I’ve got to tell you about this absolutely adorable drink that’s been stealing the show at every party I bring it to!
The Gummy Bear Mocktail isn’t just another sugary beverage, it’s literally like drinking liquid candy that somehow manages to be refreshing instead of overwhelming.
Once you see how those gorgeous layers stack up and taste that perfect balance of fruity flavors, you’ll understand why everyone’s been asking for the recipe.
And why I’ve been keeping it secret until now.

Kid-Friendly Party Favorite Origins

The Gummy Bear Mocktail didn’t exactly come from some fancy bartender’s notebook or ancient recipe collection, it actually started popping up at kids’ birthday parties and family gatherings where parents wanted something that looked super fun but wouldn’t send the little ones bouncing off the walls with sugar overload.
You know how it’s when you’re planning a party and you want that Instagram-worthy drink that makes everyone go “ooooh” when you bring it out? Well, someone clever figured out that combining the bright, fruity flavors that kids absolutely love with the visual appeal of layered colors would be a total winner, and boy were they right!
What makes this drink so brilliant is how it captures everything kids adore about those chewy gummy bear candies but in liquid form that’s way easier to share and won’t get stuck in anyone’s teeth.
The raspberry juice gives it that gorgeous red color that screams “party time,” while the pineapple adds just enough tropical sweetness to make it feel special and exotic… like your drinking a vacation in a cup.
The fizzy lemon-lime soda on top creates this amazing layered effect that honestly looks like magic when your pouring it, and kids lose their minds over anything that looks like a science experiment they can actually drink.
The genius behind adding non-alcoholic vodka isn’t just for show, it actually balances out all that fruity sweetness so the drink doesn’t taste like liquid candy and make everyone’s parents regret serving it.
It’s become such a hit at parties because it gives kids that grown-up feeling of having a “special” drink while parents can relax knowing it’s basically just fancy fruit juice with bubbles.
Plus, let’s be honest, the adults usually end up sneaking sips too because it’s surprisingly refreshing and reminds them of being a kid again without any of the guilt!
Tips To Make It Perfectly At Home

Getting this candy-inspired mocktail right at home is all about mastering the layering technique and balancing those sweet and tart flavors.
- Chill everything first: Your juices, soda and even your glass should be ice-cold before you start mixing. Room temperature ingredients will create a muddy mess instead of those gorgeous distinct layers you’re going for.
- Pour slowly over a spoon: When adding each layer, pour the liquid over the back of a bar spoon or regular spoon held just above the previous layer. This gentle technique prevents the liquids from crashing into each other and mixing too quickly.
- Match your juice densities: Heavier, thicker juices go on the bottom while lighter ones float on top. If your raspberry juice is too thin, add a tiny bit of simple syrup to weigh it down.
- Don’t skip the non-alcoholic vodka: It might seem pointless but this ingredient adds a clean, crisp bite that prevents the drink from being cloyingly sweet. Regular water won’t give you the same effect.
- Add soda last and fast: Pour the lemon-lime soda quickly in one smooth motion right before serving. Hesitating or stopping mid-pour will flatten the bubbles and ruin that festive fizz.
- Use clear ice if possible: Cloudy ice melts faster and dilutes your carefully balanced flavors. Clear ice cubes or spheres keep the drink colder longer without watering it down.
- Avoid over-stirring: Once you’ve got your layers, resist the urge to mix everything together. Let your guests do that themselves or give it just one gentle stir before drinking.
Food Pairing Ideas
This fruity, fizzy mocktail practically begs for foods that can match its playful energy while balancing out all that sweetness.
Think salty-sweet combos and textures that won’t compete with those bright, candy-like flavors.
- Salted caramel popcorn: The salty crunch cuts through the sweetness while the caramel echoes those gummy bear vibes without being too over-the-top.
- Mini cheese and crackers: Sharp cheddar or goat cheese on buttery crackers gives your palate a savory reset between sips of this sugar rush.
- Coconut shrimp: The tropical coconut plays beautifully with the pineapple while the crispy coating adds texture contrast to the smooth drink.
- Chocolate-covered pretzels: Another salty-sweet winner that won’t clash with the fruit flavors and gives you something substantial to munch on.
- Fresh fruit kabobs: Keep the party going with chunks of fresh pineapple, strawberries and grapes that mirror the drink’s fruity personality.
- Blue cheese pinwheels: These little savory spirals provide a sophisticated counterpoint to the playful mocktail without killing the fun vibe.
Need some ALCOHOL-FREE spirits for your mocktails? Why not try one of these?
OR Cut Above Zero Proof Spirits.
One of these is bound to have what you need !
Sweet Layered Drink Instructions
This playful Gummy Bear Mocktail is like childhood nostalgia in a glass, bursting with fruity sweetness and vibrant colors that’ll make you smile before you even take a sip! The raspberry and pineapple juices create this amazing layered effect that looks totally Instagram-worthy, while the lemon-lime soda adds that perfect fizzy finish.
It’s sweet, refreshing and has just enough tartness to keep things interesting… plus that splash of non-alcoholic vodka gives it a grown-up twist that makes this drink perfect for any celebration.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz raspberry juice
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- 1 oz non-alcoholic vodka
- 4 oz lemon-lime soda
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
- Ice cubes
- Gummy bears for garnish
- Fresh mint sprig (optional)
Instructions:
- Fill a tall glass with ice cubes, making sure to pack them in nice and tight for the best layering effect.
- Pour the raspberry juice slowly over the ice, letting it settle at the bottom of the glass.
- Mix the pineapple juice with the non-alcoholic vodka in a small cup, then pour this mixture very slowly over the back of a bar spoon to create the second layer.
- Add simple syrup if you want things extra sweet (because sometimes life needs more sweetness, right?).
- Top everything off with the lemon-lime soda, pouring it super gently so you don’t mess up those gorgeous layers.
- Drop a handful of gummy bears right into the drink and watch them float around like little colorful swimmers.
- Garnish with a mint sprig if you’re feeling fancy, grab a straw and enjoy this liquid candy masterpiece!
Prep Times:
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Total time: 5 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Servings: 1
- Calories: 453
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 88g
Variations To Try
These creative twists on the classic Gummy Bear Mocktail let you explore new flavor combinations while keeping that playful candy shop essence.
- Tropical Gummy: Swap raspberry juice for mango juice and add a splash of coconut water for a beachy twist with the same pineapple base.
- Sour Gummy Punch: Add fresh lime juice and a pinch of citric acid to amp up the tartness and mimic sour gummy candies.
- Berry Medley Gummy: Use a blend of strawberry and blueberry juices instead of raspberry for a mixed berry candy flavor.
- Fizzy Gummy Float: Top with a scoop of rainbow sherbet or vanilla ice cream for a dessert-style version that’s part drink part treat.
- Green Gummy: Replace raspberry with green apple juice and pineapple with white grape juice for a bright green candy-inspired color.
- Sparkling Gummy: Use sparkling fruit juices throughout and finish with extra lemon-lime soda for maximum fizz and bubble action.
To pin for later:

If you like this you may also enjoy a summer sunrise mocktail.
Gummy Bear Mocktail
Bursting with fruity flavors and playful charm, this candy-inspired mocktail is a sweet sip of nostalgia - colorful, fizzy, and totally party-ready!
Ingredients
- 60 ml raspberry juice
- 60 ml pineapple juice
- 30 ml non-alcoholic vodka
- 120 ml lemon-lime soda
- 15 ml simple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
- Ice cubes
- Gummy bears for garnish
- Fresh mint sprig (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass with ice cubes, making sure to pack them in nice and tight for the best layering effect.
- Pour the raspberry juice slowly over the ice, letting it settle at the bottom of the glass.
- Mix the pineapple juice with the non-alcoholic vodka in a small cup, then pour this mixture very slowly over the back of a bar spoon to create the second layer.
- Add simple syrup if you want things extra sweet (because sometimes life needs more sweetness, right?).
- Top everything off with the lemon-lime soda, pouring it super gently so you don't mess up those gorgeous layers.
- Drop a handful of gummy bears right into the drink and watch them float around like little colorful swimmers.
- Garnish with a mint sprig if you're feeling fancy, grab a straw and enjoy this liquid candy masterpiece!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 453Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 171mgCarbohydrates: 88gFiber: 3gSugar: 72gProtein: 1g
This nutrition information was automatically calculated by Nutritionix, but may not be 100% accurate.