This Easy Pink Starburst Cocktail is fruity and fun, made with pink lemonade, vodka, and a splash of soda. It’s like sipping a candy treat on a sunny day!
I love making these for parties; they look great and taste even better. Just don’t forget the ice—nothing worse than a warm drink, right? Cheers to summer vibes! 🍹
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vodka: I recommend using a smooth vodka for the best taste. If you prefer something lighter, consider flavored vodkas like vanilla or whipped cream for a twist. For a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute with lemon-lime soda or sparkling water!
Pink Lemonade: This is the star of the cocktail! You can use store-bought pink lemonade for convenience or make your own with regular lemonade and a splash of cranberry juice for that pink hue.
Lemon-Lime Soda: Any lemon-lime soda will work here. If you’re looking for a healthier option, use sparkling water with a bit of lemon juice. It adds fizz without extra sugar!
Pink Starburst Candies: These candies give a great sweet flavor and color. If you can’t find them, use any fruity candy like strawberry or cherry for a similar effect.
How Do You Perfectly Rim Your Glass?
Rimming your glass not only looks great, it adds an extra touch of flavor! Here’s how to do it right:
- Crush the pink Starburst candy finely in a bag or with a rolling pin.
- Wet the rim of your glass with a little water or simple syrup to help the sugar stick.
- Dip the wet rim into the crushed candy or sugar mixture, rolling it gently to cover well.
- Shake off any excess and set the glass aside to dry for a moment before pouring your drink.
Taking a little time on this step makes a big difference in both appearance and taste. Enjoy your cocktail with flair!
How to Make an Easy Pink Starburst Cocktail
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 oz vodka
- 3 oz pink lemonade (chilled)
- 1 oz lemon-lime soda (chilled)
- Pink Starburst candies (for garnish and rim sugar)
- Coarse sugar or sanding sugar (for rimming the glass)
- Ice cubes
- Water or simple syrup (to wet the rim)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cocktail will take about 10 minutes to prepare. With just a bit of time spent on candy crushing and mixing, you’ll be ready to serve up a sweet, bubbly drink in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Glass:
Start by crushing a pink Starburst candy finely to create a sugary rim for your glass. You can use a plastic bag and a rolling pin or even a mortar and pestle. Mix it with some coarse sugar if you want a sparkly look as well!
2. Wet the Rim:
Take your shot glass or cocktail glass and wet the rim using a little water or simple syrup. This helps the sugar stick to the glass nicely.
3. Rim the Glass:
Now, dip the wet rim into your crushed pink Starburst sugar mixture. Rotate the glass carefully to coat the rim evenly. Set the glass aside so the sugar can set.
4. Mix the Cocktail:
In a shaker filled with ice, pour in the vodka and pink lemonade. Stir gently to mix and chill the ingredients. You want everything well-combined but don’t be too rough—no need to wake the bubbles!
5. Pour It In:
Carefully pour your pink vodka mix into the prepared glass. Leave a bit of space at the top for the soda.
6. Add Some Fizz:
Top your drink with the lemon-lime soda for that fizzy kick. Stir gently if you need to mix it just a bit more. Look at that gorgeous color!
7. Garnish with Style:
For that final touch, you can garnish your drink with a pink Starburst candy on the rim or place a piece on the side of the glass. It looks cute and adds a little extra sweetness!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Easy Pink Starburst Cocktail is ready! Serve it immediately and enjoy the sweet, fruity flavors. Perfect for any celebration or just a fun evening treat!
This cocktail is vibrantly pink, lightly sparkling, and sweet—bringing a nostalgic candy twist to your glass. Get ready for compliments!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Flavored Vodka?
Absolutely! If you want to experiment with flavors, try a berry or vanilla vodka. This adds an interesting twist to the cocktail while still complementing the sweetness of the pink lemonade.
How Can I Make This Cocktail A Non-Alcoholic Version?
For a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage, simply substitute the vodka with an extra splash of lemon-lime soda or sparkling water. You can also add a bit more pink lemonade for extra flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Cocktail Mix?
If you have leftover cocktail mix, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just remember to add the soda fresh when serving to keep it fizzy!
What’s the Best Way to Crush the Starburst Candies?
To crush the candies, place them in a zip-top plastic bag and use a rolling pin to break them down. Alternatively, you can use a mortar and pestle for a finer texture. Just be sure they’re crushed into a powdery consistency for the best rim!
