I recently saw this recipe posted on Bon Appetit, and was immediately intrigued. I think Nerds has gotten a major PR boost from their Nerds Gummy Clusters. Like, Nerds used to just be a pretty boring candy that was just flavored sugar in an inconvenient form. But, Nerds Gummy Clusters are way more fun and a better texture. I know this mainly because I started using them as running fuel during marathon training.
So… I like Nerds now? At least, some Nerds products. I would never just seek out Nerds.
Anyways, I was intrigued by the cocktail recipe, but didn’t want to buy any new alcohol like elderflower liquor. But I did have some elderflower tonic in my fridge! So I figured…. why not made a Nerds Gin and Tonic? I made the Nerds syrup and added it to an elderflower gin and tonic. Groundbreaking.
The Nerds syrup is pretty solidly Nerds flavored. But, it looks pretty iffy. The original recipe says to only used grape and strawberry Nerds, and I can tell why. When you use the rainbow kind, it makes a sort of gray-green syrup. It’s not super appetizing looking. But… who cares. I tastes good.
This tastes sort of exactly how you’d expect it to. A sweeter gin and tonic, with a hint of that Nerds-y candy flavor. And if you’re really feeling like adding some pizazz, you can add some Nerds Gummy Clusters to a cocktail pick and do an incredibly simple garnish. And having those gummy clusters soak in the drink it pretty tasty too.
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PinIngredients
Nerd syrup
- 1 cup sugar
- ¼ cup strawberry and grape Nerds (not gummies)
- Kosher salt
Cocktail
- 2 ounces gin
- 1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice
- 4 ounces Elderflower tonic
- 1 1/2 ounces Nerd syrup
- Nerds Gummy Clusters (for serving)
Instructions
- Make the Nerd Syrup: Bring 1 cup sugar, ¼ cup strawberry and grape Nerds (not gummies), a pinch of kosher salt, and 1 cup water to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sugar and candies are dissolved, about 5 minutes. Let Nerds syrup cool, then transfer to an airtight container and chill until ready to use (makes about 1¼ cups).
- Syrup can be made 1 week ahead. Keep chilled.
- Fill a glass with ice, then add the gin, lemon juice, and Nerds syrup.
- Top with the tonic water and gently stir.
- Thread Nerds Gummy Clusters onto a cocktail pick as desired and garnish drink.
Notes
Inspired by Bon Appetit