The Classic Candy Corn Martini Recipe: A Sweet and Spooky Halloween Cocktail
Welcome to Shake, Sip, Serve, your one-stop shop for all things bartending.
I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades.
The past 15 years, I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavour combinations, and learned a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.
Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me just looking for some fresh inspiration or a complete beginner eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide.
In the below blog, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets. I’ll also be offering tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests.
So, grab your shaker, dust off your favourite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending!
Let’s Shake, Sip, and Serve up something amazing together.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Candy Corn: The Inspiration Behind the Martini
When it comes to Halloween, nothing is more nostalgic than candy corn. This colourful, tri-layered treat has been a spooky-season staple since the late 1800s, designed to mimic kernels of corn while delighting sweet tooths across generations.
The Candy Corn Martini takes that iconic treat and reimagines it as a cocktail. Sweet, creamy, and playful, it combines vanilla vodka, butterscotch schnapps, orange juice, and cream into a drink that’s as much a conversation starter as it is a cocktail.
Why It’s the Perfect Halloween Cocktail
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Nostalgic: It tastes like a boozy nod to childhood trick-or-treating.
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Festive: Vibrant colour and candy corn garnish make it party-ready.
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Easy: Just a handful of ingredients and a quick shake.
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Versatile: The base recipe is simple, but variations abound.
Whether you’re hosting a Halloween bash, watching horror flicks at home, or handing out treats, this drink is a seasonal showstopper.
Candy Corn Martini Recipe (AU Measurements)
Ingredients (Serves 1):
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50 ml vanilla vodka
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25 ml butterscotch schnapps
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30 ml orange juice
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15 ml thickened cream
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Ice cubes
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Candy corn (for garnish)
Method:
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Chill glass: Place a martini glass in the freezer or fill with ice water.
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Shake: In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, schnapps, orange juice, cream, and ice. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
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Strain: Fine-strain into the chilled glass.
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Garnish: Add candy corn on a cocktail pick or float on top.
Fun Variations
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Spiked Candy Corn Martini – Add 15 ml spiced rum for warmth.
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Candy Corn Creamsicle – Swap cream for a scoop of vanilla ice cream; blend instead of shake.
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Chocolate Twist – Replace 10 ml schnapps with chocolate liqueur and garnish with shavings.
Presentation Tips
Halloween is about theatre, and this cocktail should look as good as it tastes:
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Layering: Carefully pour to create candy-corn-like layers.
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Rimmed glass: Coat rim in crushed candy corn for sweetness + colour.
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Candy skewers: Stack three candy corn pieces on a cocktail pick and balance across the glass.
FAQs
Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
Yes — swap vodka and schnapps for vanilla and butterscotch syrups.
Can I prep ahead?
Mix spirits + juice earlier, but add cream and shake right before serving.
Too sweet for me — how do I balance it?
Cut back on schnapps or use lemon juice in place of orange for more tang.
RSA Note (Australia)
This cocktail contains approx. 1.6 standard drinks depending on spirit strength. Its sweetness makes it easy to overindulge, so remind guests to sip responsibly.
For more on alcohol service compliance, check Liquor & Gaming NSW: https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/
Conclusion: Elevate Your Halloween with the Candy Corn Martini
Halloween is all about fun, creativity, and a little indulgence — and the Candy Corn Martini nails all three. It’s sweet, playful, and a perfect party trick for your spooky celebrations.
Whether you keep it classic or experiment with a variation, this cocktail is guaranteed to impress your guests and become a new Halloween tradition.
The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve.
I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below.
What are you shaking up these days?
What topics would you like to see covered in future posts?
Let’s connect and continue the conversation!
Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au
Read More:
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Pumpkin Spice White Russian
The Black Widow
Ghostly Gin & Tonic
Jack-O-Lantern Punch
Candy Corn Martini
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you
