Sweet Tart Candy Moonshine Recipe: A Bold, Boozy Throwback to Your Favorite Childhood Treat

First off, thank you so much for being here. It means the world to share a recipe like this with fellow flavor adventurers, and I don’t say that lightly. I know you could be anywhere else right now—but you landed here, and that tells me you’re someone who enjoys life with a bit of whimsy and a lot of flavor. You’re my kind of people.

This Sweet Tart Candy Moonshine recipe is one of those kitchen experiments that turns into a full-blown obsession. It’s vibrant, ridiculously fun, and unapologetically bold. This is not your grandma’s cordial—it’s a full-on candy party in a bottle, and yes, it’s strong. But that’s part of the charm.

What Is Sweet Tart Candy Moonshine?

At its core, Sweet Tart Candy Moonshine is a candy-infused alcoholic concoction made by steeping Sweet Tarts in high-proof alcohol, then sweetening the mixture with a simple syrup. What you’re left with is a vividly colored, sweet-and-sour liqueur with a surprising depth of flavor for something made from childhood candy.

It’s part nostalgic throwback, part grown-up indulgence—and 100% fun. Whether you’re making it for your next party, a quirky gift idea, or just something to tuck in your freezer for a rainy night, it’s a recipe that hits all the right notes.

Reasons to Love This Recipe

There are dozens of reasons I find myself returning to this moonshine recipe again and again, but let’s focus on the standouts:

Customizable Flavor and Color
You can use any Sweet Tart color or flavor combination you want. Want a pink batch? Stick to red and pink candies. Going for an electric blue? Use the blues and purples. It’s all up to you, and each batch becomes uniquely yours.

It’s Easy and Low-Effort
Literally four ingredients, and the most “cooking” you’ll do is dissolving sugar in water. The hardest part? Waiting for the candies to infuse.

Perfect for Gifting
This moonshine looks absolutely gorgeous in small bottles. Tie a little tag on with some ribbon, and boom—you’ve got an adorable, one-of-a-kind gift.

Crowd-Pleaser
People are blown away when they try it. “You made this from candy?” Yep. And they’ll ask you for the recipe every time.

What Does It Taste Like?

Sweet Tart Candy Moonshine has a vivid, mouth-puckering punch followed by a smooth sweetness. The tartness of the candy gives it that nostalgic zing, but once blended with the sugar syrup and alcohol, it’s far more balanced than you’d expect.

If you’ve ever tried a candy-flavored vodka or a sour cocktail, imagine that—but homemade, brighter, and a little more special. You get notes of cherry, lime, and grape, depending on the candy combo you choose. It’s tangy, fruity, and surprisingly refined for something made with store-bought sweets.

Benefits of Homemade Candy-Infused Spirits

Beyond just being fun, there are some practical reasons to make your own candy moonshine:

Cost-Effective
No need to spend on flavored liqueurs or pre-made mixers. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create something more interesting than what you’d buy.

Shelf-Stable and Long-Lasting
Thanks to the alcohol content, this stores beautifully. You can make a big batch and keep it for months.

Creative and Customizable
You’re in control. Mix candies, change the base alcohol, play with the syrup—every batch can be different.

Great for Parties and Events
Make a large jar, set it out in a decorative dispenser, and watch guests flock to it. It’s also perfect for themed events or adult Halloween parties.

Ingredients

To make approximately 3 to 4 cups of Sweet Tart Candy Moonshine, you’ll need:

1 cup Sweet Tart candies (any flavor or combination)

3 cups Everclear (190 proof for potency, or substitute vodka for a lighter option)

1 cup water

¾ cup granulated sugar

Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need much in terms of kitchen equipment, but here’s what I recommend:

Large mason jar or glass container with a tight-sealing lid

Small saucepan

Spoon or whisk

Funnel (for easy bottling)

Bottles or jars for storage

Optional: fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth for a smoother finish

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

Candy Options
While Sweet Tarts are the star here, you can absolutely experiment. Jolly Ranchers, Nerds, and Skittles also work beautifully. Want a more intense berry flavor? Try using all blue or purple candies. Prefer something tropical? Mix in citrus-flavored candies.

Alcohol Variations
Everclear will give you a stronger, more shelf-stable result. However, if you’re new to DIY infusions or want something smoother, vodka is your best bet. Choose plain, unflavored vodka to let the candy shine.

Sweetness Adjustment
If you find the finished product too sweet, cut back the simple syrup slightly. You can start with ½ cup sugar instead of ¾ and adjust from there. It’s always easier to add more than to take it out.

Flavor Enhancements
Try adding a splash of fresh lemon juice after infusion to brighten up the flavor, or throw in a few mint leaves or citrus zest strips during the infusion process for a little aromatic complexity.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Infuse the Alcohol

In your large mason jar or glass container, add the Sweet Tart candies. Pour the Everclear or vodka over them and seal the container tightly. Give it a gentle shake.

Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 24 to 48 hours. Shake the jar occasionally to help the candies dissolve evenly. The liquid will become brightly colored and slightly opaque depending on your candy selection.

Step 2: Prepare the Simple Syrup

In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves. This usually takes 2 to 3 minutes. Once dissolved, remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool to room temperature.

Step 3: Combine and Stir

Once the candies are fully dissolved and the syrup is cooled, pour the simple syrup into the jar of infused alcohol. Stir gently to combine everything evenly. Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary.

Step 4: Strain and Bottle

For a smooth finish, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any candy residue or undissolved particles. Funnel the moonshine into bottles or jars.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Store your moonshine in the refrigerator or freezer. It’s best served cold, either as a shot, sipper, or mixed into cocktails.

What to Serve with Sweet Tart Moonshine

This moonshine is flavorful enough to stand alone, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few creative options:

Fruit skewers with pineapple, strawberries, or melon

Sparkling water or lemon-lime soda for an easy highball-style drink

Mini dessert shooters layered with whipped cream or fruit puree

Tropical or sour-themed candy platters

Want more playful cocktails to go with your candy moonshine? You’ll love this Gummy Bear Martini recipe, a sweet, fruity sipper with all the nostalgic charm of your favorite chewy treat.

Expert Tips for the Best Homemade Candy Moonshine

Use clear jars so you can monitor how the candy dissolves—it’s oddly satisfying to watch the transformation.

Keep your ratios consistent. A 1:3 ratio of candy to alcohol works best for flavor without overpowering sweetness.

Label your jars with the date and flavor combo. This helps if you’re storing multiple batches or gifting bottles.

Chill well before serving. This isn’t something you want to sip warm.

If making as gifts, consider pouring into decorative swing-top bottles with personalized labels.

Storage Instructions

Store your Sweet Tart Candy Moonshine in the fridge or freezer, tightly sealed. If made with Everclear, it can last up to 12 months. Vodka-based versions are best consumed within 3 to 6 months for peak flavor.

The high alcohol content keeps the moonshine safe from spoilage, but always store in a cool, dark place to preserve color and taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use flavored vodka?
You can, but keep in mind it may clash with the candy flavors. Stick to plain vodka unless you’re going for something specific like citrus or berry undertones.

How strong is this moonshine?
If made with Everclear and diluted with syrup, the final ABV hovers around 30–35% (60–70 proof). Vodka versions are milder at roughly 20% ABV (40 proof).

What if some candies don’t fully dissolve?
That’s okay! Just strain them out before bottling. Some candy coatings or binders can leave a little sediment, but it won’t affect flavor once filtered.

Is this moonshine legal to make at home?
As long as you’re using commercially available spirits (not distilling alcohol yourself), it’s legal to infuse and consume at home in most places. Always check your local laws, especially if you plan to gift or sell it.

What’s the best way to serve it?
Chilled, in shot glasses, or mixed into a cocktail. It also works wonderfully drizzled over shaved ice or blended into frozen drinks for a nostalgic adult treat.

For another playful drink with tropical vibes, don’t miss this Pineapple Rum Dum cocktail recipe. It’s creamy, fruity, and made for sunny afternoons.

Final Thoughts

Sweet Tart Candy Moonshine is one of those recipes that makes you feel like a culinary magician. It’s fun, unexpected, and a real crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re crafting it for a themed party, giving it away as a whimsical gift, or hoarding it in your own freezer (guilty), it’s a drink that sparks conversation and delivers flavor in spades.

I promised you versatile, and here’s proof: one basic method, countless flavor combinations, and endless ways to enjoy it. I’m already thinking about a holiday version with red and green candies!

For more fun, candy-inspired drinks, revisit the Gummy Bear Martini recipe or explore bright, bold tropical mixes like the Pineapple Rum Dum cocktail.

Share Your Candy Creations

If you try this recipe, I would love to see what you create. Share your photos and tag me on Pinterest, or leave a comment letting me know your favorite candy combos. This is the kind of recipe that only gets better with community creativity.

Nutritional Information (Approx. per 1 oz serving)

Calories: 110
Sugar: 12g
Alcohol by Volume: 12–15%
Carbs: 13g
Fat: 0g
Protein: 0g

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