OH DEAR OH MY!! I'm sorry I didn't get to respond to this before your very detailed scientific experiment. I may have
been able to save you some time. Something tells me though that you didn't mind doing all that work!
Just a little info on how I stumbled across this recipe. And I use the term "recipe" VERY loosely! I normally make jello shots for 'pallooza events but because Mark and I were traveling the week before, it was going to be almost impossible
to keep them jell-ed that long. So, I was in search of a new treat. A friend of mine told me about Drunken Gummies.
Hmm, sounded interesting. OK, twist my arm...I'll try it!
Here is the "recipe" I had...and I will elaborate a bit more on my experience:
1.Tub of gummies.
2.Pour vodka to cover. Cover and refridgerate.
3.Stir daily for 5 days.
4.Add 1 cup frozen juice concentrate (made with 1/2 water). Cover and refridgerate.
5.Stir daily 2-4 additional days.
I basically followed these directions, with a few changes.
***1.I bought bags of gummies, name brand from Wal-Mart. I wouldn't use generic brand. I poured them into a
large plastic Tupperware bowl with an airtight lid. Use something about three times the size as your gummies...makes
it easier for thorough stirring and by the end, my gummies grew over double in size!
2.Pour the vodka until the bears are completely covered. Close lid and refridgerate.
***Use a vodka you would drink because, like in Jello Shots, you definitely taste the vodka. You don't want the lil guys
tasting like rubbing alcohol! I bet they would also be yummy made with a fruit vodka such as cherry or strawberry.
Might try that next time.
***3.Now, because I was curious I took a peek about four hours later, even though the directions implied stirring once a day. I couldn't beleive how much they had absorbed already so I gave them a stir and for the next two days stirred them about every 8 hours. On the third day (of the five) the vodka was completely absorbed. What to do...what to do? I decided to add more!
Only about 3/4 this time, and continued stirring til the fifth day.
Basically, use your judgement these first 3-5 days. Keep testing them for the bite. They should be getting softer
in the middle as the absorbtion continues until at the very end of the recipe they are easy to chew. And don't forget to leave
absorbtion room for the fruit juice...which I noticed wasn't in your recipe.
***4. No specific flavor was specified so I used fruit punch flavor.... I think it was Dole brand frozen fruit concentrate but
any flavor and/or brand would do. Make it with 1/2 of the water it calls for so it is really concentrated. After the
4th or 5th day, or whenever the vodka is all absorbed, pour in the fruit juice.
***5.Just keep stirring until all of the liquid is absorbed...I think it was another two days for me.
I can't remember how long you said that you "marinated" yours, but I think at least five days is the key. The more liquid they
soak up the softer they get and they lose that chewy center. And beleive it or not, they were not at all mushy.
I scooped portions into the small plastic cups with tops (usually used for jello shots) and kept them cold in the fridge in
the hotel til it was time to enjoy!
I think they were a hit and I'll be buying gummies in bulk for the next get-together! I didn't hear any complaints except from JETS who forgot it wasn't jello and didn't chew his. Enough said on that!