If you love the classic gummy candy Swedish fish, then this boozy adult version should be right up your alley! I’m mixing Swedish fish infused vodka with fruit juices and liqueurs to make a sweet, fruity Swedish fish cocktail where nostalgia meets a drink that’s perfect for summer!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nostalgic, Candy Inspired Flavor: It captures the sweet, fruity taste of Swedish Fish candies, making it playful and reminiscent of childhood treats, but with a grown-up twist!
- Bright, Eye-Catching Color: The cocktail is a vibrant red color (just like the original candy), making it fun to look at, and perfect for color parties too. Of course, you can adjust the ingredients to make it other colors as well!
- Sweet, Easy-to-Sip Drink: This Swedish fish drink is fruity, sweet, and approachable, making them a hit with guests who shy away from strong or bitter cocktails. If you prefer a party shot instead, though, try my Swedish Fish Shot!
- Simple to Make. No fancy equipment needed, and you can easily make this drink by the glass or the pitcher for a crowd. A mason jar or Tupperware works well for the infusion!
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Ingredients Needed
- 2 oz Swedish fish infused vodka (see notes below)
- 3 oz cherry juice (see notes below)
- ½ oz Chambord (or another raspberry liqueur)
- Swedish fish candies
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- If you happen to have some Pinnacle gummy fish flavored vodka, you can use it in this recipe. However, it was discontinued some years ago, which is why I make my own!
- I prefer using tart cherry juice for this recipe to keep the sweetness down. However, it is darker than regular cherry juice, so it will make your cocktail overall darker (so it’s kind of your choice – sweet and colorful or darker and balanced). You can also use another red juice like cranberry juice, pomegranate, or another fruity red juice. The color and the flavor will change, though, so use your own discretion!
- The Chambord raspberry liqueur can be swapped for lingonberry or loganberry liqueur, which is actually more true to Swedish fish flavor, but can be difficult to find. Cherry schnapps is another good option (but again changes the flavor and color a bit)
How To Make Swedish Fish Infused Vodka
Mix ½ cup vodka and ½ cup Swedish Fish candies in a mason jar, Tupperware, or similar container with a lid. Allow it to sit at room temperature overnight, shaking it occasionally (I just do it when I walk by in the kitchen).
Strain the candies out (they will not dissolve completely) and then use in the recipe! This makes 2 servings’ worth – scale if needed (keeping the 50/50 ratio) for additional drinks.
Step By Step Instructions
- Fill a lowball glass of choice with ice cubes (and some extra Swedish fish if you want – totally optional!)
- Pour in all ingredients, then stir the mixture gently. Taste and adjust – add more vodka for strength, more raspberry liqueur for sweetness, or some tart cherry/citrus juice if it’s too sweet. You could also cut it with sparkling water or club soda
- Garnish with extra Swedish fish candies and enjoy!
Food Pairings
Savory Snacks
- Cheese boards (especially with sharp cheddar or goat cheese to contrast the sweetness)
- Salty nuts or pretzels
- Prosciutto-wrapped melon for a sweet-salty pairing. Try my Bacon Wrapped Melon recipe for an easy and delicious option!
- Popcorn (buttered or lightly caramelized)
- Chips with salsa or guacamole for a salty crunch!
Finger Foods
- Crispy chicken tenders or wings. You can make Frozen Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer for a quick and easy option!
- Mini sliders or meatballs
- Tempura vegetables or light veggie appetizers
Desserts
- Lemon bars or citrus tarts to cut through the candy flavor
- Shortbread cookies
- Fruit skewers, especially with strawberries or pineapple, to echo the cocktail’s fruity notes!
Recipe FAQs
What Is the Real Flavor of Swedish Fish?
The classic red Swedish Fish are known for their unique “lingonberry-like” berry flavor, though many describe it simply as a generic red berry or fruit punch taste. It’s intentionally ambiguous to appeal broadly and make the candy instantly recognizable.
Why Are Swedish Fish So Chewy?
Swedish Fish have a firm, chewy texture because of their high gelatin-free gum base and modified cornstarch formula, which makes them denser and longer-lasting to chew compared to other gummy candies.
Is a Swedish Fish Cocktail Usually Red or Blue?
Most Swedish Fish cocktails are red, designed to mimic the color of the original candy, often using red liqueurs, juices, grenadine, or fruit punch. However, there are fun blue variations too, typically known as a fish bowl cocktail where the red fish are in a blue curacao based drink.
Tips For the Best Swedish Fish Cocktail
- You can adjust the sweetness of this cocktail more by adding simple syrup or rock candy for extra sweetness, or add some fresh lemon or lime juice for tartness to reduce sweetness (or the tart cherry vs regular cherry juice)
- The strength of the drink can be modified best by the juice. Use more to dilute the drink or less for a stronger drink. You can also reduce the amount of vodka, but that takes some of the candy flavor with it
Serving and Garnish Tips
- Drop a Swedish Fish candy right into the glass or hook it on the rim for a playful, themed touch
- Add a skewer of multiple Swedish Fish, other gummy candies, or fresh fruit like raspberries and blackberries for a colorful, fun garnish
- Use a citrus twist or wedge (like lemon or orange) to balance the sweetness and give it a pop of color! Cocktail umbrellas are another fun and colorful option
- Any lowball glassware you like works – an old fashioned glass or stemless wine glass are common choices. A tall, thin Collins glass or martini glass work well too for an elegant feel
Final Thoughts
The Swedish fish cocktail is one of my favorite fun party drinks when you just want something sweet, fruity, and nostalgic (but for the adults). The bright color makes it whimsical, easy to drink, and perfect for your next gathering.
I like to serve this mixed drink up for cookouts, BBQs, pool parties, beach days, and even Shark Week with its fun fish theme! With the color, you could also make it work for Valentine’s Day!
So, if you’re craving a boozy version of a childhood candy favorite, give this delicious mixed drink a try. Cheers!
Swedish Fish Cocktail
Equipment
- Lowball glass (or similar)
- Spoon (for stirring)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Swedish fish infused vodka* (see notes below)
- 3 ounces cherry juice (or to taste; see notes below)
- ½ ounce Chambord (or another raspberry liqueur)
- Extra Swedish fish candies
Instructions
- Fill a lowball glass of choice with ice cubes (and some extra Swedish fish if you like)Extra Swedish fish candies
- Pour in all ingredients, then stir the mixture gently. Taste and adjust – add more vodka for strength, more raspberry liqueur for sweetness, or tart cherry or lemon juice if it’s too sweet. You can also use unsweetened sparkling water or club soda to dilute and add a fizzy finish!2 ounces Swedish fish infused vodka*, 3 ounces cherry juice, ½ ounce Chambord
- Garnish with extra Swedish fish candies and enjoy!Extra Swedish fish candies
Notes
- To make Swedish fish vodka, mix ½ cup vodka and ½ cup Swedish Fish candies in a mason jar, Tupperware, or similar container with a lid. Allow it to sit at room temperature overnight, shaking it occasionally. Strain and measure when ready to use (makes 2 servings)
- If you happen to have some of the discontinued Pinnacle gummy fish flavored vodka, you can use it instead of the infused version (but since I can’t get it, I make my own)!
- I prefer using tart cherry juice for this recipe to keep the sweetness down. However, it is darker than regular cherry juice, so it will make your cocktail overall darker (so it’s your choice – sweet and colorful or darker and balanced). You can also use another red juice like cranberry juice, pomegranate, or another fruity red juice. The color and the flavor will change, though, so use your own discretion!
- The Chambord raspberry liqueur can be swapped for lingonberry or loganberry liqueur, which is actually more true to Swedish fish flavor, but can be difficult to find. Cherry schnapps is another good option (but again changes the flavor and color a bit)
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any garnishes or sides added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
