A fun, fruity cocktail that tastes just like your favorite sweet-and-sour candy? Yes, please. The Sour Patch Kid cocktail is bright, tangy, and just the right amount of sweet-like a grown-up treat that brings a little nostalgia to your glass. I’ve made this drink countless times for backyard get-togethers and summer parties, and it never lasts long. Here’s how to mix up this playful crowd-pleaser.
Sour Patch Kid
What You’ll Need
Servings: 1 cocktail
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Glassware: Highball or Collins glass
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) vodka
– 1 oz (30 ml) sour mix
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) grenadine
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) simple syrup
– Club soda, to top
– Sour Patch Kids candy, for garnish
– Granulated sugar (optional, for rimming the glass)
– Ice
Method
- Prep your glass: If you’d like a sugared rim (which adds a nice candy-like finish), dip the rim of your glass in lime juice or water, then roll it in granulated sugar. Set aside.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. This chills everything down quickly for a nice, crisp drink.
- Add the vodka, sour mix, lime juice, grenadine, and simple syrup. Measure carefully-too much grenadine can overpower the drink.
- Shake it well. Give it a good 15-20 seconds of shaking. You want everything fully mixed and icy cold.
- Strain into your prepared glass filled with fresh ice. This keeps the drink smooth and refreshing without any ice shards.
- Top with club soda. Just a splash to lighten it up and add a little fizz.
- Garnish with a few Sour Patch Kids candy. Thread them on a cocktail pick or let them float for a fun touch.
Tips & Tricks
– Use fresh lime juice: It really brightens up the drink and balances the sweetness. Bottled lime juice just doesn’t have the same zing.
– Don’t skip the shake: Shaking blends the syrup and juice smoothly and helps chill the drink quickly.
– Make it ahead: You can mix the vodka, sour mix, lime juice, grenadine, and syrup ahead of time. Keep it chilled and just shake with ice when ready to serve. Add soda and garnish last.
Ingredient Swaps
Want to change it up a bit or use what you already have? Try these:
– Vodka: Swap with white rum for a slightly sweeter, tropical flavor.
– Simple syrup: Use agave syrup or even honey for a natural touch.
– Club soda: Use lemon-lime soda if you want it sweeter and fizzier.
Flavor Notes
The Sour Patch Kid cocktail has that signature sweet-tart kick-thanks to the sour mix and lime juice-with a fruity backbone from the grenadine. It’s bright, candy-like, and super refreshing. The club soda lightens it up just enough so it’s not too heavy or syrupy.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail is perfect for:
– Summer BBQs
– Birthday parties
– Game nights
– Any time you’re feeling a little playful
It pairs beautifully with:
– Spicy food: Think spicy wings or tacos. The sweetness helps cool the heat.
– Fruity desserts: Try it with berry tarts or lemon bars.
– Cheese platters: It cuts through creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese.
Storage Tips
If you’re making a batch, mix everything except the ice and soda ahead of time. Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add soda and ice just before serving to keep things fresh and fizzy.
Variations to Try
I thought I’d share a few of my favorite ways to twist this drink up-because once you’ve got the base down, it’s fun to get creative.
Tropical Sour Patch Kid
– Vodka
– Pineapple juice
– Sour mix
– Coconut syrup
Shake with ice and serve over ice. Add a wedge of pineapple for garnish.
Berry Sour Patch Kid
– Vodka
– Mixed berry juice
– Sour mix
– Simple syrup
Shake and strain into a glass of ice. Garnish with fresh berries or a sugar rim.
Citrus Sour Patch Kid
– Vodka
– Orange juice
– Lemon juice
– Lime juice
– Simple syrup
This one’s bright and zippy-shake well and serve with a citrus twist on top.
Non-Alcoholic Version
– Lemon-lime soda or sparkling water
– Splash of grenadine
– Fresh lime juice
– Garnish with Sour Patch Kids
Still fun, still fizzy, and perfect for kids or anyone skipping the alcohol.
FAQs
Can I use a different spirit?
Yes! White rum, gin, or even tequila all work. Each gives the drink a slightly different spin.
What else can I use to garnish?
Try a slice of lime, a cherry, or a mini fruit skewer. The Sour Patch Kids are fun, but not required.
Do I need sour mix?
It adds that signature tang, but if you don’t have it, mix equal parts lemon juice and lime juice with a bit of simple syrup.
How do I make a large batch for a party?
Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need. Combine everything except the club soda in a pitcher. Chill, then pour over ice and top with soda before serving.
Is this drink super sweet?
It’s definitely on the sweeter side, but you can cut back the simple syrup or use sparkling water instead of soda to tone it down.
Whether you’re throwing a themed party or just want a fun drink to brighten up your evening, the Sour Patch Kid cocktail is always a hit. It’s colorful, playful, and seriously tasty. Try one, and you might just find your new favorite happy hour treat.
