Description
Boozy Rancher Bombs are tart green apples soaked in vodka, dipped in a hard candy shell, and rolled in crushed rainbow candy for the ultimate grown-up treat. They’re bold, crunchy, colorful, and perfect for parties, BBQs, or whenever you want to wow your guests with something sweet and spiked! The combo of juicy apple, boozy center, and rainbow crackle makes these anything but boring!!
Ingredients
For the Boozy Apples:
6 firm green apples (Granny Smith recommended)
2 cups vodka (plain or flavored—green apple, berry, or citrus)
For the Candy Coating:
2 cups granulated sugar
½ cup light corn syrup
½ cup water
Gel food coloring (purple or any vibrant color)
1 teaspoon flavor extract (green apple, raspberry, or vanilla)
For the Rainbow Crunch Topping:
1 cup crushed Jolly Ranchers, Nerds, or rainbow rock candy
Optional: Rainbow Pop Rocks for a fizzy finish
Instructions
Soak the Apples (6–12 hours ahead):
Remove the stems and insert sturdy sticks into each apple. Place apples upright in a deep container and pour vodka over them until mostly submerged. Cover and refrigerate for 6–12 hours. Pat apples completely dry with paper towels before coating.Make the Candy Coating:
In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat without stirring. Use a candy thermometer and heat the mixture until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage). Remove from heat and stir in food coloring and flavor extract. Let cool slightly until thick but pourable.Dip the Apples:
Working quickly and carefully, dip each dried apple into the candy coating. Turn the apple to coat evenly, then set on a parchment-lined baking sheet.Add the Rainbow Crunch:
While the coating is still tacky, roll or sprinkle the apples with crushed candy. Press gently so it sticks. If using Pop Rocks, wait until the coating is warm but not hot to preserve the fizz.Let Set:
Allow apples to cool completely at room temperature until the coating hardens.
Notes
Make Ahead Tip: You can make these a day in advance and store them in the fridge—just bring them to room temp before serving for the best bite.
Vodka Soak Time: The longer the soak (up to 12 hours), the stronger the alcohol flavor. You can also use citrus vodka for a tangy twist or berry vodka for something sweeter.
Candy Cracking Tip: Be sure your apples are fully dry before dipping or the coating won’t stick properly.
No Candy Thermometer? Highly recommend getting one—it’s essential to hit that 300°F “hard crack” stage. Otherwise, your coating will stay soft or sticky.
Non-Alcoholic Option: Skip the vodka soak and go straight to candy-coating and topping—still delicious, still fun!