The Halloween season is upon us, along with Pumpkin Ale, plastic skeletons and imminent candy sales. Mmm—candy. Why should kids have all the fun? Host your own Halloween party (or pre-party) with this collection of some of my favorite Mendocino beer-infused, adult candy treats. Besides helping facilitate a tasty party, these recipes also give you a chance to hone your beer-treat skills in time for the winter holiday party season.
White Hawk IPA Caramel Popcorn
White Hawk IPA Caramel Popcorn
Betty Crocker may be one of the best known cooks in the U.S., and she’s not even a real person! However, she’s still a great cook, and this recipe for IPA Caramel Corn is an adult twist on the classic treat. It’s easy to make, too, and does not require any complicated caramel cooking like some caramel popcorn recipes.
(Recipe and image courtesy of Better Crocker)
Red Tail Ale Beer and Bacon Candied Pecans
Candied pecans are a favorite holiday snack, especially around Thanksgiving and other holidays focused on eating. Adding beer into the recipe makes it even better, and bacon takes it over the top. I altered this recipe a bit to include Red Tail Ale, which lends a richer flavor than lighter beers.
(Recipe and image courtesy of Cooking on the Front Burners)
Redwood Oatmeal Stout Black Cauldron Float
Redwood Oatmeal Stout Black Cauldron Float
This grown-up ice cream float has the added advantage of kick of espresso, Mendocino’s Redwood Oatmeal Stout, and a pinch of vodka. It’s super easy to make, especially if you prepare the espresso ahead of time. You serve full servings if pint glasses if you like, but I like to dish up smaller servings so the ingredients (and the party) go longer.
(Recipe and image courtesy of Cooking Light)
Black Eye Ale Pretzel Beer Brittle
This twist on peanut brittle brings and added salt crunch to this classic treat. This recipe is a little trickier to make, because it requires making sure the sugar mixture reaches the correct specific temperature. However, the results are worth it, and making the sugar mixture is actually the only cooking involved.
(Recipe and image courtesy of The Food Network)
Black Hawk Stout Truffles
Black Hawk Stout Truffles
I’ve made this recipe several times, and it’s always delicious. While these fancy chocolate candies are most at home during the Christmas season, they can hold their own during any time of the year. To add some seasonal flair, try topping the truffles with a bit of candied corn or drizzle with white chocolate to make a spider web pattern. Or, if you’re really feeling the sprit, mix a little red and yellow food coloring in some white chocolate to create orange, and roll the truffles in the mixture.
(Recipe and image courtesy of The Beeroness)
Tricks or Treats?
Do you have any favorite Beer-Infused candy treats to share? Inspire us in the comments below!
