The Yummiest Cotton Candy Cocktail Recipe

A cotton candy cocktail is an alcoholic drink that combines the sweetness of cotton candy with a refreshing kick of vodka, or any other hard liquor. Preparing this drink is simple and the results are amazing. Mixologists can also experiment with different flavors using juices or syrups.

The ingredients for this recipe are readily available in grocery stores and online. Though this recipe uses vodka, the choice of alcohol is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer rum, while others like gin. Flavored vodka will add an extra layer of flavor to the drink.

The cotton candy can be of any color, but pink or blue ensures that the drink looks as colorful as it tastes.

Cotton Candy Cocktail Tips

Below are some tips for making the perfect cotton candy cocktail:

Use Quality Alcohol

High-quality alcohol, like premium vodka or rum, makes the drink taste better.
Some mixologists prefer flavored vodka or rum to enhance the drink’s flavor profile. Sparkling wine or hard seltzer brings out the sweetness of the cotton candy.

Rim Lightly With Corn Syrup

Rim the glass with corn syrup gently. Too much corn syrup will make the drink sticky and hard to sip. Use a lime wedge to wet the rim before dipping the rim in corn syrup, so that the corn syrup doesn’t clump on the glass.

Create Attractive Color Combinations

Cotton candy comes in many colors. Matching the color of the cotton candy to the drink’s ingredients creates a beautiful effect. Or, use a combination like pink cotton candy with blue sanding sugar for a unique, fun contrast.

Balance the Garnish

Garnish makes the cotton candy cocktail special. Be careful not to overload the drink with too much cotton candy or too many limes. One lime wedge and a piece of cotton candy are enough.

The perfect cotton candy cocktail is refreshing, well-garnished, and not too sweet.

Cotton Candy Cocktail Recipe

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Cotton Candy Cocktail

A cotton candy cocktail is an alcoholic drink that combines the sweetness of cotton candy with a refreshing kick of vodka, or any other hard liquor. Preparing this drink is simple and the results are amazing. Mixologists can also experiment with different flavors using juices or syrups.

Difficulty: Easy

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Servings 1 serving

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

• 3 oz vodka
• 1 handful cotton candy
• 2 oz champagne chilled
• ½ tsp cotton candy flavoring
• 1 cup sparkling water
• ½ tsp pink sanding sugar
• 2 wedges lime
• ¼ cup corn syrup
• 10 ice cubes

Instructions

1. Use a lime wedge to wet the rim of the glass and dip the rim into a plate of corn syrup. The lime wedge will ensure that the corn syrup coats the rim evenly.

2. Dip the lime juice-rimmed glass in a plate of sugar. Pink sanding sugar gives the drink a sparkling effect and improves the presentation, but any sugar will work.

3. Place a big piece of cotton candy into the cocktail glass and push the candy down so that it fits snugly — 1/2 inch below the rim of the glass. Be careful not to put too much cotton candy in the bottom of the glass because this can cause the candy to stick to the sugar when the alcohol mixture is added.

4. Combine cotton candy flavoring and vodka in a shaker. Stir the mixture until the flavoring dissolves, add a few ice cubes, and shake vigorously.

5. Optionally, add 1 ounce of sparkling water for extra fizz.

6. Strain the chilled cotton candy cocktail over the cotton candy in the glass. The candy will begin to dissolve and mix with the drink. Top the drink with chilled champagne for a bubbly and refreshing finish. Garnish the drink with a lime wedge and a fluff of cotton candy on the rim and serve immediately.

7. Optionally, add an ounce of vodka to make the drink more potent or add less to weaken the cocktail.

To make this cotton candy cocktail kid or pregnancy friendly, replace the liqueur with pineapple juice! It’s the perfect sweet drink that is always ready to party.

(Photography ©Treasures & Travels/Stocksy United).