The Sweet Fusion: Exploring The Best Candy-Flavored Beers

Beer and candy might seem like an unlikely pairing at first glance—one’s a hoppy, bitter beverage rooted in centuries of tradition, while the other is a sugary treat designed for instant gratification. Yet, in the ever-evolving world of craft brewing, these two worlds have collided to create a delightful niche: candy-flavored beers. From chocolate stouts to sour ales reminiscent of gummy worms, brewers are tapping into nostalgia, experimentation, and pure fun to craft beers that taste like your favorite childhood sweets. In this article, we’ll explore the best candy-flavored beers on the market, the techniques behind their creation, and why they’ve become a hit among adventurous drinkers as of March 12, 2025.

The Rise of Candy-Flavored Beers

The craft beer revolution has been defined by boundary-pushing creativity. Once dominated by traditional styles like IPAs and lagers, the industry has embraced wild experimentation—think barrel-aged sours, pastry stouts, and even glitter-infused brews. Candy-flavored beers are a natural extension of this trend, blending the complexity of beer with the playful, accessible flavors of confectionery. Brewers have discovered that malt, yeast, hops, and adjuncts can mimic the profiles of candies like caramel, chocolate, sour gummies, and even cotton candy, appealing to both seasoned beer geeks and casual drinkers looking for something fun.

This trend isn’t entirely new—beers like Samuel Adams Chocolate Bock and Young’s Double Chocolate Stout have hinted at candy-like flavors for years. But in the 2020s, the rise of “pastry beers” and dessert-inspired brews has taken it to new heights. Social media platforms like X have amplified the buzz, with beer enthusiasts sharing photos of hazy IPAs that taste like Skittles or stouts that rival a Snickers bar. As breweries compete for attention in a crowded market, candy-flavored beers have become a delicious way to stand out.

What Makes a Beer “Candy-Flavored”?

Before diving into the best examples, let’s unpack how brewers achieve these whimsical flavors. Beer’s core ingredients—malt, hops, water, and yeast—provide a foundation that can be tweaked and enhanced with adjuncts (extra ingredients) to evoke candy-like tastes:

Malt: Roasted malts can impart chocolate, caramel, or toffee notes, mimicking candies like Milky Way or Werther’s Originals.
Hops: While typically bitter, certain hop varieties (like Citra or Mosaic) add fruity, citrusy, or tropical flavors akin to Jolly Ranchers or Starburst.

Yeast: Specific strains can produce esters—compounds that lend banana, bubblegum, or clove-like aromas, reminiscent of Runts or Bazooka gum.
Adjuncts: Brewers often add lactose (milk sugar) for sweetness, vanilla for creaminess, or fruit purees to emulate gummy candies. Some even toss in actual candy or extracts for authenticity.

The result is a beer that balances sweetness with the depth of fermentation, avoiding the cloying simplicity of soda while still channeling the spirit of candy. Now, let’s explore some of the best candy-flavored beers you can find today.

The Best Candy-Flavored Beers

Here’s a curated list of standout beers that capture the essence of popular candies. These selections are based on flavor profiles, brewery reputation, and community buzz as of early 2025. Whether you’re a fan of chocolate bars, sour candies, or sticky-sweet treats, there’s a beer here for you.

1. Southern Tier Brewing Co. – Thick Mint (Chocolate Mint Candy)

Candy Inspiration: Thin Mints or Andes Mints
Style: Imperial Stout

ABV: 10.0%
Tasting Notes: Imagine a Girl Scout Thin Mint dunked into a rich, velvety stout. Southern Tier’s Thick Mint combines roasted malts with cocoa nibs and a whisper of mint extract, creating a decadent, dessert-like experience. The beer pours jet black with a tan head, and the aroma bursts with dark chocolate and cool peppermint. On the palate, it’s creamy (thanks to lactose) with a bittersweet finish that keeps it from feeling overly heavy.
Why It Works: The balance of mint and chocolate mirrors the candy perfectly, while the high ABV adds a warming kick—ideal for sipping on a chilly night.

Where to Find It: Widely available in the U.S. during the winter season.

2. WeldWerks Brewing Co. – Juicy Bits w/ Starburst (Fruit Chews)

Candy Inspiration: Starburst
Style: New England IPA

ABV: 6.7%
Tasting Notes: WeldWerks is a master of hazy IPAs, and this limited-release variant takes their flagship Juicy Bits to candy-coated heights. Brewed with massive doses of Citra, Mosaic, and El Dorado hops, then conditioned on Starburst-like fruit flavors (via purees or extracts), it’s a tropical explosion of mango, strawberry, and lemon. The hazy, juice-like body and low bitterness make it taste like a handful of pink and yellow Starbursts in liquid form.
Why It Works: The NEIPA style’s inherent fruitiness pairs seamlessly with the candy inspiration, delivering a refreshing yet indulgent treat.

Where to Find It: Look for WeldWerks taproom releases or trade with beer enthusiasts online.

3. Prairie Artisan Ales – Rainbow Sherbet (Sour Candy/Sherbet)

Candy Inspiration: Rainbow Sherbet or Sour Patch Kids
Style: Sour Ale

ABV: 5.2%
Tasting Notes: Prairie’s Rainbow Sherbet is a puckering sour ale brewed with raspberry, pineapple, and orange purees, plus a touch of vanilla and lactose for that creamy sherbet vibe. The result is a bright, tangy beer with a candy-store sweetness that dances on your tongue. It’s like sipping a melted rainbow of Sour Patch Kids—tart at first, then sweet and smooth.
Why It Works: The interplay of sour and sweet captures the duality of many candies, making it both refreshing and nostalgic.

Where to Find It: Available at craft beer retailers or Prairie’s online store.

4. The Bruery – Black Tuesday w/ Peanut Brittle (Nutty Candy)

Candy Inspiration: Peanut Brittle or PayDay
Style: Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout

ABV: 19.5%
Tasting Notes: The Bruery’s Black Tuesday is a beast of a stout aged in bourbon barrels, and this peanut brittle variant adds layers of roasted peanuts, caramelized sugar, and vanilla. It pours thick and syrupy, with an aroma of boozy toffee and nuts. The flavor is a rich mash-up of dark chocolate, salty peanuts, and sticky sweetness, evoking a PayDay bar with a barrel-aged twist.
Why It Works: The intense malt base and barrel notes elevate the candy concept into a sophisticated sipper.

Where to Find It: Limited release, often through The Bruery’s membership clubs.

5. Martin House Brewing Co. – Salty Caramel Pretzel (Caramel Candy)

Candy Inspiration: Rolo or Caramel Pretzel Bites
Style: Golden Ale

ABV: 6.5%
Tasting Notes: Martin House is known for wild flavors, and this beer nails the salty-sweet combo of caramel-dipped pretzels. Brewed with caramel malt, sea salt, and pretzel pieces, it’s light-bodied yet flavorful, with a golden hue and a crisp finish. The caramel sweetness is tempered by a subtle salinity, making it dangerously drinkable.
Why It Works: The lighter style keeps it refreshing, letting the candy flavors shine without overwhelming the palate.

Where to Find It: Available in Texas and select markets.

6. Evil Twin Brewing – Even More Skittles (Fruity Hard Candy)

Candy Inspiration: Skittles
Style: Fruited Sour

ABV: 7.0%
Tasting Notes: Evil Twin’s penchant for bold beers shines in this Skittles-inspired sour. Packed with mixed fruit purees (think lemon, lime, grape, and strawberry), it’s a vibrant, rainbow-hued brew that’s tart upfront with a candy-sweet finish. The acidity mimics the chew of Skittles, while the fruit medley keeps it playful.
Why It Works: It’s unapologetically fun, leaning into the sour candy trend with gusto.

Where to Find It: Limited batches at craft beer bars or online retailers.

7. Three Floyds Brewing – Marshmallow Handjee (Marshmallow Candy)

Candy Inspiration: Marshmallows or Peeps
Style: Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout

ABV: 15.0%
Tasting Notes: This cult-favorite stout (a variant of Dark Lord) is aged in bourbon barrels with vanilla and marshmallow flavoring. It’s thick, oily, and intensely sweet, with notes of toasted marshmallow, chocolate, and oak. It’s like drinking a campfire s’more—sticky, rich, and indulgent.
Why It Works: The barrel aging adds depth to the marshmallow sweetness, making it a complex candy tribute.

Where to Find It: Extremely rare, released annually at Dark Lord Day.

8. Drekker Brewing Co. – Chonk Cotton Candy (Spun Sugar)

Candy Inspiration: Cotton Candy
Style: Fruited Sour

ABV: 6.2%
Tasting Notes: Drekker’s Chonk series is all about over-the-top flavors, and this cotton candy version delivers. Brewed with blue raspberry and vanilla, it’s a pastel-pink sour with a fluffy sweetness and a tart backbone. It’s like sipping spun sugar at a carnival, but with a beer twist.
Why It Works: The whimsical vibe and balanced tartness make it a standout.

Where to Find It: Drekker’s taproom or specialty beer shops.

Why Candy-Flavored Beers Are Here to Stay

Candy-flavored beers tap into a universal love of nostalgia. For many, candies like Skittles, Thin Mints, or peanut brittle evoke memories of childhood, holidays, or simple joys. Pairing those flavors with the adult sophistication of craft beer creates a bridge between past and present—a treat that’s both playful and refined. Plus, the rise of social media has fueled their popularity, with vibrant pours and quirky names making them Instagram and X darlings.

Brewers also love the challenge. Crafting a beer that tastes like candy without becoming a sugary mess requires skill—balancing sweetness with acidity, bitterness, or barrel notes. It’s a testament to the artistry of modern brewing, and as palates evolve, we’re likely to see even more inventive takes.

Pairing and Enjoying Candy-Flavored Beers

These beers shine on their own, but pairing them with food can elevate the experience:

Chocolate Stouts: Try with brownies or a cheese plate.
Fruity Sours: Pair with grilled chicken or tangy BBQ.

Caramel Ales: Match with salted nuts or pretzels.

Serve them slightly chilled (45-50°F) to let the flavors pop, and use a tulip glass to capture the aromas.

Conclusion

Candy-flavored beers are more than a gimmick—they’re a celebration of flavor, creativity, and the boundless possibilities of craft brewing. From Southern Tier’s Thick Mint to Drekker’s Cotton Candy Chonk, these beers prove that the line between brewery and candy store is delightfully blurry. Whether you’re a hophead or a sweets lover, there’s a candy-inspired brew waiting to surprise and delight you. So, next time you’re at a taproom or browsing a beer aisle, grab one of these sugary standouts and raise a glass to the sweetest side of beer.