Wholesale Sweets Online

Remember the excitement you felt when you were little when Halloween, Christmas or a birthday rolled around? Or just whenever you knew there’d be sweets in the vicinity. These days, it’s getting tough to spot the difference between a dessert and a drink.

Well, now you can recreate the pleasure with a grown-up twist. Sweet-themed cocktails are great if you have a sweet tooth or fancy yourself as a bit of a cocktail-making pro.

Whether you have a girlie night in arranged or want to experiment with your bartending skills, these drinks are sure to bring back those childhood sweet shop vibes into a glass.

And if you’re looking to stock up on candy for your next culinary adventure, take a peek at our Appleton Sweets collection, your go-to source for everything sweet.

Making magic with candy and cocktails

Creating candy-flavoured cocktails involves simply mixing drinks with the fun of sweets. This fusion results in visually stunning drinks, not to mention a carnival of flavours. From the rich, velvetiness of chocolate treats to the zinginess of fizzy candies, these cocktails offer a spectrum of tastes that’ll please every palate.

Old favourites with a new twist

Remember those cocktails that transport you back to your childhood? Where the only currency of any value was the contents of your sweet jar? Favourites like the Rhubarb and Custard Martini or the Sherbet Lemon Fizz are inspired by classic sweets we all love. They add a fancy touch to those familiar tastes. Using a base of premium spirits, these cocktails are instilled with homemade syrups and essences that taste just like those famous sweets.

New spins on old favourites

Mixologists are getting inventive and trying out some new and exciting combos. The Chocolate Liqueur Chews Shake and Gummy Bear Sangria are excellent examples of this craze. They taste a bit cocktail and a bit of dessert and incorporate real candies. You can either dissolve them into the base or use them as playful garnishes – ideal for adding an element of fun and surprise to your drinking experience.

The joy of creating it yourself

You know what’s great? When you make those candy cocktails yourself. It’s super easy and fun to do. With a couple of basic ingredients and your much-loved sweets, you can experiment to throw together your one-off concoctions. First, use a simple syrup, a staple in any mixologist’s arsenal, and infuse it with your favourite candy. Your syrup will serve as the sweet backbone of your cocktail. Just add spirits, juices, and other mixers to it, as you see fit.

Ingredients to get you started

Want to start your candy cocktail adventure? Take a trip to Appleton Sweets where you’ll feast your eyes on all the wholesale sweets you need. Select from a whole hodgepodge of candies. How about the sour tang of Warheads or the sweet embrace of Haribo gummies? Don’t forget, that the quality of your sweets can drastically affect the final taste of your cocktail, so choose wisely!

Hosting a candy cocktail-themed get-together

Fancy stepping up your cocktail game? Have a candy-themed bash. Everyone will have fun together trying out cocktails that taste like all those classic sweets they adored as kids.

Even better, you could host a DIY cocktail bar. Your guests get to mix their own drinks, trying out different flavours and candies to create their personalised concoctions.

Tips for a successful candy cocktail party

• Mix it up – Have plenty of candies and mixers to suit all kinds of taste buds.
• Dress it up – Go for colourful glassware, and don’t be afraid of using fun garnishes. Think lollipop stirrers or candy necklaces.
• Delicious duos – Pair your drinks with yummy snacks and savoury bites to bring out the best in your cocktails.

Turn everyday drinks into something more with your much-loved candies

Try mixing these three recipes – they’re perfect for any party, gathering, or a cosy night in.

Gummy bear spritz

Ingredients:

• Prosecco or sparkling white wine
• Elderflower liqueur
• Assorted gummy bears
• Soda water
• Ice

How to prepare:

Fill a glass with ice and a decent handful of gummy bears. Next, splash in a bit of elderflower liqueur – one part, then follow up with twice as much Prosecco. Just pour in a little soda water to give it some fizz. Give it a gentle mix, and enjoy the fun gummy sweetness with every sip.

Chocolate mint martini

Ingredients:

• Vodka
• Crème de cacao (dark)
• Crème de menthe (green)
• Fresh mint leaves
• Ice
• Chocolate shavings for garnish

How to prepare:

Grab a shaker, chuck in a couple of ice cubes, pour in a double shot of vodka, plus a single shot of crème de cacao, and a splosh of crème de menthe. Shake thoroughly until chilled. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with mint leaves and chocolate shavings, offering a sophisticated yet indulgent chocolate mint experience.

Sour Patch Kids margarita

Ingredients:

• Tequila
• Triple sec
• Lime juice
• Sour Patch Kids candies
• Salt for the rim
• Ice

Preparation:

Rub salt in the rim of a glass. In a blender, blend two parts tequila, one part triple sec, one part lime juice, a handful of Sour Patch Kids, and ice. Blend until smooth. Pour into the prepared glass and garnish with additional Sour Patch Kids. Enjoy this tangy, sweet-and-sour twist on a classic margarita.

The ideal mix of sweet treats and enjoyment

If you’re thinking candy cocktails are just a flash in the pan, think again. Honestly, they’re a genius blend of old-school vibes and grown-up class. They take you back to your childhood flavours but with an adult kick. Dreaming up a drink? From the fizzy sherbet of a Flying Saucer to the creamy richness of a Chocolate Freddo, you can create anything you like.

Remember, the secret to a stellar candy cocktail is to balance taste. You want to capture the spirit of the sweet rather than drowning it in sugar. Want to get going with your candy cocktail making? Make every taste bring back childhood fun with a splash of adult sophistication now.

If you’re looking for candy ideas for your next cocktail? The team here at Appleton Sweets have everything from the latest sweet crazes to the old-school classics. With our massive choice of wholesale sweets, you’re sure to come up with some incredible cocktail ideas.

So, let’s raise a glass to make your beverages as fun and vibrant as the sweets you enjoy. Cheers!

Chocolates, desserts, and sweets are the holy trinity of delicious delights, each with unique tips and tricks to reach the pinnacle of confectionery. Making these treats is a mix of creativity, precision, and tradition that results in beautiful creations.

But behind these is a lot of hard work, skill and technique to get the best results possible. Chefs are constantly innovating in this field to bring customers new sweets, chocolates and desserts to enjoy.

If you’re a budding confectioner or just love all things sweet, we uncover the secrets behind the glossy sheen of hard candies, the soft melt of chocolates, and the irresistible charm of gourmet sweets. Keep reading.

Essential Ingredients and Tools of the Trade

Let's get down to the essentials - the building blocks and gadgets that turn simple ingredients into spectacular sweets. Making chocolates and treats starts with a few basic ingredients and some essential tools.

Ingredients

Sugar is the show's star for any sweet or chocolate, creating the foundational sweet base. Glucose syrup is often used in commercial candy making as it prevents sugar crystals from forming during production.

Flavours and colours are two further key ingredients that add personality to candies in the form of  taste and texture. You’ll also find acid, like citric or tartaric, to add a zing to balance the sweetness and help make the end product shelf-stable.

Must-Have Tools

Precision is critical in candy making, so a good thermometer ensures your sugar hits the correct temperature or your chocolate gets tempered to the perfect point.

From classic shapes to quirky designs, moulds give your candies unique identities and come in various styles. Spoons and spatulas get the stirring done, while candy dipping forks are ideal for getting chocolates and truffles coated perfectly.

Core Techniques in Candy Making

Trying out making your sweets and chocolates? Let’s nail the basics. From boiling sugar to perfecting chocolate, mastering these techniques is your ticket to fantastic sweets. Here’s the lowdown on the essential skills to have in your arsenal.

Tempering Chocolate

Ever wondered how world-famous chocolatiers get their creations so glossy? It’s all in the tempering. This process involves carefully heating and cooling chocolate at specific temperatures for a smooth mirror finish. Patience is critical with this technique, as rushing could lead to a dull finish or a poor snap. Take your time and let the tempering do its work.

Boiling Sugar

Sugar is the backbone of any sweet production; boiling it unlocks anything from soft caramels to hard candies. The secret? A reliable candy thermometer and a keen eye. Each stage of boiling sugar involves keen timing and temperature control to get the perfect finish.

Moulding Candies

Moulding gives your sweets and chocolates their cool shapes and sizes. Silicon moulds are marvellous for gummies, and intricate moulds work well for artisanal chocolates. A little non-stick spray and a steady hand go a long way here, but the best part is the fun you can have with shapes and colours. Just pour, set and unmould to make the magic happen.

Pulling Sugar

Ready for a workout? This technique goes back centuries and is how you get those beautiful, shiny sweets. It’s all about stretching and folding the sugar until it’s glossy and white. This technique is perfect for making show-stopping decorations or mouthwatering taffy.

Advanced Techniques and Innovations

Ready to step up your candy game? Mastering these advanced techniques will set your sweets and chocolates apart. Here are some cutting-edge skills you can add to your repertoire.

Aeration

Ever wondered how Aeros get their bubbles? It’s down to aeration, where air is added to a candy or chocolate mix for that bubbly texture. The trick is using the right tools, like a kitchen mixer or a professional aerator, to get uniform bubbles. Before long, you’ll have fluffy marshmallows and chocolates to show off.

Encapsulation

This technique lets you trap a flavour or liquid core inside a solid shell, creating a surprise burst of sweetness. It’s achieved by cleverly using moulds to create the outer shell and then adding the filling before enclosing the liquid centre. It’s all about precision and timing, but nail it, and you have a showstopper treat.

Layering Flavours

Sweets sometimes need some contrasting flavours, and that’s where layering comes in. Combining tastes that complement or contrast, like sweet and sour or fruity and spicy, creates a whole new experience for the customer. Prepare separate batches for each flavour, layer them before the previous one fully sets, and let the final product cool for sweets and chocolates that are more complex than your average candy.

Sustainability and Ethical Practices

Candy making isn’t just about, well, making—it’s about doing it the right way. Sustainability and ethical practices are becoming vital in the industry. Here’s how confectioners are making a difference today.

Eco-Friendly Ingredients

With companies like Tony’s Chocolonely highlighting the work that still needs to be done in the cocoa industry, choosing responsibly sourced ingredients is crucial. This way, we can get the farmers a better deal and reduce our carbon footprint.

Reducing Waste

Nifty ways to minimise waste in confectionery production are on the rise. Zero-waste recipes and recycling by-products are two easy wins for the industry to save on how much they throw out - every little helps.

Energy Efficiency

We’re overreliant on energy - have you seen its cost lately? As a result, wholesale sweets suppliers and businesses use energy-efficient machines and processes in candy factories to cut costs and reduce carbon emissions. It’s a win-win for the environment and the company.

Customers love knowing their favourite treats are made with care for people and the planet. It’s a reminder always to implement sustainable practices wherever possible.

Final Thoughts

This whistle-stop tour of the basics and advanced methods of making sweets and chocolates proves anyone can start making their own mouth-watering creations. Ready to explore even more delicious treats? Dive into the sweet universe of Appleton Sweets and discover your next favourite candy today.

Birthday parties, wedding feasts, baby showers, and cultural festivals—what do they all have in common? Well, they’re celebrations, of course, but they’re also prime places for sweets and chocolates to take centre stage.

Every society has its own way of making special celebrations, even sweeter ones, with confectionery. They’re part of the glue that keeps communities together and creates cherished memories of sweet treats from the past.

We’re exploring some of those traditions here, taking you on a culinary journey that explains the significance of sweet treats across India, the Middle East, Japan and more. Let’s dive in.

India: Diwali and Mithai

When autumn rolls around in India, the air buzzes with excitement for Diwali, the festival of lights. Stunning fireworks and the beautiful diyas, or oil lamps, are a given. But another underrated part of the festival is the selection of sweets and desserts that families and friends share as part of the celebration.

Mithai is the catch-all term for sweet treats, and India has grown sugarcane for thousands of years. Each sweet has its own story: take the laddoo, for example, a ball-shaped sweet made from gram flour, sugar, and ghee. Often infused with cardamom or saffron, it’s an ancient symbol of celebration.

Another popular dessert is barfi, a milk-based and dense sweet that’s often cut into diamond shapes or squares and topped with silver leaf. Kaju katli is another favourite made from cashew nuts and sugar; people of all ages love its velvety texture.

Every bite of mithai has a taste of India’s rich culture. These centuries-old traditions make Diwali one of the sweetest times of the year.

Middle East: Eid Desserts

There’s no doubt about it: Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting, is hard work. So when Eid rolls around, it’s time to celebrate with a lot of food. The result? There are thousands of delicious Eid dessert recipes for you to try.

One of the stars of Eid is baklava – layers of flaky pastry, nuts, and honey that’s a labour of love to make and a joy to share with the local community. Maamoul is another much-loved dessert - a tender, buttery biscuit filled with dates or nuts, with each shape signifying the filling inside. These are often made in large batches and shared with a crowd of friends and family.

Kunafa is another Eid staple with a delicious and unexpected contrast: a cheesy centre and crunchy base soaked in sweet syrup. And let’s not forget about qatayef, the sweet, stuffed pancakes synonymous with Ramadan and Eid. Whether filled with sweet cheese or nuts and then fried or baked, they're often drizzled with syrup or sprinkled with powdered sugar.

Like Diwali, Eid desserts are a cultural celebration that reflects joy and community. Each sweet has its own story to share. Are you looking forward to Eid celebrations soon? Appletons has everything you need to get the party started - find our Halal and sugar-free sweets online for your celebration.

Japan: Wagashi and Seasonal Festivals

In Japan, the changing seasons bring new scenery and a delightful variety of wagashi - traditional Japanese sweets that are beautifully decorated and lovingly prepared. Often served with green tea, these sweet treats are an art form in themselves.

Wagashi are closely tied to Japan's numerous seasonal festivals, each sweet reflecting the essence of the time of year. For example, you might find wagashi shaped like delicate sakura flowers during the cherry blossom season. Summer festivals like Tanabata bring citrus and mint-flavoured wagashi to the fore as a respite from Japan’s summer heat.

Autumn brings the rich, comforting flavours of sweet potatoes and chestnuts, often incorporated into wagashi that celebrate the harvest and the changing leaves. The Moon Viewing Festival is a special occasion in the Japanese calendar, marked with moon-shaped wagashi. As for winter, sweet red bean paste, wrapped in a layer of mochi to form a daifuku, offers some comfort in the colder months.

Wagashi are mini works of art celebrating the changing seasons and the deep connection with nature that is a part of Japan’s cultural identity. If you ever visit the country, look for these delightful sweets at street markets and shops.

Europe: Christmas Markets and Easter

In Europe, many city squares are transformed into bustling Christmas markets every winter, with millions of visitors yearly. With a steaming cup of mulled wine in hand, tourists are greeted with Stollen, a rich and hearty German Christmas bread filled with dried fruits, nuts and sweet spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

Italian Panettone is another mainstay of any Christmas market. These tall, dome-shaped cakes are stuffed with candied fruits, and raisins encased in a light sponge. Gingerbread biscuits are another popular sweet treat, often decorated with icing or marzipan.

As Easter approaches, Europe's sweet traditions take on a new life. In Spain, families are busy making Torrijas, a type of bread soaked in milk or wine, fried and then dipped in sugar or honey.

In the UK, Easter wouldn’t be complete without a hot cross bun, lightly spiced and studded with currants or raisins, marked with a cross on top. Served warm with lashings of butter, these simple buns are the ultimate symbol of the season in the UK. We wouldn’t say no to a cheeky chocolate Easter egg or two, either.

Christmas and Easter are two major holidays in Europe, so it’s no wonder there are so many delicious treats to match the occasion. Each with their own story and significance, they invite us to take part in the festivities and our shared culture.

Wrapping Up

From India's vibrant streets to Japan's serene beauty, each culture brings its unique flavour to the table. Every society has its way of celebrating through sweets and desserts, with the community bringing us all together to create fond memories over plates and bowls of confectionery.