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How to Make Vodka Gummy Bears

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(This post has been updated from the original November 2015 version to provide a better experience for you)

Want to learn how to make vodka gummy bears? You’re in the right place! You wouldn’t believe how ridiculously easy it is… With just 2 ingredients, a bowl and a bit of time – you and your party guests could be enjoying this sweet and naughty treat before you can say, “Where on Earth did they go?!”

Front view of vodka gummy bears in a white bowl over a light brown linen napkin with a hand pouring vodka into them. Set over a pale green wood effect backdrop, there is also a bowl of crisps and a bowl of cashews in the background, and scattered gummy bears in the foreground.

Just like my black cherry jammy dodgers, this is definitely one for the grown ups! Combining two of my loves, sweets and booze, these vodka gummy bears pack a serious punch! Not for the faint hearted that’s for sure. Did I mention that they are ridiculously simple to make and require only two ingredients??

Flat lay view of vodka gummy bears in a bowl over a light brown linen napkin. There is also a bowl of crisps, a bowl of cashew nuts, 2 bottles of spirits, a cork screw, 2 bottle tops, 2 corks and gummy bears in the background. Set over a pale green wood effect backdrop.

If you’re on the lookout for awesome party food recipes, you should totally check out these ever popular bacon halloumi bites. I guarantee your party guests will be begging you for more! And don’t you worry, there’s plenty more party food ideas here at Kitchen Mason!

Front view of vodka gummy bears in a white bowl over a light brown linen napkin. Set over a pale green wood effect backdrop, there are also 2 bottles of spirits and a bowl of crisps in the background and a bottle of vodka, a cork and scattered gummy bears in the foreground.

Do vodka gummy bears get you drunk?

One hundred percent, YES! Eat these responsibly and with caution. They are as highly alcoholic as the booze you soak them in.

Flat lay view of vodka gummy bears in a bowl set on a light brown linen napkin. Set on a pale green wood effect backdrop, there is also a bowl of crisps, a bowl of cashew nuts, another bowl of vodka gummy bears set on a plate, an open bottle of vodka, a bottle top and gummy bears in the background.

How long to vodka gummy bears last?

They are ideally eaten as soon as they’re ready but will last for 2 days covered and stored in the fridge. You will probably need to rinse them in water to separate them, as they’ll likely stick together after a time.

Front view of vodka gummy bears in a white bowl over a light brown linen napkin with a hand reaching in to take one. Set over a pale green wood effect backdrop, there are also 2 bottles of spirits in the background and scattered gummy bears in the foreground.

What you need to know

Here’s the good bit, the part where I share all my wisdom on making vodka gummy bears with you!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to know about the ingredients

  • Gummy Bears – If you can, use Haribo Gold Bears. These are stable enough to soak up the booze and not disintegrate. Other brands have been known to go a bit mushy!
  • Vodka – At the very least I recommend using the best quality vodka you can afford. If the vodka tastes horrible, your vodka gummy bears will too! Flavoured spirits such as vanilla vodka and mango gin also work well. I’ve even made these with Southern Comfort and Baileys before with great results. (You will need to give Baileys gummy bears a good rinse before eating though as it tends to coagulate a bit.)
Flat lay view of a hand reaching for vodka gummy bears in a bowl over a light brown linen napkin. There is also a bowl of crisps, a bowl of cashew nuts, 2 bottles of spirits, a cork screw, 2 bottle tops, 2 corks and gummy bears in the background. Set over a pale green wood effect backdrop.

How to make vodka gummy bears – recipe summary

  1. Place gummy bears in a bowl and pour over the vodka.
  2. Soak for 7-8 hours.
  3. Enjoy!
Front view of vodka gummy bears in a white bowl over a light brown linen napkin with a hand pouring vodka into them. Set over a pale green wood effect backdrop, there is also scattered gummy bears in the foreground.

Recipe tips

Here are some tips I think you will find helpful. I’ve made these a few times and ran into some issues. Remember – I make the mistakes so YOU don’t have to!

  • Use the best quality vodka you can afford. I have made these with both good and bad brands and it’s very noticeable when you use a cheap one!
  • Haribo gold bears never fail me. If you can get hold of them, use this brand. Others have been known to disintegrate during the soaking process.
  • Easily change up the flavour by using flavoured vodka! I recommend using fruity flavours to compliment the gummy bears but vanilla also works very well.
  • These are slippery little suckers – serve with cocktail sticks so your guests don’t struggle to pick them up!
  • If you want a more mild version, let soak for half the time and drain/rinse away the remaining vodka.
  • They may take longer to soak up all the booze depending on the weather. On hot days they tend to absorb quicker and colder days seem to take longer.
  • Vodka gummy bears sticking together? Rinse in water to separate them.
  • Why not experiment? Try using different spirits and see which one is your favourite. Gin, Southern Comfort and even Baileys work! (You will need to rinse the Baileys ones before eating though, to get rid of any congealed booze!)
Flat lay view of vodka gummy bears in a bowl with a hand pouring vodka into them, set on a light brown linen napkin. Set on a pale green wood effect backdrop, there is also a bowl of crisps, a bowl of cashew nuts, another bowl of vodka gummy bears set on a plate, a bottle top and gummy bears in the background.

How to store vodka gummy bears

Store your vodka gummy bears in a covered bowl in the fridge for up to 2 days. You may need to rinse them in water to separate them as they will likely have stuck together.

Front view of vodka gummy bears in a white bowl over a light brown linen napkin. Set over a pale green wood effect backdrop, there is also a bottle of vodka in the background and a bottle cork and scattered gummy bears in the foreground.

Vodka Gummy Bears – Step by Step Picture Recipe

(For a printer friendly version, see the recipe card at the end of this post)

Ingredients

Here is what you will need to make your very own Vodka Gummy Bears.

  • 1 x 200g (7 oz) Bag of Gummy Bears
  • approx 150 – 200 ml (2/3 Cup –  3/4 + 1/8 Cup) Vodka *

*Use a good quality brand! You really can taste the difference. I used Wildcat vanilla flavoured vodka.

Essential equipment

  • Small Bowl

Instructions

It really is very simple. Tip the bag of gummy bears (200g | 7 oz) into a bowl.

Gummy bears in a white bowl on a kitchen worktop.

Pour over enough vodka to just cover the bears. It should be around 150-200 ml (2/3 Cup –  3/4 + 1/8 Cup).

Gummy bears covered with vodka in a white bowl on a kitchen worktop.

Leave uncovered at room temperature to soak up the vodka for about 7-8 hours. Give them a stir occasionally as they can start to stick together.

Gummy bears soaked in vodka in a white bowl on a kitchen worktop. There's a bottle of vodka in the background.

The bears should have pretty much soaked up all the booze by now. If not – give them a little stir and leave for a few more hours.

These beauties are best eaten straight away but, if you have to make them ahead of time, once they have absorbed all the alcohol, cover with cling film and store in the fridge for up to 2 days.

You will need to give them a careful stir before serving as they will likely have stuck together a little. You may find rinsing in a little water helps to separate them.

They will also be quite slippery so I recommend you serve these with cocktail sticks or small forks.

Rinsed vodka soaked gummy bears in a white bowl on a kitchen worktop. There's a bottle of vodka in the background.

And there you have it, I told you it was easy! They come with a warning though, these are just as alcoholic as the vodka you put in them so, for want of a better phrase, don’t eat them like sweets! Restrain yourself a little, these are honestly very strong and need to be eaten with caution and responsibility.

Does it work with other spirits?

Yes it does!! You can make all kinds of wonderful flavours…

Mango and lime gin worked very well when I tested it.

Gummy bears covered with mango and lime gin in a bowl on a kitchen worktop. There's a bottle of mango and lime gin in the background.
Gummy bears soaked in mango and lime gin in a bowl on a kitchen worktop. There's a bottle of mango and lime gin in the background.
Rinsed mango and lime gin soaked gummy bears in a bowl on a kitchen worktop. There's a bottle of mango and lime gin in the background.

As did Southern Comfort!

Gummy bears covered with Southern Comfort in a bowl on a kitchen worktop. There's a bottle of Southern Comfort in the background.
Gummy bears soaked in Southern Comfort in a bowl on a kitchen worktop. There's a bottle of Southern Comfort in the background.
Rinsed Southern Comfort soaked gummy bears in a bowl on a kitchen worktop. There's a bottle of Southern Comfort in the background.

Baileys did work well in the end but you need to perform an extra step. You’ll notice that the alcohol coagulates around the gummy bears after it’s been soaked.

Gummy bears covered with Baileys in a bowl on a kitchen worktop. There's a bottle of Baileys in the background.
Gummy bears soaked in Baileys in a bowl on a kitchen worktop. There's a bottle of Baileys in the background.

All you need to do is rinse them well in water until it all washes off. Et vous voila!

Rinsed Baileys soaked gummy bears in a bowl on a kitchen worktop. There's a bottle of Baileys in the background.

Look how much bigger they are! Super vodka powdered gummy bears!

A piece of kitchen paper with an original unsoaked gummy bear on it followed by gummy bears soaked in each of the 4 tested spirits. (There are labels stating which one each gummy bear hs been soaked in.)

Why don’t you do some experiments of your own? Let me know what works and doesn’t work for you.

Have you made this recipe?

Have you made these vodka gummy bears? I’d love to know if you have! Send me your pics, comments and questions on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or email me at emma@kitchenmason.com.

Flat lay view of vodka gummy bears in a bowl with a hand pouring vodka into them, set on a light brown linen napkin. Set on a pale green wood effect backdrop, there is also a bowl of crisps, a bowl of cashew nuts, a bottle top and gummy bears in the background.

Loved this recipe? Pin it!

Front view of vodka gummy bears in a white bowl over a light brown linen napkin with a hand pouring vodka into them. Set over a pale green wood effect backdrop, there is also a bowl of crisps and a bowl of cashews in the background, and scattered gummy bears in the foreground. A test overlay says 'how to make vodka gummy bears'
Front view of vodka gummy bears in a white bowl over a light brown linen napkin with a hand pouring vodka into them. Set over a pale green wood effect backdrop, there is also a bowl of crisps and a bowl of cashews in the background, and scattered gummy bears in the foreground.

How to Make Vodka Gummy Bears - Printable Recipe

Yield: 6 Servings
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Soaking Time: 7 hours
Total Time: 7 hours 2 minutes

With just 2 ingredients and a little time, you can easily make these brilliant vodka gummy bears to enjoy at your next party!

Ingredients

  • 200g (7 oz) Gummy Bears
  • 150ml (2/3 Cup) Good Quality Vodka

Essential Equipment

  • Small Bowl

Instructions

  1. Tip the gummy bears into a bowl.
  1. Pour in just enough vodka to cover the gummy bears.
  2. Sit uncovered at room temperature for 7-8 hours until the gummy bears have fully absorbed the vodka.# Stir every now and then as they can stick together. These are best served immediately. If this is not possible, cover with cling film and store in the fridge for up to 48 hours. You may need to rinse them to separate as they can stick.

Notes

*Use a good quality brand! You really can taste the difference. I used Wildcat vanilla flavoured vodka.

#Soaking may take longer if it's a colder day and less time if it's a warm day.

See the main post for a more detailed, step by step picture recipe.

Be sure to read the 'What you need to know' section (especially the 'Recipe tips' part!) for lots of helpful information before you begin making this recipe.

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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 187Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 15mgCarbohydrates: 33gFiber: 0gSugar: 20gProtein: 0g

Nutritional information on kitchenmason.com should only be used as a general guideline, I am not a certified nutritionist. Please always check labels for allergens where applicable.

Did you make this recipe?

I'd love to hear about it! Please leave a comment on the blog or tag me on Instagram.

© Emma Mason
Cuisine: English / Category: Confectionery

About Emma Mason

Emma is a professional blogger. Utilising over 20 years of cooking experience, she’s passionate about making your life easier, one recipe at a time! Drawing on her 12+ year background in recipe research and development, photography, copy writing and marketing, Emma has turned kitchenmason.com into a successful career. Known as ‘the organisation queen’ among friends, she is passionate about creating easy to follow recipes that anyone can follow and enjoy. She lives in Nottingham (UK) with her husband, daughter and 2 naughty cats. In her spare time she can be found reading a good book, training at the dojo preparing for her black belt grading, or dreaming up the next crazy colour combo for her hair!

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Jacque

Thursday 22nd of July 2021

Had the same problem as Cindy- no more gummies left when I went to check! I do live in hot climate and was trying to use shark gummies. Should I put in fridge? Should they be haribo brand only? What vodka do you recommend? Thanks

Emma

Thursday 22nd of July 2021

Hi Jacque. I used Haribo gold bears I think. I’d recommend using a good quality, nice flavoured vodka as that’s almost all you can taste in the end product. Putting them in the fridge may also help with the dissolving issue! Emma x

Bill

Wednesday 21st of July 2021

I really prefer Coconut Rum to make Rummi Bears!! I put them in shot cups and take them to Mardi Gras parades. They are a big hit!!

Emma

Wednesday 21st of July 2021

Oh my life Bill, that’s GENIUS, I love it!! Emma x

Cindy

Friday 23rd of October 2020

I made them but ended up with a bowl of a jelled mess. More like a preserve than a treat.

Emma

Saturday 24th of October 2020

Hi Cindy. Sorry you had trouble with this recipe. There could be a few reasons why this happened. Do you live in a particularly warm climate? It could be the brand of gummy bears you used or the brand of vodka even. Emma x

Nicole ~ Cooking for Keeps

Friday 20th of November 2015

You think people would judge me for eating these 37 weeks pregnant?? ;)

Miss KitchenMason

Friday 20th of November 2015

Sadly yes! Congratulations Nicole, not long left! Hope you're not feeling too fed up. (I certainly was at that stage haha!)

Emma

Wednesday 18th of November 2015

How fun!!! Great idea for a party! :)

Miss KitchenMason

Wednesday 18th of November 2015

Thanks! Glad you like it :)

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