How to Pair Candy with Beverages

A Journey Through the History of Sweets

Candy, a treat has been captivating hearts and taste buds for centuries. Its origins can be traced back to ancient civilizations where people relished honey coated fruits and nuts. Over time, this confectionery evolved by incorporating sugar introduced to the world by the Indians and Persians. In the 19th century, advancements in sugar processing made candies more accessible leading to an explosion of varieties.

In today’s world, candies have transcended their role as treats for children. Have become a part of sophisticated culinary experiences, particularly when paired with beverages. The art of combining candy with drinks can elevate flavors and create memorable tasting adventures.

Tips for Pairing Candy with Beverages

• Achieve Sweetness Balance: To avoid overwhelming your palate, pair candies with less sweet beverages.
• Harmonize Flavors: Match candies and beverages that share flavor notes, for instance pairing chocolate candies with coffee.
• Embrace Textural Contrasts: Experiment by combining candies with fizzy drinks to create a playful interplay of textures.
• Consider Acidity Levels: Citrus or sour candies complement mellow drinks well.
• Explore Temperature Variations: Enhance the flavor experience by enjoying warm beverages alongside room temperature candies.
• Spicy and Sweet: Balancing the spiciness of candies with a sweet and creamy beverage creates a combination.
• Seasonal Pairings: During Christmas you can pair candies like peppermint with drinks that match the vibe, such as hot cocoa.
• Get Creative with Alcohol: Adults can explore combinations by pairing candies with alcoholic beverages. For example, bourbon goes well with caramel flavored treats.

Candy Infused Beverage Pairings

1. Indulgent Chocolate Fudge

Ingredients:

• Chocolate candies
• Condensed milk
• Butter.

Instructions:

• Melt chocolate candies with condensed milk and butter then pour the mixture into a tray and chill until it sets.

Suggested pairing:

• Enjoy this decadent treat along with milk or a comforting latte.

2. Candy Corn Popsicles

Ingredients:

• Candy corn
• Milk
• Sugar.

Instructions:

• Blend candy corn together with milk and sugar then freeze the mixture in popsicle molds.

Suggested pairing:

• These delightful popsicles are perfect when enjoyed alongside a glass of tea.

3. Tangy Sour Candy Sorbet

Ingredients:

• Sour candies
• Water
• Lemon juice.

Instructions:

• Dissolve candies in water, add lemon juice to enhance the tanginess and freeze the mixture until firm enough to scrape into sorbet texture.

Suggested pairing:

• This zesty sorbet pairs with sparkling water for a contrast.

4. Refreshing Peppermint Patty Shake

Ingredients:

• Peppermint candies
• Vanilla ice cream
• Milk.

Instructions:

• Blend peppermint candies along with vanilla ice cream and milk until smooth and creamy.

Suggested pairing:

• Indulge in this minty shake alongside a steaming cup of chocolate for a burst of flavors.

5. Gummy Bear Sangria

Ingredients:

• You will need gummy bears
• White wine
• Fruit juice and
• Chopped fruits for this delicious sangria.

Instructions:

• Simply mix all the ingredients together.
• Let them chill in the refrigerator overnight.

Suggested pairing:

• To complement the flavors, serve it with a splash of sparkling soda.

6. Jellybean Jam

Ingredients:

• For this jam gather jellybeans
• Water and
• Pectin.

Instructions:

• Begin by melting the jellybeans in water and then add pectin to simmer until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Suggested pairing:

• Enjoy this jam best when paired with a slice of toast and a cup of tea.

7. Toffee Apple Bites

Ingredients:

• Create these apple bites by melting toffee candies with a touch of lemon juice.

Instructions:

• Dip apple slices into the toffee and allow them to cool before indulging in their sweet goodness.

Suggested pairing:

• For a pairing savor them alongside a glass of apple cider.

8. Caramel Candy Latte

Ingredients:

• Prepare this comforting latte by melting caramel candies into coffee and adding milk for richness.

Instructions:

• The melted caramel blends perfectly with coffee to create a treat that can be enjoyed any time of day.

Suggested pairing:

• Enhance the experience further by enjoying it alongside some baked shortbread cookies.

9. Lollipop Glazed Donuts

Ingredients:

• Transform plain donuts into something new by creating a lollipop glaze using crushed lollipops mixed with cream.

Instructions:

• Simply melt the lollipops together with cream until you achieve a glaze consistency.
• Then coat your donuts generously before they cool down.

Suggested pairing:

• A perfect companion for these glazed donuts would be a cup of cold brew coffee.

10. Candy Brittle

Ingredients:

• Make your own crunchy candy brittle using candies mixed with sugar and butter.

Instructions:

• Begin by crushing the candies, mix them together with caramelized sugar and butter.
• Spread the mixture thinly.
• Allow it to cool until it hardens.

Suggested pairing:

• Enjoy this candy brittle alongside a creamy iced coffee for a wonderful contrast of flavors.

In conclusion, the art of combining candies and beverages offers an exploration of flavors. It's like embarking on a journey filled with surprises for our senses. Whether it's savoring a warm and comforting combination on a cold evening or indulging in a refreshing blend on a sunny day, these pairings promise an exciting culinary experience. So, let’s embrace the sweetness of life and allow our taste buds to dance along to the melodies created by these sugary symphonies!