they’re genuinely delicious and always a hit at parties. Each Skittles color gets its own infusion, resulting in a fun rainbow spread that looks as good as it tastes.

What Are Skittles Shots?

Skittles shots are vodka-based drinks that have been infused with individual Skittles candy colors. This means separating your Skittles by color—red, orange, yellow, green, and purple—then letting them sit in plain vodka for 12 to 24 hours. The result is five different candy-flavored infusions, each with a bold color and a unique taste. Once strained and chilled, they’re ready to be served as fun and fruity shots or sipped slowly over ice. You can even layer them in rainbow shot glasses for extra wow factor.

These are not only showstoppers at any party, but they’re incredibly easy to make, require just two ingredients (plus a little patience), and deliver big flavor with a nostalgic twist.

Reasons to Love This Recipe

There’s something incredibly charming about turning nostalgic snacks into adult-friendly drinks. Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:

• Visual Appeal: Bright, bold, and bursting with color, these shots are a centerpiece all on their own.
• Customizable Flavors: Don’t love green apple? Skip it. Want more cherry? Double up on red. It’s totally up to you.
• Minimal Ingredients: All you need is vodka and a bag of Skittles.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Infuse them a day in advance and have them ready when guests arrive.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These work for birthdays, bachelorette parties, game nights, Pride celebrations—you name it.

What Do Skittles Shots Taste Like?

Each color tastes exactly like the Skittles flavor it represents—but with a smooth alcoholic kick. Red gives you a sweet cherry-strawberry blend, orange has that tangy citrus zest, yellow delivers a lemony brightness, green brings the tart green apple bite (or lime, depending on your region and Skittles version), and purple is that unmistakable grape candy flavor.

Together, these taste like liquid candy, but the vodka adds a warmth that balances the sugar. The final result is a smooth, sweet shot that’s fun to sip and even more fun to serve. It’s like drinking a memory from your favorite childhood candy stash, with a very grown-up twist.

Benefits of Making Skittles Vodka Shots

These shots aren’t just a novelty—they’re actually smart party planning. Here’s why:

• Simple and Affordable: No exotic ingredients or equipment needed.
• Great for Batching: Hosting a crowd? You can easily scale this recipe up or down.
• Eye-Catching Presentation: Just line them up in rainbow order and watch guests beeline to the bar.
• Kid-at-Heart Fun: Everyone recognizes Skittles, making these both familiar and surprising.

Ingredients

• 1 large (14 oz or party-size) bag of Skittles, sorted by color (you’ll need about 60 of each color)
• 750 ml plain vodka (avoid flavored varieties so the candy flavor shines)
• 5 mason jars or sealable glass containers (one for each Skittles color)
• Cheesecloth or coffee filters (for straining out waxy residue)

Tools You’ll Need

• Fine mesh strainer
• Measuring cups
• Funnels (optional, but helpful for pouring the vodka back into bottles)
• Glass jars with tight-fitting lids
• Shot glasses or small cocktail glasses for serving

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

Want to get creative or adapt to what you have on hand? Here are a few ideas:

• Swap vodka for white rum for a tropical spin.
• Add edible glitter or shimmer dust before serving for extra glam.
• Mix in club soda or lemon-lime soda to create fizzy cocktails instead of straight shots.
• Try other candies like Starburst or Jolly Ranchers using the same technique.

And if you’re into candy-themed cocktails, don’t miss my Pink Starburst Shot Recipe. It’s another grown-up take on a childhood favorite and pairs beautifully with these Skittles shots.

How to Make Skittles Vodka Shots

Step 1: Separate the Skittles by Color

This is the most time-consuming part, but it’s also a bit meditative. Pour out your bag of Skittles and sort them into five groups: red, orange, yellow, green, and purple. You’ll want around 60 Skittles of each color.

Step 2: Add Skittles to Jars

Place each color into its own clean mason jar. Don’t mix the colors unless you’re going for a brown, mystery-flavor kind of vibe (not recommended).

Step 3: Add Vodka

Pour about one cup (240 ml) of plain vodka into each jar. The Skittles should be fully submerged. If you’re using a full 750 ml bottle, divide it evenly between the five jars.

Step 4: Infuse

Seal each jar tightly and give it a good shake. Let the jars sit at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours. During this time, the Skittles will dissolve into the vodka, infusing it with color and flavor. Shake the jars occasionally to help the process along.

Step 5: Strain

Once the infusion is done, you’ll notice some waxy residue floating in the vodka. This comes from the Skittles’ outer coating. To remove it, strain each mixture through a cheesecloth-lined mesh strainer or use a coffee filter. This may take a little time but results in a smooth, clean finish.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Transfer the filtered vodka to clean jars or bottles and refrigerate for a few hours before serving. Serve ice cold in shot glasses or over ice for a longer, sip-able drink.

You can also get creative with presentation—layer different colors in the same glass, rim your shot glasses with sugar, or serve in rainbow shot trays for full effect.

What to Serve with Skittles Shots

Skittles shots are the highlight of any snack table, but they pair well with both sweet and savory bites. Try these ideas:

• Color-coordinated cupcakes or cookies
• Mini candy charcuterie boards
• Fresh fruit skewers
• Popcorn or pretzels for a salty contrast
• A cheese board to balance all that sweetness

You can even pair your shots with other candy-based drinks like Blue Banana Bombs, a fun and tropical bomb shot that keeps the candy cocktail theme going strong.

Tips for the Best Skittles Shots

• Strain thoroughly. The waxy film from Skittles can leave your drink cloudy. Take your time and strain well.
• Use decent vodka. You don’t need top shelf, but avoid the bottom-of-the-barrel stuff. A mid-range vodka works perfectly.
• Refrigerate before serving. These taste best cold, so give them a few hours to chill after straining.
• Label your bottles. The colors can look similar once filtered, especially red and purple. Save yourself the guessing game.

Storage Instructions

Skittles-infused vodka will last up to three weeks in the fridge. Just make sure it’s stored in sealed containers. Shake gently before serving if you notice any settling.

You can also freeze it for longer storage, though the alcohol content will keep it from freezing solid. Just let it thaw in the fridge before serving.

More Candy-Infused Recipes to Try

If you’re loving the candy cocktail vibe, here are some other fun recipes to keep the party going:

• Pink Starburst Shot Recipe: Sweet, creamy, and bursting with berry flavor, this pink shooter is always a crowd favorite.
• Rum Cherry Coke Jello Shots: A nostalgic twist on soda and rum, these jello shots are next-level fun.
• Blue Banana Bombs: Electric blue, tropical, and bold—perfect for pairing with your rainbow spread.

Each of these brings a colorful, playful vibe to your cocktail lineup and makes any party a little more fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use flavored vodka instead of plain?
Yes, but it may compete with the Skittles flavors. Plain vodka allows the candy flavors to shine through clearly.

How long should I infuse the vodka?
12 to 24 hours is perfect. Any longer, and you risk overly artificial flavors.

Can I mix all the colors together?
You can, but the result will be a murky brownish color. Keeping them separate preserves the visual rainbow and individual flavors.

How many shots does this make?
You’ll get about 5 cups of Skittles vodka total, which is roughly 40 shots (1.5 oz each).

Can I use this to make cocktails instead of shots?
Absolutely. Try mixing with lemon-lime soda, tonic water, or even a splash of fruit juice for a longer drink.

Conclusion

Taste the Rainbow Skittles Shots are the ultimate combination of nostalgic candy joy and grown-up party fun. They’re vibrant, sweet, and easy to make—perfect for every celebration from birthday parties to bachelorette weekends. With just two ingredients and a little patience, you’ll have a whole rainbow of drinks that are as fun to serve as they are to drink.

So, gather your Skittles, grab some vodka, and let the rainbow magic begin. And don’t forget to tag me or share your colorful creations on Pinterest—I love seeing how you bring these drinks to life!

Nutritional Information (Per 1.5 oz Shot, Approximate)

• Calories: 110
• Sugar: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Alcohol Content: Approx. 20% ABV (after infusion)

Print