Homemade Kool-Aid Licorice Ropes
Chewy, sweet, and bursting with nostalgic flavor, these Homemade Kool-Aid Licorice Ropes are a colorful, budget-friendly treat that's fun to make and even more fun to eat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 packet of Kool-Aid any flavor like Tropical Punch, Cherry, Grape
- 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
- ¼ cup light corn syrup
- ¼ cup water
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice optional, adds extra tartness
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for greasing hands and ropes
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix Kool-Aid, unflavored gelatin, and ¼ cup water. Let sit for 3–5 minutes to bloom.
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Stir over medium heat until dissolved and gently bubbling (about 235°F).
- Stir in the bloomed gelatin and lemon juice. Mix until fully dissolved and glossy.
- Remove from heat. Let cool for 5 minutes, then pour into a greased dish and spread evenly.
- Rest for 10–15 minutes until soft but not sticky. Grease hands with oil.
- Pull and twist chunks of the candy like taffy until shiny and firm. Roll into ropes and lay on parchment.
- Cut into desired lengths. Let cool at room temp for 30–45 minutes.