Jolly Rancher Drink Recipe – Ultimate Candy Cocktail You’ll Love

Jolly Rancher Drink: How to Make That Candy-Flavored Cocktail at Home

When I first tasted a jolly rancher drink, it wasn’t in some upscale bar. Nope—it was at my cousin Ellie’s backyard wedding where someone had brought neon-pink shots in Mason jars. I figured it was just another sugary punch. But one sip and I was back in my grandma’s kitchen, sneaking Jolly Ranchers from the candy jar while she was frying apples. That drink was bold, tart, sweet—and oddly nostalgic. Since then, I’ve been on a mission to recreate that burst of flavor at home, with a little Southern flair and a lot of trial and error.

This article walks you through what a jolly rancher drink really is, what makes it different from the version at Applebee’s, and how you can mix your own at home—whether you like your drinks shaken, frozen, or zero-proof. I’ll also cover popular variants like the blue raspberry and watermelon jolly rancher drink. Whether you’re a seasoned home bartender or just curious, there’s a recipe here for you.

Why I Fell for the Jolly Rancher Drink

A Sweet, Nostalgic Sipper

I didn’t grow up near fancy liquor stores, and we sure weren’t mixing candy into our drinks. But once I did start experimenting, I found that a jolly rancher drink wasn’t just about sugar—it was about memories. That tangy watermelon kick? It took me straight back to summers barefoot in the grass. The green apple version? Grandma’s fried apples on a Sunday, only with vodka this time.

These drinks might look like a TikTok trend, but don’t let the bright colors fool you. There’s something comforting about them. The kind of comfort that comes with recognizing the flavor before it even hits your tongue. That’s the magic of a good jolly rancher mixed drink—it’s bold, familiar, and just a little mischievous.

I first tried making one with green apple Jolly Ranchers melted into vodka. It sat on the windowsill for two days like a science project. When I finally mixed it with Sprite, it wasn’t half bad. Since then, I’ve upgraded to peach schnapps and cranberry juice combinations, like in this crowd-pleaser over on my cocktail recipes page.

Candy Meets Cocktail Culture

The jolly rancher drink started making waves when bars began serving vibrant, candy-inspired cocktails that looked more like a dessert than a drink. At first, I was skeptical. But then I saw how much fun people were having with them—layered colors, crushed candy rims, frozen slush versions. It’s like the drink equivalent of putting on your favorite playlist and dancing in your kitchen.

This cocktail’s versatility is what made me love it even more. Whether you’re going for a classic vodka base or trying something like a blue jolly rancher drink with blue raspberry syrup, the options are wide open. And that playful attitude fits right in with how I love to cook—curious, messy, and never the same twice.

Next up, let’s break down what actually goes into a jolly rancher drink and how to balance all that sweetness without overdoing it.

What’s in a Jolly Rancher Drink?

Candy-Candy Base – Vodka or Schnapps

If you’ve ever wondered what’s in a jolly rancher drink, the short answer is: candy, liquor, and a bit of creativity. Most versions start with vodka—either plain or infused with Jolly Ranchers. Some folks lean toward flavored vodka like green apple or watermelon, while others use peach schnapps or triple sec to bring out the candy’s sweet-tart profile.

One of my favorite combinations is 1 ounce of green apple vodka, 1 ounce of peach schnapps, and about 4 ounces of cranberry juice over ice. It’s got just enough bite to keep things interesting. You can get the full recipe on my easy cocktail recipes page—it’s a hit at every cookout.

Want to go the extra mile? Try infusing your own vodka. Drop 10 or so Jolly Ranchers into a mason jar with 1 cup of vodka and let it sit for 24 hours. Strain, chill, and you’ve got the base for any jolly rancher alcoholic drink recipe. That method works like a charm if you’re aiming for a watermelon jolly rancher alcohol drink or even a layered blue jolly rancher shot.

If you’re more into bold and punchy flavors, look into using sour apple schnapps instead of peach. It brings out the tartness that makes green apple Jolly Ranchers pop.

Non-Alcoholic Variants & Mixers

Now, not everyone’s into boozy drinks—and that’s okay. The jolly rancher drink is just as fun without the kick. One version I make for family parties uses jolly rancher drink mix, Sprite, and crushed ice. My nieces go wild for the bright pink watermelon one. And I’ll admit—I usually sneak a glass myself.

If you’re trying to cut back on sugar, look for sugar-free drink mixes or use flavored sparkling water. The green apple jolly rancher drink mix blends well with lemon-lime soda or even club soda if you want something lighter. You’ll still get that signature flavor without all the extra sweet.

For the energy drink lovers out there, the C4 blue raspberry jolly rancher energy drink is a whole new ballgame. It tastes like a candy store explosion and pairs surprisingly well with a splash of lemon vodka—great if you’re heading into a long night or want a jolt of nostalgia with your caffeine.

Whether you’re going the boozy route or keeping it family-friendly, there’s a version of the jolly rancher drink for every palate. Check out my mocktails and non-alcoholic recipes for more mix ideas.

Applebee’s Jolly Rancher Drinks Explained

The $1 Dollar Jolly Story

You know something’s caught fire when Applebee’s puts it on their menu. A few years back, they rolled out what they called the “Dollar Jolly”—a bright, candy-colored cocktail for just a buck. And folks went nuts for it. But what is the Jolly Rancher drink at Applebee’s exactly?

Turns out, it’s simpler than you’d think. They infused vodka with actual Jolly Ranchers—usually green apple or cherry—and served it over ice in a 10-ounce mug. It came with a matching candy on the side, just to drive the theme home. Sweet, boozy, and cheap? That’s a crowd-pleaser if I’ve ever seen one.

The drink became part of their lineup during the holidays, when people crave something playful and fun. Think candy cane martinis and eggnog, only with a neon sugar rush. While they don’t serve it year-round anymore, the idea has stuck. I’ve had readers tell me they still try to replicate it at home—and I do too, just with a bit more balance.

Over on my bar-style drink copycats section, I’ve shared my spin on the Dollar Jolly, complete with proportions and candy options that won’t turn your drink into a sugar bomb.

DIY vs. Restaurant Version

Let’s be honest: the Applebee’s version is convenient, festive, and cheap. But when you make your own jolly rancher drink, you can control everything—flavor, sweetness, alcohol level, even color. Want to make it sparkle? Add lemon seltzer. Prefer a slushie? Blend it with ice and fruit juice.

You also get to skip the artificial stuff if you like. One of my favorite swaps is using fresh apple juice with a splash of candy-infused vodka for a cleaner, deeper flavor. It’s perfect for fall and pairs beautifully with my cinnamon-spiced apple desserts.

So, while the Applebee’s Dollar Jolly might’ve made the jolly rancher drink famous, your home bar is where it gets personal. You don’t need a bar cart full of tools either—just a mason jar, a handful of Jolly Ranchers, and your own taste buds.

Coming up next, I’ll share three delicious versions you can try right now—shots, slushies, and my green apple classic.

Three Jolly Rancher Drink Recipes to Try

Green Apple-Vodka Highball

This right here is my go-to jolly rancher drink recipe when I want something easy, pretty, and crowd-pleasing. It’s tart, sweet, and crisp—just like biting into a green apple Jolly Rancher.

Ingredients:

1 oz green apple vodka
1 oz peach schnapps
4 oz cranberry juice
Ice
Optional: actual green apple Jolly Rancher as garnish

Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour in the vodka and schnapps, then top with cranberry juice. Stir gently and garnish with a Jolly Rancher on the rim or dropped right in. The candy dissolves slowly and adds extra flavor as you sip.

This one’s always a favorite at my fall parties and pairs well with apple-themed snacks. It’s also easy to tweak—use watermelon vodka or swap cranberry juice for apple cider if you’re feeling adventurous.

Frozen Candy Cocktail & Shots

Now if you’re after something a little more fun (and flashy), try this slushie version. Inspired by a recipe I spotted over on The Novice Chef, it’s the perfect summer backyard drink.

Frozen Slush Recipe:

10 Jolly Ranchers (any flavor)
1 cup vodka
1 cup lemon-lime soda
1 cup ice

Let the Jolly Ranchers dissolve in vodka for about 24 hours. Blend with soda and ice until smooth. Pour into a mason jar and sip with a straw. It tastes like a carnival in a cup.

jolly rancher cocktail served with candy garnish — Jolly Rancher Drink Recipe: Sweet, Boozy, and So Easy to Make 7

Shot Version:
Mix equal parts vodka and flavored schnapps (like cherry or watermelon). Serve chilled in shot glasses. Add a tiny candy piece if you’re feeling playful. It’s a quick hit of flavor that’s perfect for game nights or when your friends show up with five minutes’ notice.

I’ve got more party-friendly drinks over on my quick mixed drinks page if you want to try other fun combos.

Whether you’re looking for a jolly rancher alcohol drink recipe or something non-alcoholic, these ideas let you customize the drink to your vibe—colorful, classic, or just plain nostalgic.

FAQs

What is a Jolly Rancher drink made of?

A jolly rancher drink typically includes flavored vodka or schnapps, fruit juice like cranberry or apple, and sometimes soda or lemon-lime soda. Many versions also use candy-infused vodka, where actual Jolly Ranchers dissolve into the liquor for full flavor.

What is the Jolly Rancher drink at Applebee’s?

Applebee’s offered a “Dollar Jolly” cocktail made with green apple or cherry Jolly Rancher-infused vodka, served in a 10-ounce mug over ice. It came with a matching candy for garnish and was available during limited-time promotions.

What are the ingredients in a Jolly Rancher?

Jolly Ranchers are made of sugar, corn syrup, natural and artificial flavors, and color additives. When used in drinks, they dissolve to add flavor and color, transforming simple spirits into something nostalgic and punchy.

Does Jolly Rancher drink mix have sugar?

Yes, most Jolly Rancher drink mixes contain sugar, especially those made to mimic the candy’s sweetness. However, sugar-free versions are available if you’re watching your intake or prefer a less sweet option.

Conclusion

If you’ve ever wondered how to make a jolly rancher drink, now you’ve got the tools—and maybe a few memories stirred up too. Whether you prefer your drinks slushy, sparkling, or served as a shot with a side of nostalgia, there’s a version that’ll hit just right. I say don’t be afraid to mix flavors, try something new, or toss a green apple candy into your next party pitcher.

This isn’t about perfect technique—it’s about bringing joy to your glass. So invite a few friends over, pull out that old bag of Jolly Ranchers, and raise a toast to candy and curiosity.