Getting tipsy never tasted so sweet
We happily rank the latest alcohol-infused candy
Last year, Sugarfina’s rosé wine gummy bears were the toast of the town. This summer there are numerous cocktail confections to raise a glass to.
Sugarfina partnered with Casamigos last month — the liquor brand that George Clooney just sold for $1 billion — and released tequila-infused treats. Rum, bourbon and the official shot of college kids everywhere, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, have also RSVPed to the party.
Which tipsy treat is top shelf ? In the name of pseudoscience (hey, we all have our liquor preferences), we conducted a taste test to find out.
1. PINEAPPLE JAMAICAN RUM, TARTE CUPCAKERY COMPANY
Cost: $9.99 for an 8-oz. container
If you like piña coladas, this bear if for you. This delightful candy smells like vacation. Just opening the package will make you happy its final destination is your mouth. Though the bear itself is a little sticky, the treat tasted pleasantly sweet, bearing a delightful pineapple taste.
2. “PALOMA POR FAVOR” SOUR GUMMY, SUGARFINA X CASAMIGOS TEQUILA COLLECTION
Cost: $8.50 for a candy cube
Coming in at a close second is the Instagram-worthy “Paloma.” The Millennial pink wedge rolled in sugar crystals has a grapefruit scent that hits as soon as you lift the lid. The candy, made with Casamigos Reposado tequila, also boasts the authentic tartness of a ripe grapefruit. 3. “SHAKE YOUR MARGARITA” GUMMY, SUGARFINA X CASAMIGOS TEQUILA COLLECTION
Cost: $8.50 for a candy cube
This square candy’s citrine color is definitely reminiscent of a margarita ... and whatever decisions you recently made after downing a few. The melding of Casamigo’s Blanco tequila with subtle flavors of lime and sweet agave makes for a balanced and smooth treat. 4. FIRE BEARS, VINE GELEE
Cost: $17.95 for 8 oz.
A strong smell of cinnamon permeates the glitter-coated bag these crimson bears came in. The gummies taste like the fiery love child of a Red Hot and a gummy bear, conceived after a few rounds of the drink whose subtle slogan is “tastes like heaven, burns like hell.” 5. PEACH MARGARITA, TARTE CUPCAKERY COMPANY
Cost: $9.99 for an 8-oz. container
Orange you glad the list of drunk delights keeps going? The tequila taste of this tart candy is overshadowed by the peach flavor. We don’t mean to sound salty, though, because the bear is enjoyable. It’s just not our favorite. 6. BOURBON BEARS, SUGARFINA
Cost: $8.50 for a candy cube
This amber treat packs a ton of bourbon flavor into its paws. Fans of Kentucky single-barrel bourbon will be pleased with the bold flavor, but if that liquor isn’t your cup of Goop’s Bourbon Sweet Tea, it can feel overbearing. 7. “GIVE IT A SHOT” CHOCOLATE CORDIAL, SUGARFINA X CASAMIGOS TEQUILA COLLECTION
Cost: $8.50 for a small candy cube
It’s simply too much tequila. The dark chocolate dessert is filled with a sampling of Casamigos Añejo tequila, which bursts in your mouth. Perhaps when chilled the treat would be more enjoyable, but it felt like swigging a warm shot and chasing it with chocolate.