Equal parts blackberry brandy and anis liqueur make up the Jelly Bean, a two-ingredient shot whose flavor genuinely recalls the candy it borrows its name from. The dark-fruit sweetness of the blackberry brandy meets the licorice character of the anis to produce a nostalgic, instantly recognizable taste. Mixed in equal measures and served in a cordial or shot glass, it reaches roughly 19 percent ABV. Simple to assemble and pointedly sweet, it is among the confectionery-themed shots prized for novelty rather than balance or restraint.
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Jelly Bean
Ingredientes
- Blackberry Brandy 1 oz
- Anis 1 oz
Instrucciones
mix equal parts in pony glass-tastes just like a jelly bean!
El Jelly Bean es un simple chupito de dos ingredientes que combina brandy de mora con licor de anís en partes iguales, creando un perfil de sabor que genuinamente imita el caramelo del que toma su nombre. La dulzura oscura de la fruta del brandy de mora y el carácter a regaliz del anís se combinan para producir un sabor familiar y nostálgico. Se sirve en un vaso cordial o de chupito.
History & Origins
Candy-flavored shots became a staple of American bar culture in the 1980s and 1990s, when fruit liqueurs and flavored spirits gained wide commercial availability. The Jelly Bean shot is a product of this era, exploiting the natural flavor affinity between anise and blackberry that has been recognized in European confectionery for generations. The exact origin is disputed.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Sweet blackberry and star anise, with a licorice character reminiscent of the candy. Palate: Very sweet and playful — the blackberry brandy's dark fruit richness blends seamlessly with the anis's licorice-anise flavor to create a genuinely candy-like experience. Finish: Sweet and lingering, with anise dominating the finish.
Pro Tip
Mix at room temperature in equal parts in a small glass — no ice needed as the sweet flavors are best appreciated at slightly warmer temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in a Jelly Bean cocktail?
A Jelly Bean shooter is made with blackberry brandy and an anise-flavored liqueur such as Sambuca, ouzo, or anisette. The combination of berry sweetness and licorice flavor mimics the taste of a mixed jelly bean candy. Proportions are typically equal parts.
How is a Jelly Bean served?
The Jelly Bean is most often served as a chilled shooter. Both ingredients are combined with ice, shaken or stirred, and strained into a shot glass. It is consumed in one sip to get the full burst of mixed sweet and anise flavor.
What does a Jelly Bean shooter taste like?
The drink has a candy-like sweetness from the blackberry brandy combined with a distinctive licorice finish from the anise liqueur. Together they evoke the flavor of multi-flavored jelly bean candies, making it a popular novelty shot at parties.
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