Candy corn infused vodka and butterscotch schnapps combine to make a perfectly sweet Candy Corn Martini, best served once a year on Halloween. It's a vibrant orange color and tastes just like Halloween's most controversial candy!
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It should be pretty clear by now that I'm a big fan of infusing liquor. I mean, who doesn't love the fact that you can take a simple vodka, tequila, etc. and give it absolutely any flavor you want?
I've done it with jalapeño and vodka. I've done it with habanero and tequila. And I've done with with Sour Patch Kids and tequila. Now I'm sticking to the candy theme and different direction and doing it with candy corn.
Because 'tis the season for candy corn lovers!
I really wanted to make a candy corn martini to celebrate autumn and Halloween and I knew exactly what to do to make it happen. Infuse the vodka!
❤️ Why you'll love this recipe
If you love the flavor of candy corn, you're going to absolutely love this sweet drink! Since the ingredients are pretty basic, the drink tastes exactly like the controversial Halloween candy.
It's also incredibly easy to make. The most difficult part is pouring the candy corn in the vodka and letting it soak for about 3 hours, while you watch it turn the most ridiculously bright shade of orange ever and try not to eat the remaining candy corn straight from the bag.
This candy corn martini is perfect for serving at Halloween parties and fall events. But the infused vodka can also be used in many other cocktails and recipes.
🗒 Ingredients
You only need a few simple ingredients to make this Halloween martini. Here's what's required (but be sure to view the recipe card at the bottom of this post for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions):
- Vodka
- Candy corn
- Ice
- Butterscotch schnapps
🥃 How to make candy corn infused vodka
Like I mentioned, this is the most difficult part of the whole drink... And that's only because it requires a little bit of waiting!
Place the 1 cup vodka and the ¾ cup candy corn in a bowl or large glass or measuring cup and let it sit for at least 3 hours.
The vodka starts off clear.
After 3 hours, strain the candy corn out of the vodka.
And see what a brilliant orange color it has turned! Just like candy corn. This vodka tastes a lot like candy corn, too.
You can store the candy corn vodka in a mason jar or other air-tight container and use it as you please. Or you can keep following below for instructions on how to turn it into a martini.
🍸 How to make candy corn martini
While the vodka does taste a lot like candy corn, thanks to the 3-hour infusion process. When turning it into a martini, I wanted something that would boost the flavor even more.
And that turned out to be butterscotch schnapps!
All you have to do is add 3 ounces of candy corn vodka and ½ ounce of butterscotch schnapps to an ice-filled shaker and shake well.
And then pour into a martini glass. Or the glass of your choice.
If you want to put a few pieces of extra candy corn in the bottom of the glass before pouring the martini in, it can be a fun surprise for the drinker.
Yes, this is a very sweet cocktail, but isn't that what you'd expect from a candy corn drink?
It's a vibrant colored martini and so, so perfect for any candy corn lover!
It's obviously also pretty heavy on the alcohol, too, but what good martini isn't?
This is the ultimate Halloween party martini. And it goes perfectly with a nice mix of candy corn and peanuts!
🎉 Variations on recipe
This is such a simple recipe, but if you don't have some ingredients or are looking for variations, here are some ideas:
- To simplify this even more, just pour the infused vodka into the shaker with ice and pour into a glass. The butterscotch schnapps does add a boost of candy corn flavor, but the martini will still be delicious without it.
- If you don't have butterscotch schnapps, but have vanilla vodka, whipped cream vodka, or marshmallow vodka, you can use that instead.
- If you want a martini that looks like candy corn instead of tasting like candy corn, you can make a layered martini with pineapple juice (bottom layer), orange liqueur or orange juice (middle layer), and rumchata or heavy cream (top layer). This won't have candy corn flavor at all, but looks festive for Halloween.
- I like the simple single candy corn garnish, but you can also use a sugared glass rim to add even more fun. I recommend a white or yellow sugar to add to the candy corn look.
For another fun layered candy corn party idea, try these Candy Corn Jello Cups!
I also make a candy corn syrup that can be used in all kinds of Halloween cocktails.
🥳 How to make a big batch cocktail
If you're having a Halloween party and don't want to measure and mix each individual cocktail while guests are arriving, you can make a big batch cocktail mixture in advance.
For 10 servings, mix together 30 ounces of candy corn vodka (you'll need to make a few batches to get about 3 ¾ cups) and 5 ounces butterscotch schnapps (about ⅝ of a cup) in a large pitcher or other container and stir well. Keep in fridge until ready to serve.
You can pour 3 ½ ounces of the mixture into an ice-filled martini shaker and pour into glasses as your guests arrive.
However, if you don't want to shake each drink individually, you can add some water into the drink when you're mixing it in advance (to account for the dilution that would occur when you shake it).
If you're mixing a big batch for 10 servings, I'd add about about 5 ounces of water to the mixture.
Then you can just pour the already diluted cocktail into individual martini glasses, no shaker necessary.
⏲️ How to store vodka
If you're making the candy corn vodka in advance, it's easy to store. I recommend keeping it in a large mason jar, but you can store it in any airtight container.
Make sure to store it in a cool dry place away from sunlight. You can keep it in the fridge if you want it chilled, but you don't have to.
Location: Keep it in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight, like a pantry or cupboard. It does not necessarily need to be refrigerated, but you can refrigerate it if you prefer it chilled.
Since vodka is a high-proof spirit, it acts as a preservative, so your infused vodka should stay fresh for quite a while as long as it's stored properly.
🍬 More candy corn recipes
If you've been a longtime We are not Martha reader, you're no stranger to the fact that I love making desserts and drinks with candy corn! I think it's such a fun and festive Halloween treat with so much potential for parties and fall gatherings.
Here are some of my favorite recipes using candy corn:
OK now, go whip up this candy corn martini and snuggle up on the couch with the bag of candy corn that's leftover.
I won't say "I told you so" when you find yourself on a massive sugar high only to pass out at 9 p.m. from the crash. It's worth it.
Happy Halloween season to all my fellow sweet tooth friends! What's your favorite Halloween sipper?
📖 Recipe
Candy Corn Martini
Ingredients
- 3 oz. candy corn infused vodka (recipe below)
- ½ oz. butterscotch schnapps
- Ice
- Candy corn, for garnish
Candy Corn Infused Vodka
- 1 cup vodka
- ¾ cup candy corn
Instructions
- In a shaker filled with ice, add candy corn vodka and butterscotch schnapps. Shake well.
- Place a few candy corn on bottom of a martini glass if desired, and pour martini into it.
- Garnish martini glass with a candy corn.
Candy Corn Infused Vodka
- Place vodka and candy corn in a bowl or large glass or measuring cup, stir, and let sit for at least 3 hours.
- Strain vodka to remove candy corn.
- Keep candy corn vodka in a mason jar or other airtight container in a cool, dark spot.
Notes
- See post body for butterscotch schnapps substitutes
- See post body for information on how to make a big batch cocktail for parties
Michelle says
I'm not a huge fan of candy corns but I love the bright orange color of this drink!
Vanessa says
This is so great! Perfect for Halloween and I know what you mean about Eating the whole bag!!
Emily @ A Cambridge Story says
So inventive!! I bought a bag of candycorn a couple weeks ago and downed it in a matter of days. So disgusting! Maybe sticking to candy corn in liquid form is a better approach 🙂
Katie says
very festive!! love the color, it's perfect for a halloween party!
Joanne says
This is crazy awesome! I really need to start to experiment more with liquor!
foodie @ Tasting Spot says
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Yudith @ Blissfully Delicious says
Oh yum, yum! Gorgeous shots!
Lindsay @ Pinch of Yum says
What a fun idea! I love the candy corn that is sprinkled around for easy munching with the drink. 🙂
Karen | Divine Dinner Party says
I hope some of the candy corn will make it to my martini glass before I eat the whole bag! This is soooooo perfect for the Halloween. Thanks for this brilliant idea!
Holly says
This is the most genius idea! Love it!!
Pam says
Those look so festive and tasty!
Ashley@BakerbyNature says
How brilliant! I have been a long time hardcore candy corn addict... so this is pretty much my dream come true.
Megan says
Hmm... I'm thinking candy corn shots could be the way to go! This is such a festive drink... perfect for Halloween parties!
Boston Guru says
This is perfect! I am embarrassed to say I love candy corn but I am now adding an new drink to my list. Very creative.
Margo says
These look amazing!! I'm going to have to try this!! Thanks!
Kelly says
How fun. Now you're having me wondering if you could do it with other candy. For example, how about a swedish fish martini?
Victoria says
That looks yummy! I have to try this.
Bridget says
Wow orange!! I bought my first bag of candy corns yesterday 🙂 I can only take a few at a time but I always crave them come October. This sounds way too sweet for me, but they look awesome and so creative!
Chrissy says
Whoa.. this is so pretty! Just for the record I have never heard about the egg white in a martini! crazy!
Betty @ scrambled hen fruit says
What a brilliant (literally) idea! You can't have too much candy corn in October, can you? 🙂
Jenn's Food Journey says
Ok, this is a drink I could totally get addicted to! I LOVE candy corn... Yea, this one might be dangerous 🙂
Christin says
Love the color! I think this is what I will be sipping as I pass out the Halloween candy to the trick-or-treaters.
Kerstin says
Talk about perfect for a Halloween party! Love it!
Nicole @halfbuzzedhostess says
Love this -- it combines my two favorite things: candy corn and booze!
Ellen says
Yummy! Sharing on FB!
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes and Desserts says
YUM!! I could go for one of these right now. What a great idea!
Margie says
Since we are on the subject of Candy Corn. I do not like Candy Corn. But ! Mix half candy corn ahd half salty peanuts from the can and YUMMMMY!!! The mix tastes like Pay Day Candy Bar. Make sure you get that salt in there.... sweet and salty....
Susan Carruth says
this looks AH-MAZING ! cannot wait to try it !
MAYA @ MAYA- KITCHENETTE says
awww.. so beautiful pictures. looks so lovely candy corn martini 🙂