Sour Patch Kid Cocktail Recipe

Sour Patch Kid Nutrition Facts

Calories:180

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:15g

Alcohol %:20

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Sour Patch Kid cocktail is a fun, candy-inspired drink that's perfect for those with a sweet tooth. It's a relatively new addition to the cocktail scene, having been created in the early 2000s by a bartender who was inspired by the sour, sweet, and fruity flavors of the popular Sour Patch Kids candy. This cocktail is a hit with those who enjoy sweet and sour cocktails and is often served at parties and celebrations.

How Sour Patch Kid Tastes?

The Sour Patch Kid cocktail is a delightful blend of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. The sweetness of the simple syrup and the sourness of the lemon juice create a perfect balance, while the fruity flavors of the vodka and the blue curacao add depth and complexity. The result is a cocktail that's refreshing, tangy, and irresistibly delicious.

Interesting facts about Sour Patch Kid

  • The Sour Patch Kid cocktail is named after the popular Sour Patch Kids candy.
  • Despite its sweet and fruity flavors, this cocktail packs a punch with its vodka content.
  • The blue curacao gives the cocktail its distinctive blue color, reminiscent of the blue Sour Patch Kids candy.

Ingredients

A few good options for Sour Patch Kid are:

  • Grey Goose
  • Belvedere
  • Khor
  • Smirnoff

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

Vodka

Vodka is the base spirit of this cocktail. At 1.5 oz, it's enough to give the cocktail a good kick without overpowering the other flavors. Vodka's neutrality is key here because it provides the alcohol content without adding any additional flavors that could clash with the sugary and citrus notes. Forget to add it, and you have a non-alcoholic sour mocktail on your hands – still tasty, but not quite the party-maker.

Mary Mitkina

Blue Curacao

Blue Curacao's distinctive orange flavor and vibrant blue color add both taste and visual appeal at 0.5 oz. It's sweet, slightly bitter, and brings a tropical note to the drink. Leave it out, and you lose that oceanic hue and citrus kick. Substitute it with triple sec if the blue isn't crucial, but still desire that hint of orange.

Emma Rose

Lemon Juice

At 1 oz, fresh lemon juice adds the sour tang to balance the sweet elements, making the cocktail taste like its candy namesake. Too much lemon, and your lips pucker more than a grandmother’s at a kissing booth. Too little, and the sweetness overpowers the sour. Lemon is irreplaceable but lime juice can be a close second, adding a different type of citrus zing.

Alex Green

Simple Syrup

Half an ounce of simple syrup provides the right amount of sweetness to counteract the tartness of the lemon juice. Without it, you'll have faces squinting like they’re staring into the sun. It’s a simple ingredient, but crucial for balance. Agave nectar or honey could be alternatives, though they'll introduce different flavor profiles.

Mary Mitkina

Sour Patch Kids candy

A fun garnish that gives a nostalgic twist. It doesn't just act as a garnish but also a sweet treat to nibble on, enhancing the playful spirit of the cocktail. Without it, you still have a delicious drink, but with it, you’ve got a conversation starter.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Sour Patch Kid Drink

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add the vodka, blue curacao, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
  3. Shake well until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty.
  4. Strain the cocktail into a glass filled with ice.
  5. Garnish with a Sour Patch Kid candy.

Pro Tips

  • Make sure to shake the cocktail well to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
  • Chill your glass before pouring the cocktail into it for a colder, more refreshing drink.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Salty Snacks: The sour and sweet notes of the cocktail pair well with salty flavors, so think about serving with pretzels or salted nuts.
  • Fried Foods: The acidity in the lemon juice cuts through the grease, making it a great companion for fried appetizers like calamari or tempura.

Desserts

  • Citrus Desserts: Lemon bars or a key lime pie would complement the citrus profile of the cocktail.
  • Fruit Sorbets: A refreshing fruit sorbet, particularly lemon or lime, can enhance the tartness and sweetness of the drink.

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What you could change in Sour Patch Kid

  • If you don't have blue curacao, you can substitute it with triple sec and a drop of blue food coloring.
  • You can use any citrus-flavored vodka instead of plain vodka for an extra fruity kick.

Explore all drinks starting with S here

And of course - twists🍹

Sour Patch Kid Martini

To make it even more elegant, serve this cocktail in a martini glass without ice. Rim the glass with a mixture of sugar and crushed Sour Patch Kids before straining the liquid into the glass. The result is a more sophisticated version that packs a punch and a rim that adds an extra burst of flavor and fun.

Spicy Patch Kid

Add a small slice of jalapeño to the shaker before adding the other ingredients. The spice will infuse the cocktail with a warm kick, contrasting the sweet and sour notes. It's a surprising twist that may just tickle your fancy—and your taste buds! Perfect for those who love a little heat with their sweets.

Color-Changing Sour Patch Kid

Swap Blue Curacao with a colorless orange liqueur and add a dash of butterfly pea flower tea to the shaker. As the cocktail is mixed with the acidic lemon juice, the color will change from blue to a captivating purple. It’s a bit of magic in a glass, and a visual treat that's as much a conversation piece as it is a beverage.

In case you forgot basics how to make Sour Patch Kid

The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.

Learn everything about simple syrup

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Sour Patch Kid

What kind of vodka works best for a Sour Patch Kid cocktail?

While the recipe can work with most types of vodka, premium brands may provide a smoother and more refined taste.

Can this cocktail be made as a mocktail?

Yes, the alcoholic ingredients can be replaced with non-alcoholic substitutes, but bear in mind it may alter the taste quite significantly.

Can I use other candies for garnish?

While Sour Patch Kids are recommended to maintain the theme of the cocktail, other fruity candies can also be used for garnish.

What is the shelf life of blue curacao?

Blue Curacao, like other liqueurs, can last up to 2 years if stored properly in a cool and dark place.

Is there a specific type of glass used to serve the Sour Patch Kid?

This cocktail is typically served in a highball glass, but any tall, slender glass will do.

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