Hey there! If you’re craving a fun, nostalgic twist on your cocktail hour, this Pink Starburst Cocktail Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s playful, sweet, and bursting with vibrant pink vibes – perfect for brightening up girls’ nights, summer parties, or any time you want to sip something a little special. I love how it combines the chewy candy sweetness right into the alcohol, making every sip a delightful treat.

What’s really cool about this Pink Starburst Cocktail Recipe is how easy it is to make but feels so impressively unique. All you need is a little patience for the Starburst candies to infuse in your vodka or rum. Once that’s ready, you’ll find it blends beautifully with the juices and lemon-lime soda for a sparkling, fruity sip that’s as fun to serve as it is to drink.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Pink Starburst Cocktail Recipe plays a special part – from the candies that infuse the alcohol with that signature sweet kick to the juices that add fresh fruitiness. Here’s a quick rundown to make sure you grab everything you need.

Pink Starburst candy: These are key to creating that iconic flavor, so don’t skip them or substitute colors – the pink ones have the perfect balance of sweetness and fruitiness.
Vodka or clear rum: Vodka offers a clean base to highlight the Starburst flavors, but rum adds a subtle tropical note if you’re feeling adventurous.
Orange juice: Fresh is best if you can swing it because it adds bright citrus notes that balance the sweetness.
Strawberry-kiwi juice or punch: This brings in a lovely fruity depth and pairs beautifully with the pink candies.
Lemon-lime soda: Adds that sparkling fizz and a little zing to lighten up the cocktail.
Red food coloring (optional): Just a drop makes the color pop, though the drink is already pretty pink from the candies.

Variations

I love mixing things up with this Pink Starburst Cocktail Recipe depending on the occasion or what I have in the fridge. Don’t be afraid to tweak it – the flavor combos are pretty forgiving and fun to experiment with.

Use flavored vodka: I once tried berry-flavored vodka instead of plain, and it intensified the fruity notes beautifully.
Swap juices: Try pineapple juice instead of orange for a tropical twist I enjoyed during a summer BBQ.
Make it mocktail: Simply omit the alcohol and infusion step, adding sparkling water instead of soda for a refreshing, kid-friendly version.
Extra candy infusion time: For a sweeter, stronger cocktail, I sometimes let the Starburst soak in the alcohol for up to 48 hours—just remember to keep it refrigerated.

How to Make Pink Starburst Cocktail Recipe

Step 1: Infuse the Alcohol with Starburst

Start by placing 8 pink Starburst candies in a jar or airtight container, then pour 8 ounces of vodka or clear rum over them. Seal it up tight and let it sit at room temperature for about 24 hours, stirring or swirling every so often to encourage the candies to dissolve fully and release their sweet flavor. This infusion is the magic behind your cocktail’s unique taste.

Step 2: Prepare Your Glasses

When you’re ready to serve, fill each glass with plenty of ice. The ice not only chills the cocktail but also keeps the flavors vibrant without watering down too quickly.

Step 3: Mix the Cocktail

Add 2 ounces of your Starburst-infused alcohol to each glass, then pour in 2 ounces of orange juice followed by 2 ounces of strawberry-kiwi juice. Top each glass off with lemon-lime soda to add that irresistible fizz and lightness. If you want a more vivid pink hue, just one drop of red food coloring stirred in works wonders.

How to Serve Pink Starburst Cocktail Recipe

Three small clear glasses filled with a light pink drink are placed on a wooden board over a white marbled surface. Each glass has a rim coated with bright pink sugar crystals and a gold cocktail pick resting inside. The picks each hold a single small cube of pink candy near the top. In the background, there is a clear jar with pink candy pieces inside and a tall, clear textured glass, all set against a soft white marbled backdrop. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always serve the Pink Starburst Cocktail Recipe with a few extra pink Starburst candies on the side or skewered on a fancy cocktail pick. It’s fun, colorful, and ties the whole experience together. If you’re feeling creative, a slice of fresh strawberry or a twist of orange peel makes a lovely aromatic touch.

Side Dishes

To keep the vibes sweet and light, I often pair this cocktail with salty snacks like popcorn or spiced nuts; the contrast is delightful. Also, light finger sandwiches or fresh fruit platters complement the fruity notes perfectly, especially for daytime gatherings or brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a birthday or bridal shower, I’ve served this Pink Starburst Cocktail Recipe in colorful mason jars with striped straws and a rim dipped in pink sugar crystals—it always gets compliments. You can also freeze leftover infused vodka into ice cubes for a fun twist that adds flavor without watering down your cocktail.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover infused alcohol keeps well in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week, which is super convenient if you want to make batches ahead for a party. Just give it a quick stir or shake before serving again to revive that full flavor.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing the infused vodka in ice cube trays, and it works like a charm. These flavored ice cubes chill your drink without diluting it. Just remember not to freeze the mixed cocktail itself, as the soda can lose its carbonation texture when thawed.

Reheating

Since this is a cold cocktail, reheating isn’t really applicable here—but if you do prepare larger batches of infused alcohol, just bring it to room temperature gradually if it’s been chilled to help the flavors shine when you mix your drinks.

FAQs

Can I use other flavors of Starburst candy for this cocktail?

While it’s tempting to experiment, pink Starburst candies have the perfect sweet and slightly tangy flavor that infuses well with vodka or rum. Using other flavors might change the taste significantly and won’t give that classic Pink Starburst Cocktail vibe you’re looking for.
How long should I let the Starburst candy infuse in the alcohol?

About 24 hours is ideal to fully dissolve the candies and infuse the alcohol with their flavor. You can let it go for up to 48 hours if you want the flavor stronger, but much longer than that, and the taste may start to become overly sweet or syrupy.
Can I make this cocktail ahead of time?

You can prepare the infused vodka or rum up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. However, it’s best to mix the entire cocktail right before serving to maintain the fizz from the lemon-lime soda.
Is this Pink Starburst Cocktail Recipe kid-friendly?

This cocktail contains alcohol, so it’s not suitable for kids. However, you can make a mocktail version by omitting the alcohol and using more juice with sparkling water or soda instead.
What’s the best vodka to use for this recipe?

A clean, neutral vodka works best to let the Starburst flavor shine through. I often pick a mid-range brand that balances quality and price, but feel free to use flavored vodka (like berry or citrus) for a fun twist.

Final Thoughts

This Pink Starburst Cocktail Recipe is one of those rare finds that feels both nostalgic and fresh, making it a sweet addition to any occasion worth celebrating. I’ve had so many fun nights sharing these with friends—watching their surprised smiles when they taste the candy-infused twist. I hope you’ll give it a go too; it’s straightforward, customizable, and oh so delightful. Trust me, once you try it, Pink Starburst Cocktail will become your new go-to for impressing friends with minimal fuss and maximum fun.