Perfect for Halloween Candy Corn Cocktail
A layered cocktail that mimics candy corn’s iconic orange, yellow, and white colors using citrus vodka, orange liqueur, and cream. The result is a visually striking drink with balanced sweetness and subtle vanilla notes perfect for Halloween celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vanilla vodka or plain vodka with ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 oz white chocolate liqueur
- 2 oz orange liqueur like Cointreau or Grand Marnier
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- 2 oz heavy cream
- Yellow food coloring a few drops
- Orange food coloring a few drops
- Ice cubes
- Candy corn pieces for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare your glasses by chilling them in the freezer for about 5-10 minutes before you begin. This helps maintain the distinct layers of the cocktail.
- Mix the white layer by combining the vanilla vodka, white chocolate liqueur, and heavy cream in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well-chilled and slightly frothy.
- Strain the white mixture carefully into your chilled glasses, filling approximately the bottom third. Place the glasses in the freezer for 5 minutes to help set this layer.
- Create the yellow layer by mixing the pineapple juice with a few drops of yellow food coloring in a separate container. For a stronger drink, you can add ½ oz of vodka to this layer.
- Pour the yellow mixture slowly over the back of a bar spoon held just above the white layer. This technique helps create a clean separation between layers. Fill to about two-thirds of the glass.
- Make the orange layer by combining the orange liqueur with a few drops of orange food coloring in another container.
- Complete the cocktail by carefully pouring the orange mixture over the back of a bar spoon to create the final top layer.
- Garnish with actual candy corn pieces on the rim of the glass or dropped into the drink just before serving.
Notes
- For the perfect layers, patience is key – pour extremely slowly over the back of a spoon.
- Chilling between layers in the freezer for a few minutes helps maintain separation.
- The cocktail can be made up to an hour ahead and kept refrigerated, but add the garnish just before serving.
- For a stronger drink, increase the vodka in each layer by ½ oz.
- You can prepare a batch of each layer separately for larger parties, then assemble drinks individually.