Candy Corn Martini

This post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure policy here.

Cocktail History

The Candy Corn Martini is a popular Halloween cocktail of unknown origin. On other websites, similar drinks are often made with a neutral grain spirit, candy-flavored liqueurs, and other sweet ingredients. This version created by Alex Sukopp, former bartender of Sips From Scripts, also starts with vanilla vodka as the base spirit, but it adds a little sophistication with honey and herbal liqueurs that are layered along with pomegranate and cranberry to look like the candy.

Cocktail Ingredients

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Vanilla Vodka: This is a type of vodka made with vanilla pods, grains, vegetables or fruits, and alcohol. I used Smirnoff Vanilla Vodka.

Honey Liqueur: This is a liqueur made with honey, spices, sugar, and alcohol. I used Celtic Honey Irish Liqueur.

Grenadine: This is a sweetener made with pomegranate juice and white sugar. I made mine using this stovetop recipe.

Liquore Galliano L’Autentico: This is a liqueur made in Italy with vanilla, cinnamon, peppermint, lavender, juniper, musk yarrow, star anise, sugar, and alcohol.

Cranberry Juice: This is the liquid juice of a fresh cranberry. I used Simple Organic Cranberry Cocktail.

Whipped Cream: This is heavy cream that has been whipped and beaten until it is light and fluffy. I used Reddi-Wip Original Dairy Whipped Topping.

Candy Corn: This is a dye that adds color to foods or drinks. I used Watkins Assorted Food Coloring.

Bartending Tools

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:

Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. I used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.

Boston Shaker: This is used to shake ingredients. I used the Boston shaker from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.

Hawthorne Strainer: This is used to strain out ice and solid ingredients after the cocktail is shaken. I used the A Bar Above Hawthorne Strainer.

Mixing Glass: This is used to hold the ingredients while they’re being stirred. I used the Viski 17 oz Cocktail Mixing Glass.

Bar Spoon: This is used to stir ingredients. I used the Barfly Stainless Steel Teardrop Bar Spoon.

This post contains affiliate links, meaning we make a small commission each time you purchase a product using our links. Product images sourced from Amazon Product Advertising API. Amazon affiliate links last updated on 2024-10-14.

Tasting Notes

This cocktail has the following flavor profile:

• Appearance: Layered red, orange, and yellow color with a whipped cream top

• Aroma: Sweet cream

• Taste: Initial flavor of vanilla, spices, and honey

• Finish: Slightly bitter cranberry

Kendall’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Kendall’s Take: “Coming up with more sophisticated versions of kitschy holiday cocktails isn’t always a bartender’s favorite thing to do, but I think this one did an especially great job with this recipe. For something called the ‘Candy Corn Martini,’ you don’t expect it to have much complexity at all, but the honey, pomegranate, and cranberry all mingle quite well. I do have to say, I liked it way better without the whipped cream, but that is how you get the last layer that mimics the candy so it serves its purpose.”

Recipe