Candy Corn Simple Syrup

Whether you love it or loathe it, there's no denying that candy corn is one of the biggest sweet signs of the Halloween season. This 2-ingredient recipe for Candy Corn Simple Syrup will let you make candy corn flavored cocktails, soda, coffee, and so much more!

There are two types of people in this world: Those who like candy corn and those who despise it.

Really, every time I've conducted a (super formal usually on Instagram) poll, it's almost exactly a 50/50 split. And people tend to be VERY passionate about it.

I am one of the candy corn lovers... But in moderation, of course. I think even us candy corn lovers can agree that there's a very thin line between loving the candy and feeling terribly sick from the candy.

And this candy corn simple syrup may be coming kind of close to crossing the line. Because it's basically taking a bunch of candy corn in melting it down into a drinkable form.

However, I will not apologize for it. You're all responsible adults (hopefully) and should make this recipe responsibly or not at all. But seriously... make it. Because it's really fun.

If you really can't handle candy corn, you might like my pumpkin spice simple syrup for a different kind of fall feeling!

What is Simple Syrup?

Technically simple syrup is water and sugar simmered together to form a syrup. And in general, my simple syrup recipes contain water, granulated sugar (sometimes brown sugar), and any variety of ingredients to add flavor (seriously, I've even used bubblegum!).

I did a bit of experimenting with this candy corn syrup recipe because candy corn basically IS sugar and I wasn't sure I'd need the addition of more syrup. And I was correct. This recipe just contains water and candy corn and it makes the most glorious syrup!

In case you're wondering, simple syrup has a lot of uses (I'll outline several below), but the most common one is to add sweetener and flavor to cocktails in an easy way. Pretty much every bar will have a bottle of simple syrup behind it. And the best ones will have a couple flavors, too!

But I don't currently know of any that have candy corn simple syrup...

Why You'll Love this Recipe

If you love candy corn, you're going to love this recipe because the syrup tastes EXACTLY like candy corn!

It's basically candy corn in drinkable form and while that may sound horrifying to some of you, it's a whole lot of fun.

This simple syrup would be so fun to make for drinks at a Halloween party. You can make a great alcoholic beverage or a simple candy corn soda for kids.

Ingredients

Like I mentioned, the ingredients for this recipe are super simple... Here's what you need:

• Water
• Candy Corn

Yup, that's it!

How to Make Candy Corn Simple Syrup

Like most simple syrups, the process for making this candy corn version is quite easy (hence why it's called "simple" syrup)... In fact, this one is even easier than others.

Just add 1 cup of water and 1 cup of candy corn to a saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil.

Once it's boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and let simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until candy corn has completely melted and syrup is thickening (it will continue to thicken as it cools).

It's important to give it a stir every now and then as you don't want the candy corn to get stuck to the pan.

But really, it should melt quite easily and turn your mixture into the most glorious color of Halloween orange.

Now, pour the syrup into a heat-proof bowl or mason jar and place in fridge to cool completely before using.

And marvel at that bright vibrant color. And then give the syrup of sniff... And you'll immediately understand that you have created your own miraculous jar of liquid candy corn.

Do you ever wonder what exactly candy corn tastes like? I always say sugary vanilla with notes of butterscotch, but according to Jelly Belly to Thrillist, "candy corn is a "wonderful blend of creamy fondant, rich marshmallow and warm vanilla notes."

How to Use

The options for using this candy corn syrup really are endless. Let your sweet Halloween heart guide you in using this syrup all October long. In the meantime, here are some of my favorite uses for it:

• Candy Corn Cocktails: The most obvious use for most simple syrups is to use them in cocktails. I think this syrup is best used in vodka sodas (I'll have an easy recipe up for you soon!) so the candy corn flavor really shines, but use it in any cocktail you want.

• Candy Corn Soda: If you have a candy corn-loving kid in your life (or adult!), add a little of this syrup to some sparkling water and you have an instant candy corn soda.

• Coffee or Latte Flavoring: Add this to your coffee for a quick and easy seasonal treat. Or make your own candy corn latte.

• Ice Cream Topping: Candy corn simple syrup drizzled over vanilla ice cream? Yum!

• Oatmeal or Yogurt Topping: Drizzling a little of this syrup over oatmeal or yogurt will start your day off in the sweetest way!

• Pancake or Waffle Topping: Surprise your family this Halloween season by drizzling candy corn syrup over Sunday brunch instead of the typical maple syrup.
  
• Add to Milk: Make milk super fun for your kids this Halloween by turning it orange and adding in some candy corn flavor.
  
• Cake moistener: Lots of people brush simple syrup on cakes after they cool to make cakes extra moist. Flavored simple syrup will also add flavor to the cake and this candy corn version would be delicious on a vanilla cake.

How to Store

You should always store your simple syrups in the fridge in an airtight container. When stored properly, the syrup should stay fresh for at least a month.

I like to store syrup in these 16 oz. mason jars. You can even get lids with spouts for them to make pouring easy.

The jars in these photos are these 8 oz. jars, but since this recipe makes a little over a cup of syrup, you'll need more than one.

How to Make More

If you're making a big batch cocktail for a Halloween party or just want to have extra syrup on hand for homemade candy corn soda anytime, you can easily double or triple this recipe.

Since the syrup uses a 1:1 water and candy ratio, it's very easy to increase as you see fit.

If you want to double this recipe, use 2 cups of water and 2 cups of candy corn. It's the easiest recipe ever to make more of!

Where to Buy

Whenever I share my simple syrup recipes with you, I like to provide you with a list of places you can purchase similar syrups in case you don't feel like making them youself.

Believe it or not, I was only able to find ONE candy corn syrup on the market. I haven't tried this Monin Candy Corn Syrup, but Monin is a great brand for syrups, so I'm assuming it's a great substitute to making your own.

But this recipe is SO easy that it's totally worth trying yourself.

More Simple Syrup Flavors

As evidence by this candy corn syrup, the flavor options for simple syrups truly are endless. I have a ton of simple syrup flavor recommendations for you and will be continuing to share even more with you as time goes on.

Here are some of my current favorites:

• Jalapeno
• Blueberry
• Lavender
• Strawberry
• Mint
• Peach
• Apple
• Pear
• Bubblegum
• Pistachio
• Pumpkin Spice
• Cranberry
• Gingerbread
• Sugar Cookie
• Candy Cane
• Vanilla
• Ginger
• Raspberry
• Rhubarb
• Pink Peppercorn
• Holiday Spice

More Candy Corn Recipes

If you're planning to make this syrup, that must mean you're a really big candy corn fan!

Since I am, too, I have quite a few delicious candy corn recipes ready for you. Here are some of my favorites:

• Candy Corn Toffee
• Candy Corn Ice Cream
• Halloween Party Popcorn
• Candy Corn Martini (this one involves infusing the vodka with candy corn)
• Autumn Candy Corn Granola Bars

Which side of the candy corn debate do you stand on?

📖 Recipe