Every year, I’m on the hunt for drink ideas that are both fun and easy for Halloween parties. The Candy Corn Mule cocktail is sweet, colorful, and needs just three ingredients—honestly, it’s perfect for any spooky get-together.
I love how it takes the classic mule and turns it into something so festive and eye-catching. It’s the kind of drink that gets people talking.
With just a few steps and stuff I already have at home, I can whip this up in no time. Friends always want the recipe because it’s so quick to make and tastes like a sweet treat—with a little kick, of course.
If you want to surprise your guests with a bright, tasty drink, this recipe’s worth a try.
Candy Corn Mule Cocktail Recipe (3-Ingredient Only)
There’s something so easy and fun about this Candy Corn Mule—just three main ingredients. This drink uses candy corn-infused vodka, ginger beer, and fresh lime, giving a unique twist on the classic mule.
It’s perfect for Halloween or any fall gathering.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker: I use this to mix and chill the drink fast.
- Mason jars: Great for making and serving if I’m going for something a bit more casual.
- Martini glasses: Sometimes I’ll use these for a fancier vibe.
- Fine mesh strainer: Handy for catching any stray bits of candy corn after infusing.
- Measuring jigger: Helps keep the vodka and ginger beer amounts on point.
- Spoon: For stirring, especially if I skip the shaker.
Ingredients
- Candy Corn: ⅓ cup, for infusing vodka. I just grab whatever’s at the store—it’s all about that nostalgic sweetness.
- Vodka: 2 ounces, plain and unflavored. It really soaks up the candy flavor.
- Ginger Beer: 4 ounces, chilled. I always go for ginger beer over ginger ale for that bold ginger bite.
- Lime: Squeeze in half a lime for some acidity and throw on a wedge for garnish.
- Extra candy corn: Toss a few in for fun, or just for the look.
- Ice: Enough to chill everything down.
Instructions
- Infuse the vodka: I combine vodka and candy corn in a mason jar and let it sit for 3-4 hours (sometimes overnight) until the candy mostly dissolves. Then I strain it.
- Fill shaker: Add ice, 2 ounces of that candy corn vodka, juice from half a lime, and 4 ounces ginger beer to a shaker.
- Shake or stir: If I want a frothy drink, I shake it gently. If the ginger beer is super fizzy, I just stir.
- Pour and garnish: Strain into a mason jar or martini glass. I’ll add extra candy corn or a lime wedge on top.
Notes
Honestly, the candy corn-infused vodka is what makes this cocktail pop—it gives it that wild orange color and buttery sweetness.
It’s smart to plan ahead since the vodka needs a few hours to soak up the candy flavor. I usually make it in the morning if I’m hosting at night.
Good ginger beer makes a big difference. If you want it less sweet or more tart, just play around with the lime or candy corn amounts.
This cocktail is super easy to double or triple if you’ve got a crowd. Serve it cold, and, well, don’t forget there’s vodka in there—sweet drinks can be sneaky.
Equipment
- Mason jar (for vodka infusion)
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup candy corn for vodka infusion
- 2 oz vodka plain, unflavored
- 4 oz ginger beer chilled
- Juice of ½ lime
- Ice cubes for mixing and serving
- Optional garnish: lime wedge mint sprig, extra candy corn
Instructions
Infuse the vodka:
- Add candy corn to vodka in a mason jar. Let sit 3–4 hours or overnight until the candy mostly dissolves. Strain before using.
Mix the drink:
- In a shaker or mixing glass filled with ice, combine 2 oz candy corn-infused vodka, juice from ½ lime, and 4 oz ginger beer.
Shake or stir:
- Shake gently or stir, depending on the fizziness of your ginger beer.
Serve:
- Strain into a chilled glass over fresh ice. Garnish with lime, mint, or candy corn if desired.
Notes
Tasting Notes
First sip? I get the sweetness from the candy corn right away. It’s a bit like caramel and vanilla, but not in an overwhelming way.
The ginger beer adds some spice and makes it feel fizzy and bright—love that. I can taste the vodka, but it’s not overpowering at all; it just ties everything together.
Here’s what stands out most to me:
- Sweet and creamy start from the candy corn
- Spicy and bubbly from the ginger beer
- Smooth and light finish, thanks to the vodka
If you’re into drinks that are sweet but not heavy, this is a solid pick. The colors look so fun in the glass—honestly, that’s half the appeal for me.
Sometimes I’ll toss a few extra candy corns on top for garnish and, yeah, maybe a little more sweetness.
Substitute
Let’s be honest, I rarely have all the original ingredients sitting around. That’s totally fine—there’s always a workaround if you’re willing to experiment a little.
If I run out of vodka, I’ll grab white rum or gin instead. The flavor’s a bit different, but honestly, it still works and sometimes I even prefer it.
For ginger beer, I’ll just mix ginger ale with some club soda to get the fizz going. Is it the same? Not exactly, but it’s close enough for me.
List of Common Substitutes:
- Vodka → White Rum or Gin
- Ginger Beer → Ginger Ale + Club Soda
- Candy Corn Syrup → Any Sweet Syrup (like simple syrup or honey)
If I’m out of candy corn syrup, sometimes I’ll just use honey or even maple syrup. I add a little at a time, tasting as I go, and stop when it feels right.
Honestly, making these swaps means I can whip up a Candy Corn Mule whenever I want—no emergency grocery run required.
