So Halloween’s over, the costumes are crumbled up in the corner, your kid’s sugar high has finally worn off. Yet somehow we are left with 100 fun sized candy bars and deep candy fatigue. Don’t panic! Let’s turn your kids leftover gems into something more … mature.

Whether you’re hosting friends or mixing something up just for you, these easy tricks from Downtown Chandler’s SanTan Spirit House will help transform leftover treats into playful, grown-up cocktails.

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Infusion: Give Your Liquor a Boozy Candy Kick

Here’s the thing: Candy and alcohol get along better than most people, so it’s easy to turn your favorite spirit into a dessert without having actually to bake anything. (Shout out to the Type B Moms!)

How to do it:

Pick a base spirit like vodka, rum or bourbon, or whichever bottle you didn’t get to last weekend. Choose candy that complements the flavor. Put the candy and liquor in a jar, seal it up and shake it every time you think about it. After 4 to 24 hours, strain out the sticky remains and enjoy.

Best candy to use:

  • Vodka: Skittles, Starburst, Jolly Ranchers
  • Bourbon: Peanut Butter Cups, Snickers, Milk Duds
  • Rum: Tootsie Rolls, Twix, M&M’s

Spirit House tip: Chocolate and caramel candies infuse fast. If you leave them too long, you’ll end up with a product that looks like Shrek’s Swamp! Fruity Hard candies, however, can infuse for much longer. Wait for that neon “taste the rainbow” effect!

Candy-Infused Cream: Perfect for Creamy Cocktails

Ever wish your White Russian tasted like a Reese’s? This is your moment.

How to do it:

Throw your candy and heavy cream into a pan over low heat and stir until everything is cohesive. Strain out the gooey bits, chill and enjoy. Use this for creamy cocktails, milkshakes or even your morning coffee if you’re feeling dangerous.

For an extra BOOzy punch, add your milk infusion into a whipped cream canister for a tasty topping for seasonal hot drinks like Hot Toddies and Irish Coffees.

Best candy to use:

  • Chocolate-based: Hershey’s Bars, Kit Kat, Milky Way
  • Caramel-based: Rolos, Twix, Snickers

Spirit House tip: Be sure to chill the infused cream fully before mixing it unless you want to drink warm, sweet, chunky regret.

Candy Simple Syrup: Simple, Not Basic

What’s better than plain simple syrup? Simple syrup that tastes like your childhood.

How to do it:

Mix equal parts sugar and water and dissolve that over low heat, then add your fruity or sour candies. Measure with your heart. Stir until velvety, strain and bask at your new bright syrup that will make your French 75s and martinis taste like vacation.

Best candy to use:

  • Fruity: Jolly Ranchers, Skittles, Starburst
  • Sour: Sour Patch Kids, Nerds, Warheads

Spirit House tip: Keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or until one of your family members drinks it right out of the jar.

Garnish: Decorate Your Drink

A drink without a garnish is like an outfit without glitter. It’s all right, but its literally no fun.

How to do it:

Skewer gummies on a toothpick, crush up candy and rim your glass, or float small candies on top for a sweet snack while you drink.

Want to look professional? Dip smaller candies into melted chocolate and stick them to the glass as they cool. You’ll look like you have your life together (but it’s ok if you don’t!)

Best candy to use:

  • Skewers: Gummies, Swedish Fish, Dots
  • Rims: Pop Rocks, Nerds, Smarties
  • Floating Snacks: Mini Reese’s, Hershey’s Kisses, Chocolate Shavings

Spirit House tip: Keep it cute, not chaotic. It’s a drink, not a candy salad!

Mix, Sip and Savor

Now that your looks like Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, we get to play bartender.

Candy-infused vodka? Sounds like a sweet yummy Martini.

Chocolate cream = Cocoa Espresso Martini.

Fruity Syrup? Pretend it’s summer again with a fun spritz.

There’s no wrong way to experiment, except by not trying at all. Grab your kids’ Halloween candy, pour something fun and turn Halloween remains into happy hour. Cheers!

Author: Natasha Milan is Manager and Mixologist at SanTan Spirit House, Downtown Chandler’s popular craft cocktail concept and kitchen. To learn more, visit www.santanbrewing.com/pubs/spirit-house-cocktails-kitchen