Sweet, aromatic, and bubblegum pink, this playful cocktail is the utter definition of fun. Created by bartender Bradleigh Mobley at Bayonet in Birmingham (one of our Best New Restaurants of 2026), the drink calls upon the nostalgia of Nerds candy to create a zippy yet balanced drink that’s undeniably entertaining. Nerds are a four-in-one ingredient, adding not only flavor but additional sweetness, a vibrant color, and a touch of acidity to the syrup. The Italicus (a fragrant Italian liqueur made with bergamots and botanicals, such as chamomile and lavender,) can be swapped out for St-Germain if needed. Read more about Mobley’s nostalgic inspiration for this bright and tangy cocktail here.
Chef’s Note: Make sure to use original Nerds candy (the hard, tiny pebble-like ones) in the syrup. They dissolve quickly and completely, unlike Gummy Clusters.
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Recipe information
Total Time
20 minutes
Yield
Makes 1
Ingredients
Syrup
1
¼
Cocktail and Assembly
1½
¾
½
Need to make a substitution?
Preparation
Syrup
Step 1
Bring 1 cup (200 g) 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).
Do Ahead: Syrup can be made 1 week ahead. Keep chilled.
Cocktail and Assembly
Step 2
Combine 1½ oz. tequila (such as Volcan Blanco), ¾ oz. fresh lemon juice, ½ oz. Italicus (bergamot liqueur) or St-Germain (elderflower liqueur), and 1½ oz. Nerds syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Cover and shake vigorously until outside of shaker is frosty, about 20 seconds. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass. Thread Nerds Gummy Clusters onto a cocktail pick as desired and garnish drink.