I remember sneaking Grape Jolly Ranchers from my grandma’s candy dish. That unmistakable, super-sweet, tangy grape flavor was pure childhood magic. It was the best of the bunch, and I’d always dig through the wrappers to find the purple ones. Now, imagine that nostalgic flavor, all grown up.
We’re talking about a smooth, sippable concoction that brings back those sweet memories with a pleasant, warming kick. Making Grape Jolly Rancher Moonshine is way easier than you might think. It’s the perfect project for a weekend, and the result is a beautiful, jewel-toned spirit that’s amazing for sharing with friends. Let’s get that candy jar ready and make something truly special.
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### What You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to deliciousness. This recipe is simple, with just a few key items needed to create that iconic grape flavor.
* **Grape Jolly Ranchers:** About 50-60 candies. The star of the show!
* **Granulated Sugar:** 1 ½ cups. This creates the simple syrup base.
* **Water:** 2 ½ cups.
* **High-Proof Spirit:** A 750ml bottle of 190-proof grain alcohol (like Everclear) or a good quality, high-proof vodka (100 proof).
### Tools of the Trade
You don’t need a professional distillery, just some basic kitchen tools to get the job done right.
* Large stockpot or saucepan
* Long-handled spoon for stirring
* Funnel
* Fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth
* Mason jars with lids (about 4-5 pint-sized jars)
* Measuring cups
### Step-by-Step Guide to Grape Goodness
Follow these simple steps carefully. The key is patience, especially during the cooling and infusing stages.
**Step 1:** Unwrap all your Grape Jolly Ranchers. This might be the most time-consuming part, but it’s worth it. Put on some music and make it fun!
**Step 2:** In your large stockpot, combine the sugar and water. Heat it over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves. This creates a simple syrup base.
**Step 3:** Once the sugar is dissolved, add the unwrapped Jolly Ranchers to the pot. Reduce the heat to low-medium.
**Step 4:** Continue to stir the mixture frequently. The candies will slowly melt into the syrup. This can take about 10-15 minutes. Don’t rush this part by turning up the heat, as you don’t want the sugar to burn.
**Step 5:** Once all the candies are fully melted and the liquid is smooth, remove the pot from the heat. Now for the most important step: let the syrup cool down completely. I mean **completely**. This can take a couple of hours.
**Step 6:** After the grape syrup has reached room temperature, it’s time to introduce the alcohol. Pour the 750ml bottle of grain alcohol or vodka into the pot with the syrup.
**Step 7:** Stir everything together gently until it’s well combined. The mixture will have a vibrant purple color.
**Step 8:** Place a funnel into the mouth of a mason jar and, if desired, line it with a fine-mesh sieve or a few layers of cheesecloth. This helps catch any tiny, undissolved bits for a smoother final product.
**Step 9:** Carefully pour the moonshine into your mason jars, leaving a little bit of space at the top. Seal the jars tightly with their lids.
**Step 10:** Store the jars in a cool, dark place for at least a week. While you can drink it right away, letting it rest allows the flavors to meld and mature, resulting in a much smoother taste.
### Pro Tips from My Kitchen
I’ve made a few batches in my day, and I’ve learned some things that make the process go a lot smoother.
1. **Don’t Rush the Cool-Down:** I can’t stress this enough. Adding high-proof alcohol to a hot or even warm syrup is a bad idea. It can cause the alcohol to evaporate excessively, weakening your final product and potentially creating a safety hazard. Be patient and let it cool to room temperature.
2. **Filter for a Flawless Finish:** While not strictly necessary, filtering the mixture through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve as you pour it into the jars makes a world of difference. It removes any potential sediment from the candies, giving you a crystal-clear, professional-looking moonshine.
3. **The “Shake It” Method:** During the week-long resting period, give the jars a gentle shake once a day. This helps ensure everything stays well mixed and the flavors continue to meld together perfectly.
4. **Start with Clean Jars:** Before you begin, make sure your mason jars and lids are thoroughly washed and dried. You don’t want any lingering dust or residue affecting the pure grape flavor you’re working so hard to create.
### Substitutions and Variations
Once you master the basic recipe, you can start getting creative. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
| Variation | Description |
| :— | :— |
| **Rainbow Shine** | Can’t pick a favorite flavor? Mix them! Use an equal amount of different Jolly Rancher flavors for a multi-layered fruit explosion. |
| **Vodka vs. Grain Alcohol** | If 190-proof grain alcohol is too intense (or unavailable), a 100-proof vodka is a great substitute. The final product will have a lower ABV but will be smoother right off the bat. |
| **Sugar-Free Option** | You can use sugar-free Jolly Ranchers and a sugar substitute like erythritol. Be aware that sugar alcohols can have a different aftertaste and may not dissolve as smoothly. |
| **Add a Fruit Boost** | For a more complex flavor, consider adding a few dried blueberries or a strip of lemon peel to each jar during the resting period. |
### Make-Ahead and Storage
Proper storage is key to making your moonshine last.
**Make-Ahead:** The entire point of this recipe is to make it ahead of time! The flavor improves significantly after at least a week of aging in a cool, dark place. You can let it sit for a month or even longer for an even smoother taste.
**Storage:**
* Keep the sealed jars in a location away from direct sunlight and heat, like a pantry or a cabinet.
* Once a jar is opened, it’s best to store it in the refrigerator to maintain its best quality.
* Stored properly, your sealed moonshine can last for a very long time, easily over a year. The flavor will just continue to mature.
### Nutritional Information and Pairings
Let’s be clear, this is a sweet, alcoholic beverage, not a health drink. The nutritional info is an estimate per serving (around 1.5 oz).
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
| :— | :— |
| **Calories** | 150-180 |
| **Carbohydrates** | 15g |
| **Sugar** | 15g |
| **Fat** | 0g |
| **Protein** | 0g |
**Serving Suggestions:**
This moonshine is potent, so it’s best enjoyed responsibly.
* **Sipped Neat:** Serve it chilled in a small shot glass or sipping glass.
* **On the Rocks:** A single large ice cube can open up the flavor without diluting it too much.
* **As a Mixer:** It’s fantastic for cocktails! Mix it with lemon-lime soda, sparkling water, or lemonade for a simple and delicious drink.
### Frequently Asked Questions
**Q1. Is making this legal?**
**Ans:** We are infusing a legally purchased, tax-paid spirit (like vodka or grain alcohol) with flavor. We are not distilling alcohol, which is illegal without the proper federal licenses. This recipe is for a flavored liqueur or infusion.
**Q2. My moonshine looks cloudy. What did I do wrong?**
**Ans:** Cloudiness usually happens for one of two reasons. Either some of the candy sediment didn’t get filtered out, or you added the alcohol while the syrup was still warm. If it’s just a little cloudy, it’s still perfectly fine to drink. A good filtering can help clear it up.
**Q3. How strong is this moonshine?**
**Ans:** The final alcohol by volume (ABV) depends on your starting spirit and the other ingredients. If you use 190-proof grain alcohol, your final product will be quite potent, likely in the 70-80 proof range (35-40% ABV). Using 100-proof vodka will result in something closer to 40-50 proof (20-25% ABV).
**Q4. Can I use less sugar?**
**Ans:** You can, but keep in mind the Jolly Ranchers themselves are pure sugar. The extra sugar helps create a smoother, more syrupy consistency. Reducing it might result in a thinner, more harsh-tasting final product.
### Wrapping Up
There you have it—a trip back to your childhood candy jar, with an adult twist. This Grape Jolly Rancher Moonshine is more than just a drink; it’s a fun project that yields a beautiful, tasty result. It makes a fantastic homemade gift or a unique addition to any get-together.
Now it’s your turn. Give this recipe a try and let me know how it goes! Did you stick with grape, or did you create your own unique flavor blend? Share your experiences and any questions you have in the comments below. I’d love to hear all about it.