Post-Halloween Hangover — What Your Leftover Candy Wants to Drink

Nutty, rich, and a little salty — Reese’s pairs beautifully with a wheated bourbon like Maker’s Mark or Larceny. The caramel and vanilla notes amplify the peanut butter, while the oak cuts through the chocolate. Try melting a Reese’s into a warm bourbon-spiked cocoa or muddling one into a dessert Old Fashioned. It’s indulgent, nostalgic, and surprisingly balanced.

Bright, acidic, and unapologetically artificial — Skittles scream for a neutral spirit. Infuse them into vodka for a rainbow shot lineup or drop a few into a citrus-forward cocktail. The sugar dissolves quickly, creating a neon-hued base that’s perfect for party drinks or novelty shooters. Bonus: it doubles as a science experiment for Gen Alpha cousins.

Chocolate, caramel, nougat — meet Kahlúa or Mr. Black. This pairing turns your leftover Milky Way into a dessert cocktail base. Blend it with ice and milk for a boozy milkshake, or stir it into a White Russian remix. The coffee notes add depth while the candy brings texture and sweetness. It’s a grown-up treat with kid-level comfort.

Polarizing meets polarizing. Candy corn’s waxy sweetness finds balance in a bitter Italian amaro like Averna or Fernet-Branca. Sip slowly or use the candy as a garnish for a stirred amaro cocktail. The contrast is sharp, but oddly satisfying — especially if you’re trying to clear both from your pantry. It’s a pairing for the bold and the brave.

Classic milk chocolate meets creamy liqueur. Drop a handful of M&M’s into a glass of Baileys or mix them into a boozy hot cocoa. You can also freeze them into ice cubes and drop them into a dessert martini. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and perfect for November couch sessions — especially with a blanket and a football game in the background.