Bright pink, sweet, and a little bit nostalgic—the Bubble Gum Cocktail is pure fun in a glass. It tastes just like your favorite childhood gum, but with a grown-up twist. I’ve made this drink countless times, and it never fails to get people talking (and smiling!). Whether you’re hosting a retro-themed party or just want something playful to sip, this cocktail brings the charm.
Bubble Gum Cocktail
What You’ll Need
Servings: 1 cocktail
Prep time: 5 minutes
Glass: Martini glass or highball
Make-ahead: You can pre-mix the base (vodka, syrup, lemon juice) and keep chilled for up to 24 hours
Ingredients
– 1.5 oz (45 ml) vodka
– 1 oz (30 ml) bubble gum syrup
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
– Splash of soda water
– Ice cubes
– Optional garnish: piece of bubble gum or a gum ball
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Pour in the vodka, bubble gum syrup, and lemon juice.
- Shake it up for about 10–15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass (or a highball glass if you want to add more soda).
- Top with a splash of soda water for some fizz.
- Drop in a piece of bubble gum or garnish with a gum ball if you’re feeling playful.
Tips & Tricks
– Use good vodka: A smoother vodka really makes a difference since this drink is sweet and simple.
– Infuse your own vodka: If you’ve got a few days, soak a handful of classic pink bubble gum in vodka. Let it sit for about a week, then strain. The result? A bold, bubble-gummy base that’s hard to beat.
– Chill your glass: Pop your glass in the freezer for 10 minutes beforehand to keep the drink nice and cool.
– Make it lighter: Swap the syrup with a sugar-free version if you want to cut down on sweetness.
– Go non-alcoholic: Skip the vodka and just mix syrup, lemon juice, and soda for a mocktail kids and grown-ups can enjoy.
Flavor & Pairings
This cocktail is sweet, fruity, and a little fizzy with a bubble gum flavor that’s unmistakable. The lemon juice cuts through the sweetness just enough to keep it from being too syrupy. It’s like sipping a memory of summer afternoons and candy stores.
Great with:
– Vanilla cupcakes or ice cream: The creamy, mellow flavor pairs perfectly with the bright sweetness of the drink.
– Salted nuts: A bowl of salted almonds or cashews balances the cocktail’s sugary notes.
– Spicy snacks: Jalapeño poppers or spicy popcorn give a fun contrast—sweet meets heat.
This has been my go-to cocktail for themed parties and summer nights on the patio—it’s always a conversation starter.
Make It Your Own
Substitutions
– No vodka? Try white rum for a tropical vibe.
– Out of bubble gum syrup? Strawberry or banana syrup works in a pinch—just expect a slightly different flavor.
– Want it extra sweet? Use lemon-lime soda instead of soda water.
Fun Variations
Blue Bubble Gum
– Use blue curaçao and banana-flavored bubble gum syrup.
– Mix with vodka and lemon juice, serve over ice. Tastes like a tropical beach day.
Spicy Bubble Gum
– Add jalapeño-infused syrup and rim the glass with chili salt.
– Shake with vodka and lemon juice. Sweet with a little kick.
Bubble Gum Martini
– Use bubble gum–infused vodka and a splash of cranberry juice.
– Shake and strain into a martini glass, garnish with a gum ball.
Virgin Bubble Gum Cocktail
– Mix bubble gum syrup with lemon juice and soda water.
– Serve over ice in a fun glass with a piece of gum on the rim.
Storage & Batch Tips
– You can mix the vodka, syrup, and lemon juice in advance and keep it in the fridge (covered) for up to 24 hours.
– For parties, scale up the recipe into a pitcher. Just wait to add the soda water until serving so it stays fizzy.
– Leftover infused vodka? Keep it sealed and chilled—it’ll stay good for weeks.
FAQs
Can I make my own bubble gum syrup?
Yes! Simmer 1 cup (200 g) sugar, 1 cup (240 ml) water, and 5–6 pieces of bubble gum until melted. Strain and cool.
What gum works best for infusion?
Classic pink gum like Bazooka or Double Bubble gives that nostalgic flavor.
Is it kid-friendly?
The mocktail version definitely is! Just skip the vodka and you’re good to go.
How long does bubble gum vodka take to infuse?
About 5–7 days. Let it sit at room temp, then strain before using.
Can I make a winter version?
Add a splash of cinnamon syrup or a cinnamon stick garnish to warm it up.
This cocktail is a little whimsy in a glass—simple to make, fun to serve, and always a hit. Whether you’re making one just for you or mixing a batch for friends, it’s a sweet way to toast to good times and a little nostalgia.
