Description
These Boozy Jolly Rancher Candy Apples are a grown-up twist on a fairground favorite! Tart green apples get dipped in a glossy, glass-like shell of melted Jolly Ranchers and spiked with flavored vodka or rum. Perfect for parties, Halloween, or anytime you want a vibrant dessert that’s equal parts sweet, crunchy, and cheeky. These apples are a total showstopper and so easy to customize with fun toppings like edible glitter, Pop Rocks, or crushed candies!
Ingredients
6–8 small green apples (Granny Smith recommended)
1 (14 oz) bag Jolly Rancher candies (blue or your favorite flavor)
2 tablespoons light corn syrup or granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
1/4 to 1/2 cup vodka or flavored rum (blue raspberry, cotton candy, etc.)
Optional toppings: rainbow sprinkles, Pop Rocks, edible glitter
Candy apple sticks or wooden skewers
Parchment paper or silicone mat
Instructions
Prep the Apples:
Wash and thoroughly dry your apples. To remove wax, dip briefly in boiling water and wipe clean. Insert wooden sticks and place apples on a parchment-lined tray.Make the Candy Coating:
In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine unwrapped Jolly Ranchers, corn syrup, and water. Stir constantly until fully melted and smooth—about 8–10 minutes.Add the Alcohol:
Remove from heat and quickly stir in vodka or flavored rum. Mixture may bubble briefly. Stir well and move quickly—it starts to set fast.Dip the Apples:
Working quickly, dip each apple into the hot candy mixture, swirling to coat evenly. Let the excess drip off and return each apple to the tray.
Decorate:
While the coating is still tacky, sprinkle on your choice of toppings (glitter, candy, etc.). Let apples set at room temperature for 20–30 minutes until the coating hardens.
Notes
Wax-free apples are key! If there’s wax, the candy won’t stick properly.
Speed matters. Once you add the booze, the mixture sets quickly—dip right away.
Use room-temperature apples. Cold apples make the candy seize or crack.
Toppings tip: Add them before the coating hardens for the best stick.
No candy thermometer needed. Just watch for bubbling and stir until smooth.
Want a kid-friendly version? Simply skip the alcohol—the flavor and fun stay!
For a softer, gooier take, check out Mini Drunken Caramel Apples—a delicious variation!