Watermelon Jolly Rancher Rum Bites are the ultimate summer party stars—sweet, splashy, and just the right amount of boozy fun! With juicy watermelon cubes soaked in rum and a pop of Jolly Rancher candy flavor, they’re ridiculously easy to make and ready in under 15 minutes. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or lounging by the pool, these Watermelon Jolly Rancher Rum Bites will be the life of the party!
The first time I made this recipe, my family couldn’t stop grabbing more—it was pure sunshine in every bite! It reminded me of my colorful Tropical Jello Shot Cups, another favorite that never lasts long at our gatherings. So grab your rum, your candy, and your smile… this Watermelon Jolly Rancher Rum Bites recipe is about to steal the show!
Why You’ll Love These Watermelon Jolly Rancher Rum Bites
- Sweet & Boozy Fun: Each juicy bite bursts with fruity Jolly Rancher flavor and a cheeky splash of rum—hello, instant party favorite!
- Quick & Easy: No fancy tools, no stress—just mix, chill, and serve in under 30 minutes. Perfect for last-minute summer hangouts!
- Vibrant & Eye-Catching: Bright, colorful, and totally Instagram-worthy—these little bites look as good as they taste!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone will ask for the recipe (and maybe seconds). They’re the kind of treat that disappears fast!
- Customizable: Switch up the candies or try different rums for your own unique twist. The fun never ends!
Watermelon Jolly Rancher Rum Bites
Sweet, colorful, and spiked with a splash of fun—these Watermelon Jolly Rancher Rum Bites are the ultimate summer party treat! Juicy melon soaked in candy-infused rum for a refreshing, boozy bite everyone will love
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 20–25 bites 1x
Ingredients
1 small seedless watermelon
1 cup white rum
1 cup Jolly Rancher candies (watermelon flavor)
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon water
Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Cut the watermelon in half lengthwise with a sharp knife for a clean, stable base.
Scoop the flesh into small, round balls using a melon baller or spoon. Place them in a large bowl.
In a saucepan, combine rum, Jolly Rancher candies, sugar, and water. Heat over low to medium, stirring often, until the candies dissolve completely (about 5–7 minutes).
Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes.
Pour the cooled Jolly Rancher rum mixture over the watermelon balls, ensuring they’re fully submerged.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours—or overnight for the most flavor!
Drain the watermelon bites on paper towels before serving.
Arrange on a platter and garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color.
Notes
For the juiciest flavor, let the watermelon soak overnight—this allows the rum and candy sweetness to fully infuse every bite. Serve chilled for the ultimate refreshing treat
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 72
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0.1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
Ingredients
For the watermelon bites:
- 1 small seedless watermelon – Choose a ripe, firm watermelon for easy scooping and maximum flavor.
- 1 cup white rum – Light rum gives a crisp, tropical kick without overpowering the candy flavor. (You can substitute coconut rum for a sweeter, beachy twist.)
- 1 cup Jolly Rancher candies (watermelon flavor) – Use the classic hard candies to infuse a bold watermelon taste and bright color.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar – Helps balance the tartness of the candies and enhances the syrup’s sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon water – Prevents the candy mixture from burning and helps it melt smoothly.
- Fresh mint leaves (optional) – For garnish and a refreshing aroma when serving
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the watermelon
Cut the watermelon in half lengthwise using a large, sharp knife. Make sure the surface is smooth and stable, so the halves sit flat on your cutting board or counter. Using a melon baller or a small spoon, scoop out round, bite-sized watermelon balls. Try to keep them uniform in size for even soaking. Transfer the watermelon balls to a large, heat-safe bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Jolly Rancher rum syrup
In a small saucepan, combine the white rum, Jolly Rancher candies, granulated sugar, and water. Place the pan over low to medium heat. Stir frequently with a silicone spatula or wooden spoon to help the candies dissolve evenly. As the mixture heats, the candies will melt and create a glossy, syrup-like texture. This process usually takes 5 to 7 minutes. Be patient—don’t raise the heat too high or the sugar may crystallize.
Step 3: Cool the syrup
Once all the candies have fully melted into the rum mixture, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let the syrup cool for about 10 minutes at room temperature. You want it to be warm but not hot—if it’s too hot, it may start cooking the watermelon and change its texture.
Step 4: Soak the watermelon
Pour the cooled Jolly Rancher rum syrup evenly over the watermelon balls. Use a spoon to gently stir and make sure every piece is coated and submerged. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid.
Step 5: Chill and infuse
Place the covered bowl in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to fully soak in. For the most flavorful results, let the watermelon sit overnight. The longer it chills, the deeper the infusion of candy sweetness and rum.
Step 6: Drain and dry
When ready to serve, remove the watermelon balls from the bowl using a slotted spoon. Let them drain on a paper towel or wire rack for 1–2 minutes to remove excess syrup. This helps them stay firm and easy to pick up.
Step 7: Garnish and serve
Arrange the infused watermelon bites on a chilled serving platter. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a touch of color and a refreshing aroma. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Use seedless watermelon for a clean presentation and smooth texture.
- Chill before serving — the colder the bites, the more refreshing they taste.
- Avoid over-soaking for more than 24 hours; the watermelon may become too soft.
- Try flavor variations: swap the watermelon Jolly Ranchers for green apple, cherry, or blue raspberry for colorful party trays.
- For a non-alcoholic version: replace the rum with lemon-lime soda or sparkling water for a fun mocktail twist.
Discover the magic! Click here for our Witches’ Nightcap Cocktail, Mermaid’s Sparkle Punch, and Halloween Margaritas recipes
Serving Suggestions
These Watermelon Jolly Rancher Rum Bites are the life of any summer gathering! Serve them chilled straight from the fridge for the ultimate refreshing treat—especially on hot days. Arrange them beautifully on a white or clear glass platter so the bright pink color pops. Add a few fresh mint sprigs or thin lime slices around the platter for an extra touch of color and a fresh aroma.
For a playful presentation, skewer 2–3 bites on cocktail sticks or mini bamboo picks—it makes them easy to grab and gives your table a fun, festive vibe. You can even serve them in small dessert cups with a drizzle of the leftover Jolly Rancher rum syrup on top for a sweet, glossy finish.
If you’re hosting a themed party, pair these with other fruity favorites like Tropical Jello Shot Cups or Strawberry Margarita Jelly Shots for a colorful cocktail spread that guests will love. Don’t forget to chill some extra rum syrup to pour lightly over the bites right before serving—it enhances the flavor and makes them even more irresistible!
Conclusion
These Watermelon Jolly Rancher Rum Bites are more than just a summer snack—they’re a burst of sunshine in every bite! Sweet, juicy, and delightfully boozy, they bring together the nostalgic flavor of Jolly Rancher candies with the refreshing coolness of watermelon. Whether you’re hosting a pool party, a BBQ, or a cozy night with friends, these little treats always steal the spotlight.
Simple to make, stunning to serve, and impossible to resist—this recipe proves that sometimes the best party desserts are the easiest ones! So grab your rum, your candies, and your favorite summer playlist, and get ready to make some delicious memories.