By: Sarah Hardy
Everyone who has a sweet tooth is going to love this article, and if you don’t I might just call you crazy. When looking for something sweet to drink, don’t look past your favorite candy flavors. There are so many fun and delicious drinks that mimic the best candy flavors out there. Here’s a list of some of my favorite sweet treats!
The Grasshopper. This drink is definitely like a strong Klondike bar or Thin Mint, and the recipe is so simple! All you have to do is mix 1 part creme de menthe, 1 part creme de cacao, and one part light cream. Mix and pour into a martini glass! As someone who really loves mint, I often do the full part of creme de menthe, but you can cut it down to ¾ for a slightly weaker drink. You can also add ice and blend for a slightly more “frappe” texture. One of my favorite substitutions is vanilla ice cream instead of light cream, ideal for when you are hosting a gathering and want to make it in a larger batch. This drink is best served immediately after making it, and is perfect for after-dinner socializing. Layer some decadent Hershey’s syrup on top, sprinkle chocolate chips on whipped cream, this drink will meet all your needs!
Peanut Butter Martini. If you’re like me, you’re reading this recipe because you think that peanut butter and chocolate are as essential as peanut butter and jelly. Or, you really like Reese’s peanut butter cups! This drink is made in a blender, so let’s get thing started. Combine 1 part dark creme de cacao, ⅓ part peanut butter, ½ part vodka, and ¼ part milk or light cream. If you’d like, pour the drink into a shaker filled with ice and shake until cold then strain into a martini glass. This is another perfect dessert drink, or whenever you need your chocolate and peanut butter fix. Feel free to garnish the rim with a cut Reese’s cup or crush up some Reese’s pieces to rim the glass.
Peach Bellini Cocktail. This isn’t quite as simple as the first two drinks, but if you’ve ever had peach ring candies this is the perfect drink for you! The biggest challenge to making this drink is finding the main ingredient: peaches. Fresh peaches work best for this summery drink. Once you have peaches (fresh or frozen, completely dethawed) puree the peaches until smooth and chill for at least 30 minutes. When ready to serve, pour a champagne flute ⅓ full of peach puree and the rest with prosecco. My favorite thing about prosecco is that it creates a bubbly and fun drink. The peach bellini is great for brunch or a friend’s summer birthday.
Starburst Cosmos. Do you agree that pink starbursts are the best one in the package? If so, this is your drink! This one takes a little bit of prep as well. First take about 5 pink and red Starburst candies (each). Pour ¾ cup vodka into two jars and drop the pink in one and red in another. Shake vigorously and let sit overnight to infuse the vodka. When you’re ready to finish making your drink, pour the infused vodka into a shaker with ice, 1 ounce lime juice, and 1 ounce of Cointreau. Shake, pour, and repeat with the other jar of vodka. Feel free to add more starbursts for more flavor, as the strength of the Starburst flavor can be weaker if it sits for less time in the jar. It’s also possible to add a dash of cranberry juice to taste if you think it’s a little too sweet.
Snickers chocolate martini. This classic “Snickertini” is a perfect mix of chocolate and caramel. For this drink, you’ll need 3 ounces caramel vodka, 1 ounce Irish cream, 1 ounce chocolate liqueur, and ½ ounce amaretto. Pour all the ingredients into a shaker with ice and pour into a martini glass. Whipped cream is a great addition to this drink with a little extra caramel or chocolate syrup. To make the drink slightly weaker/creamier, feel free do add half-and-half to taste.
Whether you’re looking for a fun drink to add to your next dinner party, or just want to try something new, these drinks are sure to make anyone’s sweet tooth jealous. Of course you are more than welcome to make variations to these recipes to your heart’s desire, but always remember to drink responsibly!
★ College On Tap does not promote underage drinking.
For those who do drink, drink responsibly★