Buzz
Halloween is just around the corner, and if you're like me, you’re probably wondering: “How can I fit more candy into my life?” While snacking on candy is always a good option, don’t forget to infuse your drinks with sweets too. As you prep for the spooky weekend ahead, grab some extra candy to use as festive garnishes for your creepy cocktails. These colorful, eye-catching additions do more than just make your drinks pop—they also raise the Halloween spirit! There are three eerie ways to add candy to your cocktails: rotisserie-style, the simple drop-in method, or frozen inside an ice cube.
For most chocolate treats, like fun-size Milky Ways or Snickers, I suggest the rotisserie-style garnish. After all, what’s the point of fun-size if not to fit perfectly on a skewer for your drink? Plus, keeping the shiny metallic wrapper on helps guests identify their candy. Unwrapped chocolates, though, can look less than appealing at the bottom of a Manhattan—they tend to resemble something you'd find in the East River.
You can prepare these in advance by skewering them without handling the candy, so when your guests arrive, you’ll have a stack ready to place over their drinks. This keeps the candy clean and prevents it from being exposed to the elements. It also lets your guests decide if they want to add candy to their cocktails. I used a bamboo skewer cut in half, but large toothpicks work just as well. Just ensure the skewer is long enough to rest over the rim of your glass.
Soft candies can be skewered rotisserie-style as well, but don’t overlook the impact of themed sweets, like gummy vampires, skulls, or gummy eyeballs. While these work great as drop-in garnishes, they add an eerie touch to cocktails, especially in a martini glass. The cloudy cocktails look even better with these ghostly treats. Gummy candies are ideal for this, as they don’t dissolve like Skittles or M&Ms. Their gelatin keeps them intact, preserving both the candy and drink’s flavors. However, be cautious with sour gummies—they dissolve quickly, especially their tangy coating, and should only be paired with citrusy cocktails to complement the tartness.
One of my favorite candy garnish methods is the ice cube technique. Start by filling an ice cube tray halfway with water, then add your favorite small festive candies. Stick to candies that won’t dissolve too quickly—avoid Smarties, for example. If you do use candies that dissolve, you’ll get a colorful ice cube instead. Gummy eyeballs and vampire teeth look fantastic inside the cubes. Simply place one or two candies in each divot, letting them stick out a little for added effect. Freeze them for about three hours until they’re solid. The cubes will develop a cloudy, spooky look. Once frozen, pop a cube into a rocks glass for a truly eerie cocktail, and enjoy the playful burst of candy with every sip.
